Dependence occurs when the prescription drug is abused.
An individual may be addicted to this drug if the pain is gone, yet he/she may still seek the medication. The body yearns to have the pleasurable effects of the drug. It soon becomes an obsession that consumes an individual’s mind and body. A good indication of OxyContin addiction is when pills are crushed and snorted or injected into the body. The effects are similar to those of heroin and the high is much faster than when swallowed. The pain messengers to the brain are blocked. Also, the amount of dopamine is increased, causing feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
- Hot/Cold Sweats
- Heart Palpitations
- Joint and Muscle Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Runny Eyes / Nose
On the street, OxyContin is also referred to as “Oxycotton,” “O.C.,” “Killer,” and “Hillbilly Heroin”. However, if taken as prescribed, it will not usually cause addiction. Dependence develops mostly in individuals who are already addicts of other kinds of drugs. These individuals usually seek out drugs to obtain the spectacular high when it is crushed. Addictions can be accompanied by physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance. The sudden absence of opioids in the body of an addict can lead to signs of withdrawal, including anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, vomiting, and severe stomach cramps.
Individuals who take large doses of OxyContin are at risk of developing respiratory depression, which can lead to death. It can also be proved fatal if abused with any other chemical substance, including alcohol. A major concern with prescription drug abuse is for new users of the drugs. If an individual’s body has not built up a tolerance to the oxycodone hydrochloride, and the drug is abused by crushing, snorting, or injecting, it can prove to be fatal.