Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycontin is a member of the Oxycodone family, which are opioids. Opioids, specifically Oxycontin are medically prescribed painkillers designed to change the way a person’s body senses pain. Oxycontin, sometimes referred to as Oxy, Cotton, Hillbilly Heroin, Roxies, Killers or Blue, attaches itself to the opioid receptors along the spinal cord, the gastrointestinal system and in the brain. These receptors, block the sensation of pain and generally induce a sense of euphoria.

Street use of the prescription drug is varied, with some users simply taking more pills than medically necessary, however, for users that have developed a tolerance for the drug, the pills are crushed into a powder and snorted or injected. Oxycontin is designed to be a time release of a high dosage of Oxycodone, so when the pill is crushed, the user experiences the full effect of the drug immediately. The full dose of Oxycontin can depress a user’s respiration to the point where they simply stop breathing. This is a frequent cause of death among Oxycontin abusers.

In an absence of pain medication management, abuse of Oxycontin or other prescription pain relievers can lead to a physical dependence just as powerful as any illicit drug and withdrawal symptoms from Oxycontin nearly mirror those of heroin. They include muscle and bone pain, restlessness, diarrhea, cold flashes with goose bumps, insomnia and legs and arm spasms. If a user is severely addicted to Oxycontin, it may be necessary for them to take a substitute medication to replace the drug in the body.

Challenges Addiction Treatment Center is a nationally recognized center for the treatment of substance abuse, addictions, dual diagnoses and relapse prevention. Our treatment programs are specifically designed with the needs of the individual patient in mind. If detox from Oxycontin is needed, we can meet the needs of our client. The Challenges staff is highly trained and compassionate. We are one of the oldest addiction treatments and relapse prevention centers, not only in the State of Florida, but also in the United States. If you or someone you love has an Oxycontin addiction, we can help.