In 2020, more than 41 million prescriptions for opioids were filled in the United States. That’s enough to give every adult in America their own bottle of pills. The over-prescription of opioids has led to a national crisis. The misuse of and addiction to opioids—including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl—is a serious problem that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Among the most potent and most prescribed medications are oxycodone and Oxycontin. The abuse rate of OxyContin and oxycodone continues to skyrocket alongside other opioids.
Northpoint Seattle is committed to helping those struggling with addiction get the treatment they need to recover. Our recovery specialists tailor our prescription drug addiction treatment program to meet each patient’s needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, finding help can be lifesaving. Don’t wait; call 888.483.6031 to learn more about our programs to start on the road to recovery today.
What Are Oxycodone and OxyContin?
Oxycodone is a narcotic pain reliever that is available by prescription only. Doctors use it to relieve moderate to severe pain in their patients. OxyContin is a brand name for an extended-release form of oxycodone. Standard prescriptions for OxyContin pills advise people to take it every 12 hours and release a small amount of oxycodone over time.
Oxycodone and OxyContin are powerful prescription painkillers. They are similar to morphine and heroin. Oxycodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This means that it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. OxyContin is also a Schedule II controlled substance.
The Abuse Rate of OxyContin and Oxycodone
The abuse rate of OxyContin has increased in recent years. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a reformulated version of OxyContin that was designed to be more difficult to abuse. However, the new formulation of OxyContin has not been shown to reduce the abuse rate.
People often abuse oxycodone and OxyContin by crushing the pills and snorting or injecting the powder. They may also chew the pills to get a quick high. When someone is struggling with an addiction, they may use the medications with other drugs or alcohol for a more intense high.
The abuse of OxyContin and oxycodone can lead to addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use despite harmful consequences. People addicted to OxyContin may continue to use the drug even when they know it is causing problems in their lives.
The Dangers of OxyContin and Oxycodone Addiction
Abusing OxyContin and oxycodone can lead to addiction and overdose. An overdose occurs when a person takes more of a drug than the body can safely process. An oxycodone overdose can be deadly.
Oxycodone is a central nervous system depressant. It slows down the respiratory system. A person who takes too much oxycodone may stop breathing and die. The abuse of OxyContin and oxycodone can also lead to other health problems, such as liver damage, kidney damage, and gastrointestinal issues.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to OxyContin or oxycodone, finding help quickly is vital. Finding the support needed to get sober can be the key to a happier, healthier future.
Find Help for Oxycodone and OxyContin Addiction Today
When you recognize someone else or yourself struggling with addiction to OxyContin or oxycodone, getting help as soon as possible is essential. Addiction is a severe disease that requires professional treatment.
At Northpoint Seattle, we offer a comprehensive OxyContin addiction treatment program designed to meet each patient’s needs. Our outpatient programs include:
- Individual therapy – One-on-one sessions with a therapist provide support and education about addiction. Here, therapists work with patients to explore their feelings and behaviors while working to promote lasting change and healthier coping mechanisms.
- Group therapy – Group therapy sessions provide a safe place to share experiences and learn from the shared perspectives of others. Here, patients can find support while they work on their recovery in a community setting.
- Medication-assisted treatment – Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. This approach reduces the physical symptoms of addiction while helping patients to develop skills for coping with cravings in healthy ways.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT helps people recognize and change the thought patterns that can lead to drug use. This type of therapy focuses on identifying triggers for substance abuse, developing coping skills, and improving overall mental health.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find help today by calling 888.483.6031 or contacting us online and taking the first step toward recovery.