OxyContin is a prescription drug which contains oxycodone. It has been known to cause dependency problems among individuals who use it regularly, with or without a prescription. There are many myths about OxyContin, some of which are listed as follows, along with the facts.
Myth 1 – OxyContin is not Addictive
The active ingredient in OxyContin is oxycodone which is an opiate and highly addictive. In fact, opiates are also found in heroin, and have proven to be addictive. People tend to think that because OxyContin is made by pharmaceutical companies that it is not addictive, when the fact is that it is.
Myth 2 – OxyContin can be Snorted or Injected without danger
It is prescribed that OxyContin be taken orally, because it has a time release mechanism. But when it is crushed and snorted, or diluted with water and injected, the individual taking OxyContin gets the full effect of the opiates at once. This causes a high and can often result in an overdose. Therefore the fact is that OxyContin must only be taken orally.
Myth 3 – OxyContin is illegal in the United States
The fact is, OxyContin is legally prescribed by doctors for patients suffering from extreme chronic pain due to conditions like cancer. What is illegal is obtaining OxyContin without a valid prescription, by illegal means.
Myth 4 – OxyContin does not have severe withdrawal symptoms
Due to the presence of opiates in the drug, the withdrawal symptoms from stopping OxyContin use can cause a lot of physical and psychological discomfort. Some of the common withdrawal symptoms are anxiety, depression, fever, muscle aches and pains, nausea, insomnia, seizures and suicidal thoughts. There can be changes in mood and personality. Individuals who try to detox from OxyContin are at higher risk of relapse.
Myth 5 – The OxyContin problem has been blown out of proportion by the Media
The problem of OxyContin use and abuse is not merely media created. There are hard statistics to back up the issue. Statistics show that:
- OxyContin causes approximately 1000 deaths per year in the United States;
- OxyContin theft is a rising problem with law enforcement;
- There are thousands of visits each year to emergency rooms due to the misuse of OxyContin.
It is clear that these myths about OxyContin are just that, myths. The fact remains that it is very easy to get addicted to OxyContin and that there is a need for information to clarify any misconceptions about its use and side effects.
For more information on drug abuse and side effects, call The Villa. We can help you or a loved one get started on the path to recovery.