Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction

Recognize the Warning Signs of Oxycontin Addiction
When used as intended, drugs like Oxycontin can be powerful allies in the fight for pain relief. Oxycontin has been widely prescribed for all kinds of applications, mainly used to treat moderate to severe pain. It has many legitimate medical uses, from relieving severe discomfort following root canal and other oral surgeries to easing the pain of an ongoing back injury.
Like other drugs of its class, this powerful opioid pain medication can be precious, but like other opioids, it also has a strong potential for addiction. Whether you are taking Oxycontin under the dictates of a doctor or have obtained it somehow, it is essential to be on the lookout for the warning signs of dependency and addiction.
About Oxycontin Addiction
Oxycontin addiction has been on the rise in recent years, reaching epidemic proportions in many parts of the country. The use of Oxycontin for legitimate medical purposes can have repercussions down the line, especially if the remaining drugs are diverted to other family members or sold on the street.
The best way to address the dangers of Oxycontin addiction in your own life is to stay vigilant. If you or someone you care about has been prescribed Oxycontin, watching out for the earliest warning signs could spare them the dangers of addiction.
Oxycontin Addiction Statistics
The stats on Oxycontin addiction are frightening and disturbing, including:
- More than 2 million people suffer from opioid addiction, including addiction to Oxycontin
- At least a quarter of heroin addicts originally became addicted to drugs like Oxycontin
- Rates of opioid use and addiction have been on the rise, as has the number of overdose deaths
- The number of Oxycontin prescriptions has been falling, but millions are already addicted to the drug
Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction
Some of the early warning signs of Oxycontin addiction are subtle and easy to miss, so it is essential to keep your eyes and ears open when someone in your household is using the drug. Whether that person is you or someone you care about, recognizing the warning signs and symptoms could make all the difference in the world.
Here are some things to watch out for if you or someone you care about has been using this powerful opioid painkiller:
- Chronic constipation
- Itchiness
- Dry mouth
- Hallucinations
- Unusual thoughts
- An increase in secrecy
- A decrease in personal hygiene
- Drug-seeking behavior, including doctor shopping, forging prescriptions, and lying about pain and other symptoms
If you recognize any of these warning signs of Oxycontin addiction, it is vital to get help as soon as possible, and that help is just a phone call away at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab.
Causes of Oxycontin Addiction
Oxycontin addiction can have many causes, and no two Oxycontin addicts are the same. In many cases, Oxycontin users start out using the drug to treat their chronic pain, only to have the pain overwhelm the medication, forcing them to ramp up their dosages and raising the risk of addiction. It should be noted that increased pain sensitivity is a known side effect of opioid pain medications, so this risk is genuine.
In other cases, Oxycontin addiction may begin with simple experimentation or curiosity, as family members took advantage of extra pills and expired prescriptions. Those doing the experimenting may not understand the addictive nature of Oxycontin, and by the time they realize what is happening, a dependency has already developed.
No matter what the causes, Oxycontin addict demands professional treatment. If you think you are dependent on this powerful opioid, we can help you get better and get your life back.
Short and Long term Effects of Oxycontin Addiction
The use of Oxycontin and similar opioid painkillers can have several adverse side effects, creating both short-term and long-term consequences for the individuals involved. Here are some of the short and long-term impact of Oxycontin on the body and the mind:
Short Term
- Cravings
- An increase in pain sensitivity
- Constipation
- Altered thoughts
- Agitation and anxiety
- Stomach pain
- Insomnia and tiredness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
Long Term
- Continued and intensified cravings
- Hallucinations
- Intense itching
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in heart rate
Treatment for Oxycontin Addiction – Detox and Rehab for Opioids
If you or someone you care about has been using Oxycontin, it is essential to watch out for addiction’s warning signs, even for legitimate purposes. And if you recognize any of those warning signs, it is necessary to seek treatment as soon as possible.
At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we specialize in treating Oxycontin addiction to get the help you need so you can be on the road to a better life. When you work with us, we will develop additional forms of pain relief, ones that do not rely on dangerous medications, so you can stay pain-free and get your life back.
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.