Understanding OxyContin Addiction
Learn About OxyContin Addiction & Abuse
OxyContin is the brand name of the semisynthetic opioid, oxycodone. A prescription painkiller, OxyContin is most commonly prescribed to individuals who are experiencing moderate to severe pain, both acute and chronic. As is the case with other opioids, OxyContin’s analgesic properties are often accompanied by improved mood and a sense of relaxed euphoria. Unfortunately, these effects also make OxyContin an enticing substance for individuals who desire an illicit recreational high. Regardless of whether a person takes OxyContin for legitimate medical purposes or for recreational purposes, the risk of dependence is an ever-present danger.
Addiction to OxyContin may also be referred to as opioid use disorder or oxycodone use disorder. When a person has become dependent upon OxyContin, he or she may find it virtually impossible to stop abusing this drug without professional help. Strong cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms can quickly set in when an addicted individual attempts to stop using the drug, which often pushes him or her back into a pattern of OxyContin abuse. However, with proper treatment, people whose lives have been impacted by OxyContin abuse and addiction can end their compulsion to abuse this dangerous opioid and make the changes that will empower them to achieve long-term abstinence.
Statistics
OxyContin Abuse Statistics
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that prescription opioids are abused by about five million people in the United States every year, with OxyContin among the most commonly abused medications in this category. A report by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) revealed that about 2.1 million people are estimated to be suffering from opioid use disorder involving prescription medications. NIDA also reported that, in recent years, OxyContin and similar prescription opioids have been identified as contributing factors in more than 16,000 annual deaths.
Causes and Risk Factors
Causes and Risk Factors for OxyContin Abuse
A person’s likelihood for developing opioid use disorder involving OxyContin may be influenced by several genetic and environmental factors, including the following:
Genetic: Experts have concluded that genetic factors play an important role in increasing the likelihood that an individual will develop opioid use disorder. For example, impulsivity and novelty seeking are two genetically influenced personality traits that have been associated with an increased risk for opioid use disorder. Also, a person’s genetic makeup may influence the type of peers that he or she associates with, which can raise his or her risk for engaging in substance abuse.
Environmental: Environmental influences on the development of OxyContin abuse and opioid use disorder may include experiencing high levels of stress, associating with friends or family members who abuse OxyContin, having easy access to OxyContin, and experiencing an accident or illness with symptoms that are treated with a prescription for OxyContin.
Risk Factors:
- Being male
- Conduct disorder during childhood
- Family history of substance abuse
- Prior substance abuse
- Experiencing acute or chronic pain
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of OxyContin Abuse
OxyContin addiction and other types of opioid use disorder may reveal themselves via myriad signs and symptoms, depending upon a number of factors. The following are among the more common signs that may indicate the presence of opioid use disorder involving OxyContin:
Behavioral symptoms:
- Doctor shopping, or visiting several doctors in order to acquire multiple prescriptions
- Attempting to borrow or steal OxyContin that has been prescribed to someone else
- Prioritizing OxyContin acquisition and use over personal, occupational, or academic responsibilities
- Reduced or eliminated participation in significant activities
- Engaging in reckless behaviors, including abusing OxyContin when it is physically dangerous to do so
- Continuing to abuse OxyContin even after experiencing negative effects that are directly related to prior OxyContin abuse
- Withdrawing from family and friends
Physical symptoms:
- Weight loss
- Problems with balance, coordination, and other psychomotor functions
- Constricted pupils
- Dry mouth
- Itchiness
- Constipation
Cognitive symptoms:
- Problems with concentration or focus
- Poor spatial relations
- Impaired judgment
- Problems making and retrieving memories
Psychosocial symptoms:
- Obsession with OxyContin
- Dramatic mood swings
- Unprovoked anger and/or aggression
Effects
Effects of OxyContin Abuse
Chronic abuse of OxyContin and untreated opioid use disorder can lead to a variety of devastating outcomes, including the following:
- Organ damage
- Vision problems
- Sexual dysfunction
- Physical injury due to OxyContin-related impairment or recklessness
