Opioids are a powerful class of drugs that have been used to effectively treat pain for centuries. One of the most popular prescription opioids in America today is OxyContin. It is a brand name for the semisynthetic opioid oxycodone, which is made from natural substances such as the seed pod of a poppy plant.
OxyContin was developed in 1996 by the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for long-term relief of moderate to severe pain. OxyContin serves to provide relief to those suffering from chronic pain, as well as those who have recently undergone surgery or have been injured in some way.
OxyContin is known to be highly addictive both psychologically and physically, and many users have been known to become dependent on it with regular use. In fact, this dangerous form of addiction and dependence has made OxyContin a prime candidate for misuse, leading to a nationwide epidemic of abuse and overdose fatalities, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
As opioid overdose levels have increased, governments have enacted tougher regulations on how and when OxyContin can be prescribed. Abuse of OxyContin, however, has remained high, despite these regulations. This illegal use of the drug has led to an increase in the number of overdose fatalities and other serious side effects, including a heightened risk of death among opioid users.
OxyContin abusers often take the drug in higher doses than the prescribed amount. They may also crush the tablets and snort the powder or mix it with water and inject it, which greatly increases the risk of an overdose due to its potent opioid content. The opioid effects can build up quickly in a person’s system, leading to a dangerous state of euphoria that is quickly followed by depression, extreme drowsiness, and a potential for respiratory arrest.
Another consequence of OxyContin abuse is the potential for addiction and physical dependence. People who become addicted to OxyContin may suffer from a physical dependence, where the body can no longer function normally without the drug. This is due to the opioid receptor sites in the brain becoming increasingly accustomed to the presence of the opioid molecules.
In recent years, organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) have all published extensive guidelines to help prevent OxyContin addiction and misuse. These guidelines encourage providers to incorporate alternative treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and physical rehabilitation, and also suggest ways to identify abuse and provide better access to treatment facilities and medication-assisted therapies.
OxyContin is a powerful and dangerous opioid drug that has caused a nationwide epidemic of abuse and overdose-related fatalities. It is important that providers remain informed of the risks associated with this drug and the barriers that users face when trying to quit. By utilizing evidence-based practices, providers can help reduce the prevalence of OxyContin addiction and misuse, and reduce the number of fatalities associated with the drug.