Signs of OxyContin Use

What are the signs of OxyContin use? While under the influence of OxyContin, users often resemble a person under the influence of alcohol. OxyContin is the brand name of one of the most powerful pain killers available today. Usually prescribed for cancer patients and people with chronic pain problems, OxyContin is a synthetic opiate (opioid), whose main active ingredient is oxycodone. Even with closely monitored administration, it can be quite addicting. Like morphine, OxyContin has mood altering effects. Specifically, it can reduce anxiety, encourage mental relaxation, and even induce a state of euphoria. It is important to recognize someone who may be addicted to this drug because it has devastating long-term effects.

Because OxyContin is a prescription medicine, many users falsely believe it is less addictive than street drugs like heroin. Also, all OxyContin users are at equal risk for addiction regardless of their socio-economic background. For this reason, it's especially beneficial for anyone living with someone who is taking this medication to be aware of possible signs of OxyContin use and abuse.

OxyContin abusers and addicts often attempt to hide their problem for as long as possible, both from themselves and others. If you are seeing the signs of OxyContin use, the addiction may be farther along than you realize.

Some of the recognized signs of OxyContin use include:

• Nervous anxiety/irritability; particularly if the drug is withheld
• Eye signs: One of the most noticeable signs of a person who is using OxyContin is in their eyes. Their pupils will be constricted, resembling little pin points.
• Sleeping habits: Because of the strength of the medication, people who are addicted to OxyContin will always appear tired. They may sleep frequently or begin to dose off under normal circumstances.
• Physical signs: General weakness, seizures, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are common physical signs of OxyContin use. An addict may feel dizzy and upon touch their skin may feel very clammy and cold. They may also have joint and muscle pain.
• Mental signs: An addict under the influence of OxyContin may disassociate with their feelings or friends. Their general outlook will be that of an "I don't care" attitude. Because of the effects of the drug on their bodies, users may find themselves frequently confused.
• Breathing patterns: The medication is meant to relax normal users from the pain that they are experiencing. People who are addicted to OxyContin may have very slow breathing. This is potentially dangerous and can cause a person to stop breathing.
• Financial signs: People who are addicted to OxyContin may frequently ask for money. If they do not receive it then they may steal it from friends and loved ones.

The withdrawal signs of OxyContin use may include restlessness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, weakness, teary eyes, runny nose, excessive yawning, hot or cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and muscle and bone pain, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate.

With most of these signs of OxyContin use, the longer a person is dependent on the drug, the more the symptoms are likely to appear. What may start out as a legitimate use of a drug for pain relief becomes an integral addiction of both a physical and psychological nature.

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