OxyContin is a commonly prescribed to manage chronic pain. It contains the active ingredient oxycodone. The drug is available in liquid form, as a tablet, capsule, and a long-acting tablet. It is an effective pain management medication but is also has the tendency to be habit forming. A drug abuser will swallow the tablets for the effect. For a quicker high, they may crush the tablets and snort the powder, or dissolve the powder in water and inject the solution.

Effects of OxyContin

OxyContin belongs to the class of pain killers called opiods. As the name suggests, opiods are derived from the opium poppy. Opiods act by blocking the pain receptors in the brain. OxyContin does so via a slow release mechanism which allows the user to experience continuous relief from pain over an extended period of time. The drug however has secondary effects. These effects include respiratory depression. The drug user also feels drowsy, euphoric, and relaxed. Most drug abusers start by taking OxyContin for the pain relieving effect, then for the euphoric effects, and eventually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. As a result of its addictive side effects oxycodone is considered a Schedule II drug.

Treating Addiction and Dependence on OxyContin

A doctor will normally help a physically dependent patient break their dependency by reducing their dosage over time. In the case of OxyContin addiction, a doctor prescribes medications like buprenorphine and methadone to treat the withdrawal symptoms and counteract the effects of oxycodone.

Other Resources

The Office of National Drug Control Policy offers information on Prescription Drugs on its website. The website also answers important questions such as How should unused prescription drugs be disposed? and How can I report drugs being sold on the Internet?

The US Department of Justice has photos of OxyContin on their website.

Article: The Controversy Surrounding OxyContin Abuse: Issues and Solutions

A nurse’s perspective on OxyContin addiction in an article titled Addicted to Euphoria.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration has put into place a plan to prevent the diversion and abuse of OxyContin.

The DEA keeps the latest news releases on Prescription Medicine on their website. This news includes the updates on federal and state legislature.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse maintains a site dedicated to drug treatment research.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a quick search map to help locate drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs.

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