OxyContin is a narcotic painkiller, which contains oxycodone as its active ingredient. This potent painkiller was initially formulated only in extended-release tablets. The tablets contain massive amounts of oxycodone that release slowly over a 12-hour period. OxyContin has been the most commonly abused painkiller since its release because of the high amounts of oxycodone it contains. Individuals frequently dissolve and inject the drug, leading to an epidemic in OxyContin addiction and fatal overdoses. Since the explosion of painkiller abuse and addiction in the early 2000s, OxyContin has been reformulated.
The new formula is intended to decrease its abuse potential in two important ways:
- A new coating makes the pills difficult to crush and snort, whereas the original formulation could be easily crushed and turned into a fine powder.
- New OxyContin pills form a gel-like substance when an individual attempts to dissolve them in water, making it very difficult to inject.
This new formulation ordered by the FDA and DEA has decreased the occurrences of individuals injecting and snorting the drug. However, OxyContin is still a preferred drug for abusers. They can take more than the recommended dose to achieve the same effects.
Why is OxyContin Addictive?
The active ingredient in OxyContin is oxycodone, which is a direct derivative of thebaine, which comes from the poppy plant. Oxycodone is one of the more potent forms of opioids on the market for pain management, and although OxyContin is improved, its effects are no different, and it is still at the forefront of the painkiller addiction epidemic plaguing the United States.
The way OxyContin works in the brain is just like any other opioid or opiate. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain which release an abnormally high amount of dopamine. Dopamine stimulates the reward center of the brain, thereby producing extreme euphoria and reinforcing repetition of the behavior. When a person takes more OxyContin, he or she develops a tolerance to the drug as the brain adapts to the presence and effects of it. As tolerance increases, higher and more frequent doses are required to achieve the same result. Growing tolerance is a natural occurrence with any substance, and does not necessarily imply addiction. Many individuals who suffer from chronic pain and take OxyContin as prescribed may have an extremely high tolerance, but not become addicts. So, what is the difference between someone who has a high tolerance for OxyContin, and an OxyContin addict?
OxyContin Tolerance
Tolerance to OxyContin means the brain has adapted to a particular dosage, therefore, lessening its efficacy. Because of OxyContin, like all painkillers acts to dull the brain’s perception of pain. When the brain adjusts to consistent doses of the drug, its perception of pain is increased. Increased dosages of OxyContin are now needed. Any increase in OxyContin dosage should be approved by the prescribing doctor. When used in a responsible manner, the drug can remain useful without risking addiction.
Although increased tolerance does not mean addiction, the circumstance of an individual becoming addicted to OxyContin does involve increased tolerance.
OxyContin Addiction
OxyContin addiction is much more common among those who use the drug recreationally or non-medically. Contrary to many misconceptions, having a prescription for OxyContin does not necessarily mean that an individual is using it medically. Any time the purpose of taking OxyContin is to feel the euphoric effects of the drug, as opposed to legitimate analgesic needs, the use can be considered non-medical.
Non-medical use of OxyContin also does not mean addiction; however, it is much more likely to develop in individuals who use the drug non-medically, than in those who use it for legitimate medical purposes.
When OxyContin addiction develops in an individual, it is primarily psychological in the way it affects behaviors, decision-making, and motivation in life.
There are some very distinct differences between an individual who uses OxyContin and one who is addicted to it, as shown in the table below:
| OxyContin Use | OxyContin Addiction |
| Taking OxyContin carefully and as directed | Using more OxyContin than directed and using it in unintended ways |
| Carrying on with one’s day without constant preoccupation over OxyContin supply and use | Using OxyContin chronically, and to the point of which it is the central motivation for each day |
| Maintaining order over obligations and responsibilities | Neglecting commitments and responsibilities to obtain and use OxyContin |
| Understanding and adequately adjusting to the risks of taking OxyContin | Engaging in unsafe activities while under the influence of OxyContin (i.e., driving and operating dangerous machinery) |
| Taking responsible measures to wean off of OxyContin or medically detox when the pain has faded or lessened | Emotional use of OxyContin (i.e., taking the drug when angry, stressed, depressed, disappointed, etc.) |
OxyContin addiction has far-reaching devastation and only begins with drug-seeking and irresponsible behaviors, such as those listed above.
