Oxycontin is an opiate akin to methadone and morphine. Like morphine, doctors prescribe Oxycontin as an anesthetic, primarily to patients with terminal diseases that cause persistent pain, like cancer, according to Sandra Alters and Wendy Schiff, authors of "Essential Concepts for Healthy Living." Recreational Oxycontin use appears typically between high school age and late 20s. In addition to ingesting Oxycontin in pill form, it is popular to pulverize the pills and snort them or inject them during recreational use, according to the United States General Accounting Office.
Cardiovascular Issues
According to the book "Essential Concepts for Healthy Living," regular Oxycontin use leads to a high tolerance of the drug, requiring progressively larger doses to procure desired effects. While all opiates suppress the central nervous system, high doses of Oxycontin suppress it to the extent that it causes issues with the cardiovascular system. This can weaken the heart or even result in cardiac arrest.
Respiratory Issues
Due to the suppressant effects on the central nervous system, excessive use of Oxycontin can cause respiratory issues. Usually, it causes the respiratory system to malfunction, causing imbalances in blood serum carbon dioxide levels as well as reduced pH. If these problems deteriorate, health issues can develop, including a complete shutdown of the respiratory system.
Overdose
Overdoses often result in cardiac arrest and respiratory shut-down, requiring immediate medical attention. In addition, overdose on Oxycontin results in a significant reduction or shutdown of mental capacities, rendering it difficult to obtain treatment in the event of an overdose. Even with medical attention, Oxycontin abusers often die from overdose.
References
- "Essential Concepts for Healthy Living"; Sandra Alters and Wendy Schiff; 2010
- "Prescription Drugs: OxyContin Abuse and Diversion and Efforts to Address the Problem"; The United States Accounting Office; December 2003
