OxyContin is an opioid that contains high doses of oxycodone for long lasting pain. It can provide pain relief for up to twelve hours so it is often prescribed to patients who have problems with very bad or chronic pain such as those with cancer. An addiction may happen without even realizing it, and having all of the knowledge you need about OxyContin is your best defense when taking this drug for pain relief. Not everyone who takes OxyContin becomes addicted, but it is a highly addictive substance that if taken incorrectly can result in physical dependence.
When those who are prescribed to take OxyContin take the medication as directed or just enough to control their pain, it is not considered an addiction. An addiction to OxyContin is associated with compulsive and repeated use of the drug despite any consequences that may happen as a result of use. Abuse and addiction happens when more than needed is taken with the intent is getting high. If the drug is not taken according to the physician’s directions, chances are the drug is being abused and an addiction has developed. You may wonder how much OxyContin it takes to become addicted. The short answer is that it varies greatly for each individual.
For those who are addicted to OxyContin, professional detox and treatment is usually necessary at a drug rehab facility. The detox period will come with withdrawal symptoms that are best monitored by facility staff members who are experienced in dealing with detox specifically from oxycodone in order to make the situation as comfortable as possible for the patient. Detox should be immediately followed by treatment which may vary in terms of length of time per individual depending on the severity of the addiction and type of treatment program.
Withdrawal from OxyContin may include symptoms such as fatigue, uncontrollable coughing, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, hot or cold sweats, depression, body aches, and others. These symptoms can start happening within just a few hours of the drug leaving the system, which is often why a person will take it over and over again rather than go through the discomfort of stopping. If you think that you or someone you care about is addicted to OxyContin, there are many choices in treatment centers that can help. Contact an addiction specialist now to find out how to break the addiction to OxyContin.
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