What is OxyContin and How is it Abused?

Have you become addicted to OxyContin prescription pills? Did your habit begin as experimental drug use before exploding into a pattern of abuse that you cannot control? You already know the answer to, “What is OxyContin?”, but what about, “how can I stop abusing OxyContin?”

The answer is simple: An opiate addiction treatment center can help you get clean. It can also end the cycle of addiction before it is too late.

What is OxyContin?

If you’re wondering exactly, “what is OxyContin?”, it is an opioid drug that is commonly prescribed by physicians to treat moderate to severe pain. Usually, it is used for pain that is expected to linger for a while, as in after surgery or following an auto or sports-related injury. It is typically used for round-the-clock pain management, unlike other medications that are prescribed to be taken on an “as-needed” basis. When used properly, the drug typically works as an effective form of pain relief for many individuals. It is when the drug is taken against orders or acquired through illegal means that problems can arise.

The drug can be taken in pill form, swallowed whole or crushed, snorted, or injected. Many abusers crush the pill and take it, which destroys the time-release element of the medication and produces instant effects.

The highly addictive substance can sometimes be habit-forming, even when followed exactly as prescribed by your physician. It creates a sense of “euphoria” in its users, and it is this feeling that users begin to crave and chase after. This “feel-good” drug works by interacting with and modifying pain receptors in the body. Over time, the body becomes used to receiving the drug and even needs it in order to function according to the body’s new “norm”. When usage is cut by half or more or ceases altogether, the body goes into panic mode and withdrawal symptoms appear.

What is OxyContin Withdrawal?

OxyContin withdrawal symptoms generally resemble the flu, especially in the early stages of the process. Some are more severe than others, and can even be potentially life-threatening if left untreated. For this reason, self-detox is not recommended. Instead, we urge users to seek professional medically-managed detox where their health and progress can be closely monitored round-the-clock by a specialty physician.

OxyContin withdrawal consists of two stages:

1st Stage. This early phase is characterized by symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, depression, restlessness, agitation, insomnia, achy muscles, cramps, excessive yawning, and flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, fever, sweating, and chills.

2nd Stage. The second stage is characterized by symptoms such as nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, goosebumps, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, blurry vision, and more.

Professional Help is the Key to Successful Recovery

If you would like help beating an addiction to OxyContin, Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, has the treatment services and tools you need to truly overcome this disease. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition that will not go away on its own, but with our help, you can get clean and learn to manage cravings in order to successfully achieve life-lasting results.

We offer:

• Intensive inpatient drug and alcohol treatment
• Outpatient drug and alcohol treatment for those unable to commit to long-term stay
• Exhaustive therapy sessions: one-on-one, group, and family therapies
• IOP, PHP, and OP
• Sober Living
• Transitional Living

Get Help for OxyContin Addiction

If you are one of the approximately 1.9 million Americans ages 12 years or older currently in need of professional rehab to treat an addiction to opioid pain medications, take advantage of the opportunity to get clean. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, we will take the stress and complication out of the recovery process. You can be free to devote 100 percent of your energy to healing and regaining your strength, independence, and self-confidence. We will help you get clean and put you on the path to life-lasting sober living. Call an addiction counselor at 866.605.0532, or contact us online to learn what you need to do for recovery.