Oxycontin is a brand name for oxycodone, which is a generic medication. It’s a semi-synthetic opioid made from thebaine, an alkaloid. Thebaine is one of several alkaloids discovered in opium poppies.
In 1917, German scientists were the first to synthesise oxycodone. It was created in the hopes of improving the painkilling effectiveness of opioids. One of the drug’s main advantages is that it is 50% more effective than morphine, making it excellent for use in conjunction with non-addictive analgesics to treat moderate to severe pain.
Patients prescribed Oxycontin by their doctors are taking a well-studied medication to help them manage their pain. There should be no long-term concerns with the medicine if said patients follow their doctors’ instructions to the letter. However, complications might develop when Oxycontin is used outside of the confines of prescription opioids and their instructions.
Abuse and addiction to oxycontin are becoming increasingly common in many parts of the world. There is no shortage of patients in the United Kingdom who begin with a genuine prescription only to abuse the substance over time. Others get Oxycontin for recreational usage without ever requiring a doctor’s prescription. Both types of misuse are equally dangerous. Both of these conditions can result in tolerance, dependence and addiction.
The origins of Oxycontin abuse are yet unknown. Meanwhile, medical treatments and counselling services are provided through the NHS, private drug rehab centres, and charitable organisations to help abusers and addicts.
Oxycontin is similar to other opioids in that it causes euphoria as well as pain relief. This medicine operates in the same way as other opioids when it comes to pain relief. It binds to and activates opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, preventing pain signals from being transmitted. While the drug is active in the user’s system, they tend to feel quite relaxed and carefree.
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In the United Kingdom, all direct derivatives of opium are classified as Class A controlled substances.
When controlled substances of any kind are abused, they can be extremely deadly. If the authorities apprehend a person with a controlled substance, their sentence will be determined by the amount found, previous offences, and the drug class. Class A narcotics can result in a seven-year prison sentence and an undetermined fine.
The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 classified banned substances into five categories (schedules 1–5) that govern who can produce, import, export, prescribe, and possess them. Because opiates are classified as schedule 2, only pharmacists and other individuals mentioned in the regulations are authorised to produce, supply, or sell them. These substances must meet all controlled drug criteria, and a controlled drug register must be kept.
In the United Kingdom, most prescriptions call for this medicine to be administered intramuscularly or intravenously.
It is also taken orally in the form of a tablet or crushed and snorted. Some abusers smash the tablets and mix them with water before injecting the combination.
The active ingredient in OxyContin, oxycodone, is included in many prescribed opioids. If a person or a loved one appears to be misusing OxyContin, the presence of any of these other prescriptions is most certainly a symptom of severe substance abuse:
It can be beneficial for those who care for people who have a history of drug usage to learn the street names of substances that people may use to hide their use. OxyContin is also known by the following names:
OxyContin’s active ingredient is oxycodone, a semi-synthetic opioid that enhances agonist action by binding to the brain’s mu, kappa, and delta receptors. The drug activates two metabolites: oxymorphone, which is extremely powerful, and noroxycodone, which is relatively weak. OxyContin takes effect in around one hour and lasts for 12 hours on average.
Oxycodone binds to opiate receptors, hyperpolarises neurons, inhibits adenylyl cyclase, and reduces excitability, just like other opioids. Dosage is typically started at 10 mg per day, and then judgement is used to determine whether and how much the dose should be increased. Tablets should never be crushed, fractured, or chewed and should always be swallowed whole. Drowsiness, constipation, and nausea are the most common adverse effects.
Oxycodone’s structure is similar to that of another opioid analgesic, codeine, but its potency and efficacy are comparable to morphine, possibly the most potent opiate. These medicines can change how an individual emotionally responds to pain, but they also suppress physical pain in the central nervous system. Like most opioids, it can impair day-to-day functioning in areas such as driving and other physical and mental activities.
Despite all this, opioids are ineffective for treating chronic pain, and long-term usage can lead to tolerance and increased pain sensitivity.
When you use OxyContin outside of your doctor’s prescription, you are abusing the medicine. Given the nature of the substance and its effects on the brain, this occurs frequently. OxyContin alters the brain’s neurochemical activity and opioid receptors to block pain perceptions. OxyContin use is associated with feelings of exhilaration as well as pain relief. However, the medicine’s benefits may wear off after a few hours, and you may wish to use it again.
Tolerance develops with continued use. Your body will become desensitised to the drug’s effects as a result of this. To achieve the original effects of OxyContin, you’ll also need a higher dose than before. This tolerance has the potential to develop into drug abuse, dependence and addiction.
While OxyContin is primarily a prescription-only pain reliever, it is also used recreationally to generate sensations of euphoria and relaxation. Users who use the medication for non-medical causes are more likely to abuse it and become addicted to it.
