Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

For those struggling with chronic pain, recovering from major surgery, or battling a debilitating illness, prescription pain medications like oxycontin can be lifesavers. With the use of these powerful painkillers, patients have been able to take their lives back, engaging in everyday activities that had previously been uncomfortable or even impossible.

That is the good side of oxycontin and drugs like it, but there is a dark side as well. These painkillers are indeed potent, but the substances also have a powerful potential for addiction. It is easy for chronic pain patients and others to cross the line into dependency and addiction, and the crossing of that line is not always apparent. That is why it is important for family members and friends to watch out for the warning signs and symptoms that could indicate drug use has entered the danger zone.

What Is Oxycontin?

Oxycontin is a new class of prescription painkillers, an opioid medication designed to relieve moderate to severe pain. When used as directed, oxycontin can indeed be effective at treating all kinds of pain, but this drug also has a high potential for addiction, making careful monitoring of usage and response critically important.

If someone you know has been taking oxycontin, it is vital to keep your eyes and ears open. If you see any red flags or warning signs, you will want to reach out for help and offer assistance to the individual affected, which the staff at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab will be happy to help with.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help. 

Other Names for Oxycontin?

Pharmaceutical medications often go by different names, brand names, and generic equivalents. When you go to the drug store or online for a prescription, you may hear oxycontin referred to as:

• Oxycodone

On the street, oxycontin has several other names and monikers that addicts and dealers use to sell and trade their products. Some of the common street names for oxycontin include:

• Hillbilly heroin
• Blues
• OC
• Ox
• Oxy
• Kickers

No matter what name it goes by, oxycontin can be an incredibly dangerous drug when diverted to street use or used to excess under a legitimate prescription. If you suspect that someone you care about has been abusing oxycontin, you need to get them into treatment right away, and the help they need is just a phone call away.

Mood Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

Several mood-related symptoms could indicate oxycontin abuse and misuse, including:

• Euphoria
• Feelings of depression and anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of delight

Behavioral Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

As dependency arises and addiction sets in, oxycontin has the power to change behavior, often in significant ways. Here are some of the most common behavioral changes that could indicate an oxycontin addiction:

• Taking more and more of the medication
• Claiming to have lost pills in an attempt to obtain more
• Forging prescriptions to obtain more drugs
• Stealing drugs or money from friends and family members
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Crushing or chewing oxycontin tablets to obtain a more intense high
• Neglecting personal hygiene, family responsibilities, and career duties

Physical Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

Drugs like oxycontin can take a heavy toll on the body, with severe and even life-threatening symptoms, including:

• Possible heart attacks
• Chronic constipation
• Weight loss and loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Itching
• Urinary retention
• Sweating
• Abdominal pain

Effects of Oxycontin Addiction

The effects of oxycontin addiction and abuse can be profound and even life-threatening. The dangers of oxycontin use can range from merely annoying, like constipation and headaches, to the potentially deadly, like a coma and heart attack.

If someone in your life has been abusing oxycontin, it is vital to get them into treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the better off you, and they will be.

Treatment for Oxycontin and Other Opioid Addictions at WhiteSands

If you or someone you care about has been struggling with an oxycontin addiction, it is time to get the help needed, and that help is available at any of our Florida locations. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we offer various treatment options, from detox and rehab to ongoing support in the community.

Your road to recovery begins with a single phone call, so pick up that phone today, give us a call, and get started on the path to a better and safer life. You can overcome an oxycontin addiction, but only if you are willing to reach out for the help available.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.