What is OxyContin, and How Can You Spot Abuse?

OxyContin is the brand name of a medication used to treat chronic pain. The actual drug is called oxycodone hydrochloride and OxyContin is a time release version meant to relieve pain for up to 12 hours at a time. OxyContin has many legitimate uses and is invaluable to anyone suffering from chronic pain. However, it is also highly addictive, and can provide a euphoric "high" that makes it extremely easy to abuse.

OxyContin is an opiate, meaning it is related to other narcotics such as Vicodin (hydrocodone), Morphine, and even the illegal drug heroin. Unlike non-opiate pain relievers, you can increase the dosage to increase the effectiveness. A drug such as acetaminophen has a set threshold of pain relief, and once that is reached, taking more will not help.

Because OxyContin is meant to be a sustained release drug, it contains more of the active ingredients than other forms of oxycodone. This makes it especially appealing to abusers. They will typically crush the pill, ensuring that all of the medication hits their system at once. Unfortunately, this means it is very easy to overdose on OxyContin.

So how can you tell if someone you love is abusing this medication? Unfortunately while they are actively using the drug it can be hard to spot it's use. Sometimes pupils will become very small and constricted, and the person may seem unusually happy and talkative. But these are not enough to suspect drug abuse. If they start to withdraw from the drug, you will see many more signs. Opiate withdrawal can cause anxiety, chills, fever, nausea, sweating and tremors or twitching.

It is imperative that anyone suffering from OxyContin or other narcotic addiction gets help fast. Overdose is one of the most common causes of death for anyone with these addictions. It is best to enlist the help of trained professionals or a rehab center to get the help they need.