What are Oxycodone and OxyContin?
Oxycodone is a type of opiate drug that can be highly effective in the treatment of severe pain. Its main ingredient Thebaine comes from the opium plant which is then chemically synthesized in a laboratory. This drug works by affecting opiate receptors in the central nervous system in such a way as to alter our perception of pain.
OxyContin is a slow-release version of Oxycodone. This means that the drug is designed to produce the same effects of Oxycodone but over a longer period of time. The fact that this substance is more gradually released into the body means the analgesic effects can work almost twice as long as Oxycodone (up to 12 hours). The amount of opiate in OxyContin is higher because it needs to last longer.
Oxycodone has a number of different trade names including:
• Oxynorm
• OxyContin
• Roxicodone
• Oxecta
• OxyNEO
• Endone
• OxylR
There are also a number of medications that contain Oxycodone and an ingredient including:
• Percocet
• Endocet
• Primlev
• Xartemis XR
The street names for Oxycodone include:
• Hillbilly heroin
• Oxy
• Cotton
• Ox
• OCs
• Pills
Why Do People Become Addicted to Oxycodone or OxyContin?
Many people who become addicted to Oxycodone originally take the drug for a legitimate reason. It gives relief to those who are suffering from strong pain from conditions such as arthritis or back injuries. The fact that OxyContin is capable of providing such long-lasting and effective pain relief makes it an obvious choice for doctors. Most people using the drug short-term don’t develop problems, but the fact that it is an opiate means there is always the possibility of addiction.
The reason people become addicted to Oxycodone is because some of the effects of this drug are perceived as highly pleasurable. Not only does this substance alter our perception of pain, but it can also cause:
• Euphoria
• A feeling of being free of problems and anxiety
• An intense feeling of relaxation
• A pleasurable feeling of sleepiness
Once we notice the pleasurable effects of Oxycodone, it can be tempting to use it for reasons other than the original purpose. This can appear like a harmless thing to do in the beginning – maybe we have had a hard day at the office so we decide to pop an Oxy to feel a bit better -just this once -what’s the harm? But before we know it, we are hooked and doing things we never imagined ourselves doing (e.g. doctor shopping or buying opiates illegally).
There are also many of us who begin using Oxycodone/OxyContin recreationally right from the beginning. Popping a pill can appear much safer than injecting heroin (another opiate), so there is a high demand on the streets for this type of prescription drug.
Oxycodone is an extremely dangerous drug when used improperly. Not only can it lead to addiction, but it can also cause organ damage, mental health problems, and breathing problems – there is also a real risk of death from overdose (e.g. the Australian actor Heath Ledger died from an Oxycodone overdose).
Hope Rehab for Oxycodone or OxyContin Addiction
Oxycodone addiction can have an extremely negative impact on your life – it can have dreadful consequences for your ability to maintain a career, fulfill family and social responsibilities, and find fulfillment. Even if you have only been abusing this drug for a relatively short period of time, you may still struggle to quit without appropriate help.
Hope Rehab Thailand offers a program that is suited for anyone trying to escape Oxycodone addiction. Not only will we be able to support you as you begin a new life free of this drug, but we will also look at the issues driving the addictive behavior, and provide you with the tools you need to build a life where substance abuse is no longer an attractive option.
Speak to one of our team right away to find out more.
