Oxycontin Addiction Symptoms

Oxycontin is an opioid analgesic prescribed for chronic, moderate to severe pain. Often, individuals become addicted to the drug without ever intending to. In many areas, illegitimate use of Oxycontin has exceeded use of other popular drugs and there are indicators that Oxycontin is regularly used as a substitute for heroin. After prolonged use, fundamental changes take effect in the brain and the user becomes motivated to use the drug compulsively and with increasingly negative effects. Numerous physical side effects as well as behavioral changes are recognized as Oxycontin addiction symptoms. The normal pleasure and motivational systems become overpowered and using the drug becomes the addict’s highest priority.

Physical Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction

Oxycontin combines a semi-synthetic drug known as Oxycodone with other analgesics, but unlike other Oxycodone products, Oxycontin is intended to provide relief for up to twelve hours instead of four to six hours and a protective coating controls the release of the medication. Addicts have found ways to separate this protective coating in efforts to ingest it by snorting or injecting. This method of consumption, alarmingly, increases tolerances and dependencies and many people become addicted much in the same way as those who become addicted to heroin or cocaine. Physical symptoms of Oxycontin addiction include high tolerances and needing to take more, or more often, to obtain the same desired effect, with physical withdrawals when missing a dose. Intense cravings for the drug, nervousness and agitations when use is threatened or limited, drowsiness, “nodding off”, weakness, and overdose are common physical symptoms of Oxycontin addiction.

Psychological Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction

Dependency and addiction are behavioral symptoms of Oxycontin addiction that result in compulsive use, despite adverse social, psychological, or physical consequences. The addict may exhibit symptoms over protectiveness of their supply with fear and anxiety at the thought of running out. Deviant or secretive behaviors to obtain the drug may include fraudulent acts such as “doctor shopping”, pretending illness or injury, prescription forgeries, or illegal purchases. Prolonged use deteriorates the addict’s ability to deal with normal situations, perceiving them as stressful and resulting in anxiety, depression, paranoia, or other mental health disorders. The addict may avoid normal relationships and seek relationships with those who are also obsessed with using the drug and there may be tendencies to abuse or neglect responsibilities involving finances, employment, or social functions.