The Rise of OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin is a brand name for a drug that contains oxycodone. It is a powerful and highly addictive prescription painkiller that has become one of the most widespread drugs of abuse. The abuse of all oxycodone products has increased in recent years. Facts About OxyContin Abuse

The prescription painkiller OxyContin is a pill designed to be swallowed whole. However, ndividuals looking to get high will chew or crush the tablets and snort the powder. Because oxycodone is water soluble, crushed tablets can be dissolved in water and injected. These methods of use lead to the rapid release and absorption of oxycodone.

Addiction specialists at drug rehab centers across the country are increasingly treating individuals who have never injected drugs but who are abusing OxyContin intravenously. OxyContin and heroin have similar origins and effects, which has led many who begin abusing OxyContin to quickly graduate to heroin abuse.  OxyContin is sometimes referred to as "poor man's heroin," even though it commands a high price on the street. But for people with health insurance, OxyContin is relatively inexpensive.Many OxyContin abusers whose health insurance will no longer pay for prescriptions turn to heroin abuse.
The Growing Risk of Painkiller Addiction

In the face of a growing prescription drug abuse epidemic, many doctors are limiting prescriptions for opioid pain medications because they believe patients may become addicted to opiates. People who are struggling with OxyContin addiction or addictions to other opiate pain relievers may require outpatient or inpatient drug rehab in order to beat their Oxy habit.

 

Share |


Drug Addiction Treatment