OxyContin causes the brain to release higher levels of chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. The more OxyContin you take in small increments, the more your brain adjusts to the drug’s presence. The body becomes reliant on OxyContin for proper function once it has become accustomed to the level of chemicals produced by the drug. You’re in a state of dependency at this stage.
Increased OxyContin dosages, combined with the brain’s reliance on the medication to operate appropriately, will result in compulsive drug-seeking behaviour. Addiction is a term used to describe this obsessive and compulsive behaviour toward a substance.
When someone is suffering from addiction, their emotional condition is frequently unpredictable. When they are running out of OxyContin or cannot obtain a supply, they can become irritable and panicked. When they have a supply, they may feel joyful.
OxyContin addiction is associated with:
Opiate addiction, like alcoholism, has a depressant effect of both the body and mind. When the opioid receptors are triggered, endorphins are released, which causes this. The body desires this release, which manifests as OxyContin cravings and concern over how to obtain more.
Physical Symptoms of Oxycontin Addiction include:
Some scientists believe that long-term substance abuse alters the brain’s systems, but that the harm is not always irreversible. If the abuse is not addressed, the psychological symptoms and effects of opiate addiction can last a long time. Even once the habit has stopped, doctors prescribe at least a year of therapy to prevent relapse due to underlying psychological issues.
Examples of these symptoms:
The behaviour of a person who abuses substances is frequently the indicator of their addiction. Their actions in relation to drug use seem strange at first. As the addiction worsens, the unusual behaviour shows in more areas of their lives, posing a growing threat to their capacity to function. Mixing opiates with other psychoactive substances like alcohol or illegal narcotics is extremely harmful and should be avoided at all costs.
Some examples of these symptoms:
The fundamental goal of any medically supervised opioid detoxification is to reduce withdrawal symptoms. While these symptoms are quite unpleasant, receiving medical therapy at an addiction rehabilitation centre is the most effective treatment to mitigate their effects.
When opiates are present in the body for an extended time, the body and mind can develop a dependency on them. When the brain’s supply is cut off, the noradrenaline system goes into overdrive in an attempt to compensate for the opioid receptors. Medical intervention is necessary to decrease the impact of withdrawal symptoms produced by the noradrenaline system activation. The use of medicine that reduces noradrenaline system activity can help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Early withdrawal symptoms, which usually appear 12 hours after the last dose, include:
Additional side effects that can emerge up to three days after the last dose include:
OxyContin addiction (and abuse) develops due to the drug’s habit-forming properties. When OxyContin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, it causes a tremendous ‘high’ and euphoric sensation. This alone is enough to make you want to keep using it.
If you’re in a lot of pain, you might want to use the medicine again. OxyContin’s effects (particularly pain alleviation) may wear off after a few hours, but continued use will lead to tolerance. As a result, your body will need bigger drug doses to get the same pain-relieving effects (and euphoric highs) as before.
Even if you follow your doctor’s orders, you could develop a dependency. Regardless, consult your doctor before making any OxyContin-related decisions.
A variety of factors combine to enhance the likelihood of developing an Oxycontin addiction. It’s difficult to predict who will get addicted to the drug, but studies have shown several possibilities.
If you’ve been addicted to other drugs like cocaine or substances like alcohol, you’re more likely to get hooked on OxyContin.
According to drug abuse studies, young individuals have a higher risk of acquiring an addiction to prescription medications. According to studies, 12% of adults between the ages of 18 and 25 have used prescription medications for non-medical purposes.
If you have a family history of addiction, you are more likely to develop an addiction to OxyContin. According to studies, half of your odds of being addicted are linked to hereditary variables – you may have inherited genes that put you at risk.
Other factors that may raise your risk of addiction include mental illness, lifestyle, and access (and proximity) to OxyContin.
When you use heavy doses of OxyContin for an extended period, you may develop an addiction to the drug. This is the result of a combination of tolerance and dependence.
If you continue to take Oxycontin, your body will likely become accustomed to a consistent amount, necessitating higher doses to attain the same results. Your body’s dependence on the drug and tolerance will drive you to obtain OxyContin by any means necessary.
Most OxyContin addictions may be traced back to a genuine pain medication prescription.
Please don’t think that just because doctors prescribe Oxycontin that it’s not a dangerous drug concern. The truth is that any drug addiction comes with its own set of risks that must be considered. They begin with the threats to one’s physical well-being. Short- and long-term damage is highly likely due to how Oxycontin affects the brain.
Oxycontin addiction can cause dangerously low heart rates and respiratory problems. The risk of infection is genuine if the drug is injected. Dirty needles or tainted medications can induce septicaemia, which is a potentially dangerous blood infection.
Oxycontin addiction can also be harmful to one’s mental health. Because of the chronically reduced respiration, a person who abuses the drug for a long time is at risk of lasting brain damage. Oxycontin addicts are more likely to suffer long-term mental illnesses and impaired cognition.