Effects of OxyContin Addiction
- Decreased heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
- Muscle weakness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Itchiness
- Heavy limbs and eyelids
When OxyContin is the subject of addiction for an individual, he or she is at an increased risk of overdose and potentially fatal complications from taking too much OxyContin or mixing the drug with other depressant drugs like benzodiazepines, alcohol, other painkillers, and heroin. All depressant drugs are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which have varying effects, but the most dangerous are the effects they have in common.
These include:
- Shallow breathing
- Decreased heart rate
When used in any combination, two or more depressant drugs can result in respiratory failure, seizures leading to stroke, and death.
The most dangerous effect of OxyContin addiction is the behaviors associated with those who struggle with it. Addiction is dominant because it changes an individual’s thought processes and priorities. OxyContin can become the center of one’s life. Without it, a person feels completely unable to function or survive. OxyContin addicts engage in dangerous behaviors regarding the amount and manner of using the drug. Also, the measures to which many will go to maintain their addiction is often risky, illegal, and harmful to others.
- Theft and robbery to get items to sell for money to get more OxyContin.
- Theft and forgery of prescription pads from physicians to get OxyContin from a pharmacy.
- Sexual favors or prostitution to get money or OxyContin directly from a dealer.
- Taking OxyContin from loved ones without their knowledge or permission.
- Multiple attempts to defraud emergency room physicians with complaints of pain to get prescriptions for OxyContin.
- Use of online pharmacies, which operate overseas and that don’t adhere to any safety or verification standards.
OxyContin Withdrawal and Detox
The psychological and physical dependence OxyContin produces in users can be enough to deter them from trying to get sober.
Overall malaise and frequent yawning and sneezing are symptoms of withdrawal that begin in 4-6 hours after their last dose.
Full withdrawal symptoms can peak from 36-72 hours after the last dose and can be moderate to severe.
The physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin.
| Physical Withdrawal Symptoms | Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms |
| High Fever | Insomnia |
| Muscle Pain and Spasms | Agitation |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Depression |
| Diarrhea | Intense Cravings |
| Abdominal Pain | Anxiety |
| High Blood Pressure | Mood Swings |
Because the symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal can be so uncomfortable and excruciating, detoxification from this drug is often done under medical supervision where an individual can be given medication to relieve the severe symptoms and facilitate sleep throughout the process, which is typically 5-14 days. Detoxing without any medical supervision often results in the continued use of OxyContin because the signs and cravings are too intense for most individuals to withstand when left to their willpower.
OxyContin Addiction Help
OxyContin is an effective painkiller, but it is also a very addictive and dangerous drug for millions of Americans who have struggled with an addiction to it. Because of addiction, by its very nature, is a progressive and fatal disease, treatment is imperative for any addicted individual to have a chance at survival and a healthy life free from addiction.
The most critical decision an addict can make is to get help for OxyContin addiction. The second most important decision is where to get this help. Unlike addiction treatment of 30 years ago, we now know that one approach will not work for all addicted individuals and that recovery rates vary for each person. For these reasons, open-ended programs are best.
How A Forever Recovery Can Help
This is why at A Forever Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment methodologies and spiritual tracks. Depending on the needs and preferences of each person, we can help. We have a results-based program that doesn’t confine addiction treatment to a preset period but instead assesses an individual’s progress and healing based on his or her results, no matter how long it takes. We understand the devastation of addiction, and we strive to ensure that each person who graduates from our program is truly ready to tackle the real world and has accomplished the goals and tools necessary to avoid relapse and maintain a healthy and sober life in recovery.
If you or a loved one are suffering from OxyContin addiction or any addiction, please contact us to speak with a trained counselor about how we can develop an individualized treatment program that will allow each person to determine his or her path to healing and recovery. Addiction treatment is effective, and it works, but only if it works for you. Call us now, and get on your path to health, happiness, and recovery from addiction.