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OxyContin Addiction
OxyContin addiction is a relatively
new, but very serious, concern. Like Vicodin
addiction or other forms of prescription drug
addiction, OxyContin addiction occurs when patients
take high doses of this prescription drug for
an extended period of time. Although these prescription
drugs are intended for medicinal use only, OxyContin
addiction, like Vicodin addiction, is an unfortunate
occurrence.
One of several opiates available
by prescription, OxyContin is a powerful painkiller
available in time-release tablets whose effects
last for twelve hours. When used as prescribed,
OxyContin manages pain for cancer patients and
chronic pain sufferers. However, OxyContin addiction
has created an entirely new set of problems.
First introduced to the public
in 1996, OxyContin is a white, odorless, crystalline
powder derived from the opium alkaloid. A very
strong narcotic, OxyContin is similar in effect
to morphine. OxyContin addiction under a qualified
physician's care is rare. According to the National
Institute on Drug Abuse, however, many physicians
limit prescribing OxyContin because they believe
patients may become addicted to the drug.
Because OxyContin is a time-released
drug, taking one or more pills should not produce
an effect attractive to drug addicts. When taken
correctly, OxyContin does not produce euphoria.
When the drug is released all at once, however,
broken, crushed or chewed (as is the case with
those experiencing OxyContin addiction), OxyContin
produces a pleasant, euphoric feeling. OxyContin
addiction can also cause overdose and death.
People with OxyContin addiction
acquire the drugs in a variety of ways, including
forging fraudulent prescriptions, visiting several
different doctors for prescriptions or buying
the drugs illegally on the street. Because most
health insurance companies will cover the costs
of OxyContin, abusers can purchase the drugs
at pharmacy prices, and then sell the OxyContin
for wildly inflated street prices.
Unfortunately, many of those suffering
from OxyContin addiction have health insurance
that will no longer pay for prescriptions. Because
these addicts cannot afford the high street-level
prices, they often switch to heroin; OxyContin
and heroin have similar effects, so both drugs
are attractive to the same abuser population.
In fact, OxyContin is sometimes referred to
as "poor man's heroin."
Like other substance abuse problems,
OxyContin addiction cannot be treated effectively
at home, but requires close supervision by a
trained medical professional. Because OxyContin
addiction affects the brain's chemical make-up,
drug abusers who attempt to detox at home will
experience severe withdrawal symptoms. In a
medical environment, these symptoms can be eased
and the addict undergoing detox made more comfortable.
Treatment Referral provides referrals
to rehabs that effectively treat OxyContin addiction
and other forms of substance abuse, addressing
the behavior and thinking patterns that directly
contribute to the individual's disease and ensuring
patients have a meaningful recovery.
If OxyContin addiction might be
a problem for you or someone you love, we encourage
you to give NIR a call today to learn more about
our intervention referral options.
Please contact us with
questions or concerns at
1-800-399-3612.
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