Addiction to oxycontin is harmful to a person’s social well-being. Addiction impacts negatively on family ties, friendships, professional relationships, and a person’s capacity to interact socially.
Oxycontin addiction is also harmful to one’s financial well-being. An addict may become so untrustworthy that they are unable to work. During this time, the addict must continue to feed their opioid addiction. That is a financial investment. So, what does an unemployed addict do? Some of them turn to criminal activity. As a result, many of them lose their homes and most of their belongings.
The risks of being addicted to Oxycontin are quite serious. Is the risk worth it if you’re abusing the drug for the small amount of benefit you’re getting? You are the only one who can make that decision.
Some dangers of Oxycontin addiction include:
Withdrawal symptoms will occur if you stop taking OxyContin. You’re probably in withdrawal and on the approach of an opioid overdose if you observe any of the following symptoms a few hours after your last dose:
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Dual diagnosis refers to co-occurring conditions such as mental health issues or abuse of other substances.
Anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are common mental health issues linked to dual diagnoses. People who try to use oxycodone as a heroin substitute may develop an addiction to both prescription and illegal narcotics. These patients should be handled at a registered drug rehab and recovery centre for this specific opioid misuse.
One of the essential goals for health practitioners is detecting and treating any underlying mental health issues when it comes to dual diagnosis. It’s critical to address these concerns, as treating the addiction alone may only be a band-aid solution. When people are experiencing emotional anguish, it is common for them to abuse substances in order to self-soothe. As a result, treating the underlying cause increases the chances of overall healing.
When treating co-occurring drug addictions, the person must go through a well-monitored drug withdrawal programme. This usually includes group and individual therapy, as well as a rehabilitation plan tailored to the needs of the individual.
Extensive outpatient or inpatient detoxification is required to manage a comorbid diagnosis’s physical and emotional symptoms.
Adults do not abuse oxycodone formulations like OxyContin alone. OxyContin is readily available to teenagers, as it is present in many home medicine cabinets. Friends might introduce teenagers to the drug at parties, school, and other social contexts.
Teenagers use OxyContin for a variety of reasons that aren’t medically connected. As a result, there is a greater chance of addiction. According to medical authorities, those who take OxyContin as prescribed are almost free of the risk of addiction. However, taking more of the medicine than authorised – and for non-medical reasons – will speed up the brain’s metabolic process and lead to addiction.
Teenagers even shatter the time-release pills and snort or smoke the drug to get a near-instant high.
Opiate abuse is estimated to affect 50,000 individuals in the United Kingdom, and it is associated with a far higher risk of harm than cannabis or cocaine misuse. As a result, anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s use of opioid medications should seek medical counsel as soon as possible. Physicians urge specialised treatment due to the severity of the addiction.
Many people cannot successfully detox from an opiate due to the severity of these symptoms. While people can be treated at home, the temptation to use can be stronger in a familiar place with no physicians or therapists to talk to about their impulses. Self-detoxers would not have access to medications that aid in alleviating the symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
People find it difficult to comprehend that willpower alone is insufficient to overcome such a powerful addiction. Treatment for such a severe addiction is just as crucial as a medical intervention for diabetics or cancer patients. The medical and psychological signs of the service user’s addiction are treated in rehab.
The following medications can be used to help with Oxycontin addiction treatment:
Individual counselling consists of one-on-one sessions with a licenced therapist. You will meet with a counsellor to talk about your issues and will be guided through lifestyle adjustments that will help you overcome your addiction and maintain your sobriety.
Family therapy was founded on the belief that dysfunction in the family unit is harmful to the recovering addict and that healing the broken components of the family dynamic can be critical to addiction recovery success.
Addiction treatment has traditionally included seclusion from society in a designated therapy facility, but there has recently been a shift toward an integrated treatment strategy that includes family members. This method of treatment has proven to be effective over time.
After detoxification, an individual’s treatment and follow-up care are almost as vital as the detox itself. It can take several months for the memory to adjust to not repeating routines that have been in place for a long time. Whether or not a person relapses is often determined by whether or not they continue therapy after being discharged from a medical institution.
Following the rehabilitation process, it is advised that you attend group and individual treatment for at least a year. Some people may find that they need to go to therapy for a long time, which can be beneficial in giving them a safe place to talk about their concerns. A counsellor’s professional assistance can also assist them in maintaining healthy coping mechanisms.
Allowing yourself to fall victim to addiction is not a good idea. Regardless of which substance you are addicted to, expert help is available to help you overcome your addiction and return to a life free of drug dependence. Contact your primary care physician or one of our addiction specialists to learn more about your treatment options. Call 0800 999 1083 for confidential help.
No matter where you live, there are drug and alcohol rehab options for you to discover. Treatment providers are waiting to answer your questions. Get started today.
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