- Diminished occupational performance
- Job loss and unemployment
- Legal problems, including arrest and incarceration
- Disrupted interpersonal relationships
- Family discord, including separation, divorce, and loss of child custody
- Financial devastation
- Onset or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Increased risk of suicide
Co-Occurring Disorders
OxyContin Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders
Individuals who abuse or become addicted to OxyContin or other opioids may be at increased risk for also experiencing the following co-occurring disorders:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Other substance use disorders
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Withdrawal and Overdose
Effects of OxyContin Withdrawal and Overdose
Effects of OxyContin withdrawal: When a person whose body has become dependent upon OxyContin attempts to reduce or cease his or her abuse of this addictive opioid, he or she may experience a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as the following:
- Strong drug cravings
- Heavy sweating
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Dilation of pupils
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Intense abdominal cramping
- Muscle and bone pain
- Fever
- Insomnia
Effects of OxyContin overdose: One of the characteristics of drug dependence is the development of tolerance, which means that a person needs to ingest increasingly larger or more potent amounts of the drug in order to achieve the desired effect. Increased use of OxyContin puts an individual at risk for overdose, which can be dangerous and even deadly. Anyone who exhibits the following signs after abusing OxyContin may be in need of immediate medical attention:
- Extreme perspiration
- Cold and/or clammy skin
- Shallow breathing
- Decreased heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Pinpoint pupils
- Confusion and/or disorientation
- Seizure
- Extreme drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About OxyContin Addiction
Does OxyContin cause mood swings?
When used as directed by a qualified prescribing physician, OxyContin use may cause elevated mood and a sense of euphoric relaxation. However, people who abuse OxyContin may experience significant mood swings. Mood swings, unprovoked anger, anxiety, depression, and paranoia are among the signs that a person may have a problem related to OxyContin abuse.
What are the signs of an OxyContin addiction?
A person who has become addicted to OxyContin may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms, including the following:
- Preoccupation with acquiring and using OxyContin
- Attempting to borrow or steal OxyContin that was prescribed to someone else
- Visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to illicitly acquire OxyContin
- Using OxyContin when it is clearly dangerous to do so, such as when driving
- Continuing to abuse OxyContin even after experiencing negative repercussions as a result of previous use
What are the symptoms of an OxyContin overdose?
Anyone who exhibits the following symptoms after ingesting OxyContin may have overdosed, and should be brought to the immediate attention of an emergency first responder or other qualified healthcare provider:
- Extreme confusion or disorientation
- Shallow, slow, or labored breathing
- Faint pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Bluish coloration near fingertips and/or lips
How does OxyContin affect the brain?
OxyContin use can cause elevated mood and a sense of relaxed euphoria. However, OxyContin abuse can have a negative impact on a person’s emotions, thought patterns, and even personality. Continued OxyContin abuse can cause mood swings, paranoia, anxiety, depression, and violent outbursts.
What are the effects of OxyContin on the body?
OxyContin interacts with areas of the central nervous system that are associated with pleasure, pain, and automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate. A person who uses OxyContin will experience temporary numbness to pain, along with slowed cardiovascular functioning. OxyContin abuse can also cause itchiness, constipation, and drowsiness.
How addictive is OxyContin?
The active ingredient in OxyContin is oxycodone, which is an opioid. As is the case with other opioids, OxyContin is an addictive substance, especially when it is abused. However, not everyone who uses or abuses OxyContin will become addicted to this drug. A person’s risk for OxyContin addiction may be influenced by a variety of genetic and environmental factors.
Does OxyContin cause weight loss?
When used as directed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, OxyContin should not cause weight loss. However, individuals who abuse this drug may experience nausea, abdominal cramping, constipation, and suppressed appetite, which can lead to unintended weight loss.
