Know the Signs of OxyContin Addiction

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When a loved one struggles under the weight of addiction, it may not always be obvious to family and friends. Learning the signs of OxyContin addiction can be helpful to identify if a problem is occurring.

oxycontin drug addiction diagnosisOxyContin Addiction Signs

OxyContin is an opioid agonist prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is primarily used as a prescription painkiller when a round-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. OxyContin may sometimes be used as needed for pain relief. The main ingredient is oxycodone which can be highly addictive.  OxyContin works by altering the brain’s chemistry to change how it works when responding to pain.

Initial Signs

The first signs of OxyContin addiction can include the primary one of altered dosage. A person who takes a different dosage of the medication than was intended may be developing dependence. OxyContin tablets come in different dosages and are prescribed for people who have developed a tolerance to Oxycontin or other opioids. If a person takes OxyContin other than prescribed, this is a warning sign. Other signs may include:

  • Taking the drug more frequently than prescribed
  • Taking the drug longer than prescribed
  • Taking the drug in other ways or methods (snorting, injecting, etc)

Changes to how the drug is administered may also indicate a problem as people are willing to take many risks when addicted to drugs. One way is to crush the tablets or inhale the powder. The time release becomes broken in this case which renders the pill’s effectiveness less than when taken as prescribed.

Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction is defined as substance use disorder. Some physical, behavioral and psychological symptoms of addiction include:

  • Secretive behavior
  • Combining OxyContin with other drugs
  • Constant preoccupation with how to obtain more
  • Continued use of the drug in spite of negative impact on life, health, work
  • Disorientation or a lost sense of time
  • Constant cravings or compulsion for OxyContin
  • Frequent mood changes
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Investing resources in OxyContin (finding, buying, purchasing)

Treating OxyContin Addiction Symptoms

OxyContin addiction symptoms may be treated with a combination of behavioral, psycho-therapeutic and pharmaceutical approaches. OxyContin addiction is more likely to be successful in treatment if the symptoms are identified and addressed early. Many families intervene with a non-formal approach or may try an intervention. The goal of an intervention is to support the family and person with addiction in understanding how addiction has affected everyone and seeking help. There is help available for those who first acknowledge a problem exists and then are willing to seek support.

At Cypress Lake Recovery, our unique vision of synergizing holistic and therapeutic treatment creates an effective treatment program for addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Call us today for more information, at 1-866-217-2636.

Know the Signs of OxyContin Addiction

Sep 8, 2017

Drug Addiction

Cypress Lake Recovery

When a loved one struggles under the weight of addiction, it may not always be obvious to family and friends. Learning the signs of OxyContin addiction can be helpful to identify if a problem is occurring.

oxycontin drug addiction diagnosisOxyContin Addiction Signs

OxyContin is an opioid agonist prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is primarily used as a prescription painkiller when a round-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time. OxyContin may sometimes be used as needed for pain relief. The main ingredient is oxycodone which can be highly addictive.  OxyContin works by altering the brain’s chemistry to change how it works when responding to pain.

Initial Signs

The first signs of OxyContin addiction can include the primary one of altered dosage. A person who takes a different dosage of the medication than was intended may be developing dependence. OxyContin tablets come in different dosages and are prescribed for people who have developed a tolerance to Oxycontin or other opioids. If a person takes OxyContin other than prescribed, this is a warning sign. Other signs may include:

  • Taking the drug more frequently than prescribed
  • Taking the drug longer than prescribed
  • Taking the drug in other ways or methods (snorting, injecting, etc)

Changes to how the drug is administered may also indicate a problem as people are willing to take many risks when addicted to drugs. One way is to crush the tablets or inhale the powder. The time release becomes broken in this case which renders the pill’s effectiveness less than when taken as prescribed.

Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction is defined as substance use disorder. Some physical, behavioral and psychological symptoms of addiction include:

  • Secretive behavior
  • Combining OxyContin with other drugs
  • Constant preoccupation with how to obtain more
  • Continued use of the drug in spite of negative impact on life, health, work
  • Disorientation or a lost sense of time
  • Constant cravings or compulsion for OxyContin
  • Frequent mood changes
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Investing resources in OxyContin (finding, buying, purchasing)

Treating OxyContin Addiction Symptoms

OxyContin addiction symptoms may be treated with a combination of behavioral, psycho-therapeutic and pharmaceutical approaches. OxyContin addiction is more likely to be successful in treatment if the symptoms are identified and addressed early. Many families intervene with a non-formal approach or may try an intervention. The goal of an intervention is to support the family and person with addiction in understanding how addiction has affected everyone and seeking help. There is help available for those who first acknowledge a problem exists and then are willing to seek support.

At Cypress Lake Recovery, our unique vision of synergizing holistic and therapeutic treatment creates an effective treatment program for addiction and dual diagnosis issues. Call us today for more information, at 1-866-217-2636.

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