Oxycontin is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic drug generally prescribed in the treatment of surgical or chronic pain, such as with cancer. Its active ingredient, oxycodone, is delivered in a tablet form over a 12-hour period. The therapeutic range of dosing is from 10 to 160 mg. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that while most individuals prescribed this drug never become addicted, it does carry a significant street value of 20 to 40 dollars per dose and is known for inducing a euphoric high similar to heroin.
Physical Dependence
Physical dependence occurs when the individual using oxycontin requires more of the drug to experience the euphoric high it can bring. If the levels of the drug are not maintained, the individual begins to experience symptoms of withdrawal. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America suggests that the experience of withdrawal brings cravings and painful physical symptoms that can initiate criminal behaviors to obtain more of the drug. The addict may also resort to changing the route of administration of using this drug, crushing and ingesting through the mouth, snorting through the nose or diluting it in water to inject it intravenously. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, once the tablet is compromised, the prolonged action becomes null and the result is a powerful sensation with quick results.
Psychological Dependence
Psychological dependence on prescribed drugs differs only slightly from that of traditional street drugs. The oxycontin addict may establish protective behaviors or maintain secrecy due to the need to remain sick even after the medication is no longer necessary or may justify increased use with beliefs or claims about intolerable amounts of pain. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia suggests that psychological dependence may be further characterized by symptoms of confused mental states, violent outbursts, poor hygiene and anorexia. Behavioral and psychological changes may also be seen with the continuance to protect the addiction, maintain drug levels and via guilt-ridden drug-seeking behaviors which can often lead to criminal activity.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can be painful physically. Accompanying physical symptoms that accompany oxycontin withdrawal can include: nausea, sweating, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, depression, anxiety, mood disturbance and insomnia. Drug Rehabilitation Canada suggests that these symptoms can coincide with a fever and are often experienced within just a few hours of the last dose wearing off. Oxycontin should be tapered off slowly, as abrupt withdrawal will make these symptoms considerably more unbearable, reaching a peak within 24 to 48 hours post-dose. The symptoms resulting from withdrawal of oxycontin can last a week or more, often depending on the characteristics of the user and degree of addiction.
