Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who abuses a substance does so to get high. Many people with legitimate medical conditions grow dependent on their prescription pills. Oxycontin is one of the most abused prescription drugs, and this is true even for people who begin taking the medication as directed. How does this type of prescription medication misuse start, and what are the dangers of OxyContin abuse? To learn more about the dangers of Oxycontin use or our OxyContin treatment at Northpoint Colorado, call 888.231.1281 or contact our team online.
What Is OxyContin?
OxyContin is the brand name for oxycodone, a pain-relieving opioid medication. People may take OxyContin for several ailments, including the following:
- Severe or chronic pain
- Post-surgery recovery
- Cancer treatment
Physicians often prescribe it to their patients, but users can buy it off the street as well. This prescription medication enters the bloodstream and affects the central nervous system, providing relief from debilitating pain. However, due to its potent effects on the brain’s reward system, it can also trigger a euphoric feeling that leads to OxyContin abuse.
OxyContin is a long-acting drug, so people who take it usually experience a minimum of several hours of pain relief. That sets OxyContin apart from some other medications, which people may take on an as-needed basis. Pharmaceutical companies designed OxyContin to provide round-the-clock pain relief.
Unfortunately, the drug doesn’t permanently relieve pain long enough. In other cases, people must take more to get the original effects. As a result, OxyContin abuse happens, and people dependent on the painkiller can’t stop taking it even if they want to. Northpoint Colorado offers an OxyContin addiction treatment program that can help you or your loved one recover from this type of addiction.
What Are the Dangers of OxyContin Abuse?
People who abuse the drug put themselves at risk of developing an addiction, which requires professional treatment to overcome. In the meantime, people who use OxyContin may suffer from several other health problems, including:
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Sexual problems
These are just a few of the potential dangers of OxyContin abuse. In addition, abusing OxyContin can lead to criminal activity to get the drug. However, in some cases, it may be challenging to determine when your OxyContin abuse turns into an addiction.
What Are the Signs of OxyContin Abuse?
If you suspect OxyContin abuse in someone close to you, look out for the following signs:
- Drowsiness
- Constant fatigue
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Nausea
These are common signs of opioid abuse in general and can signal a problem.
If you find yourself worried about what to do when your prescription runs out or you’ve lost interest in activities you once enjoyed, OxyContin abuse may be to blame. Taking doses more often than you should and using more medication than your doctor directs can lead to dependency and addiction.
Get Help for OxyContin Abuse at Northpoint Colorado
Whether you’re the one grappling with substance abuse or you’re concerned about a loved one, help is available. Northpoint Colorado is a detox and rehab center in beautiful Loveland, Colorado. Combining aspects of what goes into the best drug rehab programs, our treatment center offers a team of experts and a luxurious, accommodating atmosphere. Clients who prefer privacy will find precisely what they need here for recovery.
Our compassionate staff will help you choose the best program, whether residential, partial hospitalization, or intensive outpatient treatment. Don’t let OxyContin abuse control your life. Instead, get started on the road to recovery. A high-quality treatment center can make all the difference in helping you overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Call 888.231.1281 or contact our team online if you’re looking for a partner in a lasting recovery.