OxyContin is the brand name for a prescription drug called oxycodone. It is prescribed for patients coping with moderate to severe pain. For some, it is a lifeline drug that helps them manage chronic pain and some types of cancer. But it’s also a highly addictive substance that is flooding the streets.
Research indicates that 9% of adults in the U.S. either have or will abuse an opioid narcotic like oxycodone. And the United States Department of Justice confirmed that more than 13 million Americans use this drug for recreational purposes.
Spotting a Problem
The use of OxyContin to manage pain isn’t an instant indication of abuse or addiction. A patient who uses it for an extended time isn’t automatically a substance abuser or addict. The drug is a synthetic opiate and is habit forming, particularly to people at higher risk factor of developing an addiction.
No single cause lies behind addiction. Instead, a number of risk factors create its potential:
- Genetics: Individuals who come from families stricken by addiction have a greater chance of developing one. Interestingly, the genetic factor does not mean addiction is hardwired into your DNA; however, growing up in and around those who abused drugs or had an addiction can have a long lasting mental impact.
- Brain Chemistry: Drugs like Oxy increase sensations of pleasure. Some people are born with a defect in the pleasure center of their brains and have naturally low or decreased levels of dopamine, which makes them more likely to get hooked on drugs—prescription or otherwise—like oxycodone.
- Psychology: Thousands of people struggle with undiagnosed or undertreated mental illnesses like anxiety, and this increases risk factors for developing a case of substance abuse or addiction.
But what does OxyContin abuse and addiction look like? How can you tell if someone is either developing or in the throes of a full blown problem?
- Behavioral Changes: If a person is themselves until they start a new prescription, it is cause to worry. Oxy addiction can turn an honest person into a liar and a thief. They may hide their substance use or grow paranoid if asked about it. They might consistently “lose” their prescription and push for refills.
- Mood Changes: Anxiety, depression, euphoria, irritability, and mood swings are all common with oxycodone abusers and addicts. Their moods can change dramatically and rapidly.
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, hypotension, and drowsiness are common physical symptoms of an Oxy addiction. A growing physical tolerance causing them to take higher or more frequent doses is also a major indication of a problem.
- Psychological Changes: OxyContin abuse can be responsible for hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, and an increase or worsening in mental illness. The most dangerous psychological change is mental addiction, or an addiction in which a person thinks they are dependent on a substance when, in fact, they are not.
Oxy abuse and addiction destroys life. It kills relationships, changes temperaments, and can lead to abusive and aggressive physical behaviors. If you or someone you know is abusing or addicted to OxyContin, an intervention and treatment are the best actions to pursue.