The Effects of OxyContin Abuse

According to CBS News, OxyContin sales in America exceeded $2 billion, outselling all other prescription painkillers in 2008. OxyContin is an opiate, like heroin and morphine, and is therefore highly addictive. It can be administered by oral ingestion, snorting or injecting it. The abuse of OxyContin leads to negative effects, the worst being addiction.

Medical Purpose

• OxyContin is generally prescribed to treat pain. When taken as prescribed, it is an effective treatment. Changing the dosage or using the drug for nonmedical reasons (to get "high") can result in abuse and addiction.

Short-term Effects

• The short-term effects of OxyContin include nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, constipation, feebleness, dry mouth and a relaxed state. One large single dose of OxyContin can cause inadequate ventilation, resulting in death.

Long-term Effects

• The excessive use of OxyContin can cause the user to develop a tolerance for the drug, causing her to take more to attain the initial effect. Stopping or reducing dosage abruptly leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Withdrawal symptoms of OxyContin abuse include restlessness, insomnia, muscle aches, extreme anxiety, and chills and goose bumps.

Pregnancy

• Taking OxyContin during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born addicted to the drug. The expectant mother is also susceptible to miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.

Teen Statistics

• According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, in 2006, past-year OxyContin abuse among 8th graders doubled over the last four years, increasing from 1.3 percent in 2002 to 2.6 percent in 2006.