The signs of addiction are not always obvious. Some people downplay the symptoms of OxyContin addiction and blame it on other causes. Friends and loved ones can often tell when things aren’t quite right, though. If someone is struggling with a drug addiction, that usually becomes their main focus – how, when, and where to get or use OxyContin.
Recognizing the signs of OxyContin addiction can help you to get a friend or loved one the help they need before it’s too late. If left untreated, addiction can spiral out of control and lead to overdose or death. Speaking up about your concerns and what you have noticed can guide them in going through detox and then an addiction treatment program.
What are the Health Side Effects of OxyContin Addiction?
If you’re familiar with opioids, OxyContin fits into this category. It is a prescription painkiller that not only is highly addictive, but can come with some unpleasant side effects. When used as directed, you can minimize some of these effects, but when addiction develops, they may become more apparent. OxyContin addiction can trigger some of the following health side effects:
Irregular Breathing
Headaches
Nausea
Dizziness
Seizures
Low Blood Pressure
In addition, you may also notice that the person seems confused, depressed, lethargic, unable to concentrate, apathetic, or has slurred speech. There may be other legitimate reasons for these symptoms, but if they seem out of the ordinary it could be cause for concern. If you notice any life-threatening signs such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or unconsciousness, it is essential to seek medical help immediately.
What are OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms?
As OxyContin leaves the body and the effects wear off, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Unless the person takes more, their body will continue craving it, both physically and psychologically. Some of the main signs of OxyContin withdrawal include:
Anxiety
Nausea
Insomnia
Muscle pain
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Vomiting
Restlessness
Cold flashes
Involuntary leg movements
Due to the unpleasantness of these symptoms, going through detox in a professional, supervised setting such as New Start Recovery is recommended. Here the person will be monitored for their safety and given support throughout the process. They don’t have to try to detox on their own, which can be dangerous and less effective than a professional program.
How to Help with OxyContin Addiction
It is important to remember that you can’t force someone to change their ways; all you can do is express your concern and be supportive of them getting treatment. If you believe a loved one is struggling with OxyContin addiction, do your research and learn as much as you can about the condition and what they may be experiencing. Also look for treatment options that include detox as well as counseling or other therapy.
Providing Intervention for OxyContin Addiction
Once you have recognized that a person has an addiction problem, the next step is to provide intervention. It is a good idea to talk to an addiction or intervention specialist who can help you to work out the details and plan a more effective approach to getting someone treatment for OxyContin addiction. This often involves sitting down and talking with the person to express your concern and desire for them to get help, then leading them to a clinical detox facility such as New Start Recovery.
After they have gone through detox, they can enter into a drug treatment facility where they’ll receive more targeted physical and psychological intervention to support them in recovery. OxyContin addiction is a serious but treatable condition. There are many people who go through detox and rehab and remain substance-free long-term, enjoying what the future has in store for them.
If you have noticed the signs of OxyContin addiction in someone you know, one of the first steps on the way to recovery is getting them into a detox program. Contact New Start Recovery today to find out more about the OxyContin detox process.