Signs of OxyContin Addiction
When OxyContin (the brand name for sustained-release oxycodone) is used as directed by a licensed physician, it is both safe and effective at managing moderate to severe pain. It should only be used under a physician’s close supervision, however, as it has significant habit-forming potential. If you suspect a loved one of abusing OxyContin, there are some signs you can look for that may confirm your suspicions.
One of the main oxycodone abuse symptoms is physical dependency. When someone becomes physically addicted to oxycodone medication and other opiates like heroin or morphine, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they do not have the drug. For OxyContin oxycodone, these symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, sweating, depression, tiredness and heart palpitations among others. Oxycodone withdrawal can be severe.
Besides the physical withdrawal symptoms, look out for a compulsive need to obtain more of the drug even when pain has been successfully managed. The euphoric high produced by oxycodone OxyContin causes intense cravings in an addict. These cravings can become so intense that the addict will go to extreme lengths to obtain more oxycodone even to the point of severe consequences.
An obvious sign of OxyContin addition is using the drug in other than pill form. OxyContin abusers often crush the pills to get rid of the time-release properties and get the oxycodone effects immediately. They will then dissolve the powder in water, snort it, inject it intravenously or ingest the powder as is. If you find evidence that a loved one is taking OxyContin in other than pill form, that’s a good sign that your loved one has an OxyContin addiction.
Click here to read the next part in the series, “When is OxyContin Not Safe?” Click here to return to the first part in the series, “Introduction to Oxycodone Abuse, Addiction and Treatment.”
Pat Moore Foundation’s drug & alcohol detox and alcohol & drug addiction treatment programs are licensed and certified by The State of California. We provide non-medical and medically managed detoxification (using Suboxone, Subutex, and Buprenorphine when appropriate) and primary residential treatment. Our individual homes are on a unique co-ed campus where we offer gender specific treatment. We are located in Costa Mesa, in Orange County, Southern California, close to Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, and only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles and San Diego. To speak with a counselor, please call us 24-hours at (888) 426-6086 or if you’d like us to contact you, send a confidential message online by filling out our online form.
Note: All medical services are administered by medical professionals, which are facilitated and operated solely under the jurisdiction of a separate medical corporation.