One drug that people hear a lot about, but don’t always know much about, is OxyContin. However, most people are aware that the drug is an opioid that relieves pain. As an opioid, OxyContin contributes to the opioid epidemic that America currently faces. It often requires an opioid addiction rehab in Southern CA. With that said, what is OxyContin, and is it really dangerous?
What Is OxyContin?
The easiest way for people to explain OxyContin is as a brand of medication that contains oxycodone hydrochloride. In short, it’s an opioid analgesic or narcotic pain reliever. Doctors prescribe OxyContin as a time-release painkiller. In a more general sense, they prescribe it to people who need round-the-clock relief.
OxyContin is effective at reducing pain because it changes how the nervous system and brain respond to pain. Unfortunately, this effect is the reason why the drug is habit-forming and leads to addiction.
Legally, people must have a doctor’s prescription to get OxyContin. However, some of them purchase the drug illegally on the street. Some street names for OxyContin include Hillbilly Heroin, Oxy and O.C.
Are There Risks When Taking OxyContin?
Unfortunately, taking OxyContin has numerous risks. Most notably, addiction is a major risk. Doctors are aware of this risk, which is why they try to monitor people who take it. Eventually, they stop prescribing the drug when they think that people are abusing it.
Once the doctor stops prescribing the drug, some people turn to street dealers. However, the cost of street OxyContin is extremely high. Eventually, they can’t afford it and turn to cheaper alternatives that create a similar high. Unfortunately, heroin is a more dangerous drug that fits both of these requirements.
However, addiction isn’t the only side effect that people have to worry about when they take OxyContin. Another serious risk that comes with taking the drug is respiratory depression. In fact, it can cause slowed breathing, which may lead to a coma. In addition, it can cause headaches, vomiting, and mood changes.
When people want to know what is OxyContin, they simply need to know that it’s a dangerous perception drug. The fact that doctors prescribe it regularly doesn’t mean that it’s not dangerous. If at all possible, people should avoid taking OxyContin if they don’t have to. In the event that they do develop an addiction, they need to visit a rehab center for help.
Get the Help You Need to Overcome Addictive Painkillers
Finding an opioid addiction rehab center Southern CA residents rely on isn’t hard. At Phoenix Rising, our staff members work hard to create custom treatment plans. Our goal is to provide the tools that you need to kick addiction to the curb. Some of the programs that we offer at our rehab center include:
- Residential rehab
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Sober living
- Extended care
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Outpatient treatment
Don’t let this drug destroy your life or the life of your loved ones. Fight back against your addiction by learning more about what is OxyContin. Find out more about how we can help you when you call us at 8552328211