Oxycontin Drug Addiction Information
Oxycontin is an opiate. It is of the same family as heroin and is a derivative of the drug morphine. It is often called “The poor mans heroin”. It is a very powerful painkiller which is prescribed widely across the globe. While it has been suggested that it is over prescribed, medical studies show that under proper supervision of a doctor, and with normal dosages, addiction is rare. Oxycontin is normally in the form of a tablet. Addicts will usually chew or crush the tablet in order to feel the effects more quickly. Many also crush the tablet and put it into water which then makes it possible to inject since Oxycontin dissolves very easily. It can also be crushed and snorted.
When used for cancer patients and those with severe chronic pain, addiction is rare, but it can occur. For people in severe pain, the drug has less of an opiate affect and more of the pain killing action, which prevents some from becoming addicted. For those that take it recreationally or those who are addicted, Oxycontin provides a very euphoric condition which the addict quickly becomes accustomed to and seeks more of that affect. Once the person begins using the Oxycontin, the drug tricks the brain into thinking it “needs” more of the drug in order to function. Thus starts the vicious cycle.
Oxycontin slows the respiratory rate. Often, people who have consumed the drug have respiratory rates of 12-20. If a person’s breathing drops down below 10 breaths a minute, it could be fatal. Heart attacks have also been known to occur. If you suspect someone has taken Oxycontin and their breathing slows, do not let them go to sleep. Seek medical attention immediately. The chances of fatal consequences for this particular drug are very high. Many people who are withdrawing from Oxycontin require a hospital stay because occasionally they need a ventilator to assist with their breathing until the drug is out of their system.
This is a very dangerous drug and more than any other drug, people are going to extreme lengths to get it. Many pharmacies will not stock Oxycontin because they fear being robbed. It is a drug that was intended to ease the pain of people in need but it has become the drug of choice for many addicts. Like other drugs, it doesn’t take many uses before the addiction takes control.
