Image via WikipediaOxycontin is one of the most popular abused substances currently being taken by users from every background. Once it arrived in the market place it became a fast growing, recreational drug. Its highly addictive nature alone causes extensive damage that must be addressed quickly to prevent the user from its deadly effects.What it is:
Street names include:
Killers, OC, OXY, Oxycotton
OxyContin (oxycodone HCI controlled-release) is the brand name for an opioid analgesic (pain reliever) called Oxycodone, which is a narcotic. It is available by prescription only and is used to treat moderate to severe pain when around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. When used in the correct way with medical monitoring, it is a safe pain management drug choice. However, when abused, it becomes a lethal game of Russian Roulette.
What does it look like?
OxyContin is available in tablet form in 5 doses: 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160mg. (However, the manufacturers no longer ship 160mg).
How is it used?
As pain medication, OxyContin is taken every 12 hours because the tablets contain a controlled, time-release formulation of the medication. Most pain medications must be taken every three to six hours. Oxycontin abusers remove the sustained-release coating to get a rapid release of the medication, causing a rush of euphoria similar to heroin.
The initial short term side effects:
Abusers of this type of narcotic will have these experiences:
Respiratory depression, the most serious initially because it can slow down the heartbeat to a degree it stops beating and death results. Other common opioid side effects are constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness.
The more severe long term side effects:
Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance for the drugs, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence and addiction -- the body adapts to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. The adaptation of the body to the effects of the drug is what makes is so addictive to the human body that uses the drug recreationally and not for real pain managed by medical professionals.
The addicted user of Oxycontin may resort to other methods of use to get a more intense high. This may include grounding up the pills and snorting them for a stronger "rush" effect. Because the drug itself has been abused by the wrong people for recreational purposes, it has made those with legitimate need of the drug have difficulties in obtaining it. Many pharmacies are even reluctant to store the drug for fear of being robbed of it.
Why this drug is so dangerous
Abusers of Oxycontin can suffer severe and deadly heart attacks, as well as having their breathing slow down to as little as ten beats a minute. The user will many times want to pass out or sleep which can be deadly and the user may not awaken. The chances of a fatality occurring with this drug are enormous.
Intervention is needed by professional interventionists. Many families attempt to have interventions on their own, and do so with out the resources needed for long term successful conclusions. A family that has attempted intervention in the past should reconsider one using professional help.
For more information and support visit: The Addicted Family
also visit: Drug Addiction Support
To discuss treatment for you or someone you love, call
1-877-398-4144
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