OxyContin Addiction Abuse and Treatment | Detox Plus UK

OxyContin is a semi-synthetic opiate prescribed to reduce medium to severe pain.

The UK is currently facing an opioid crisis due to overprescribing powerful opiate and opioid analgesic drugs such as OxyContin.

The current painkiller epidemic is particularly evident in the north of England, where research has shown that painkilling opiates are prescribed up to four times more than in London.

On this page:

Availability in the UK

What is Oxycontin used for?

Forms of Oxycontin

Oxycontin effects

Warnings and precautions

Oxycontin abuse

It comes as slow-release tablets, capsules and a liquid which you swallow. It can also be given by injection, usually done in the hospital.

Oxycodone is also known by the brand names Oxynorm and OxyContin.

More potent opiates such as OxyContin should not be taken lightly. Abuse and addiction to OxyContin can lead to death. Most people don’t realise that just because this drug is prescribed, it is any less dangerous than a Class A Drug when misused.

As many as 75% of the extended-release form of OxyContin switch to heroin once they become tolerant.

OxyContin is a drug with massive potential for abuse and is highly addictive. If you or a loved one are suffering from OxyContin addiction, we urge you to seek professional help immediately.

What is Oxycontin used for?

OxyContin is a potent semi-synthetic opioid painkiller that belongs to a class of prescription medications known as opioid narcotic analgesics.

It is usually only prescribed for severe pain and is most commonly used to control pain in cancer or post-operative pain.

Pharmaceutical companies faced bankruptcy

The makers of OxyContin laid off their entire sales team following more than 2,000 allegations and lawsuits from cities, states and counties in the US. Sales of OxyContin have been alleged to have fuelled the United States opioid crisis; the company are now facing bankruptcy.

OxyContin is derived from the opium poppy plant. It works on the brain’s opioid receptors to change how the body interprets and responds to pain, providing effective pain relief.

The higher strengths of OxyContin should only be used if a person is already used to the medication. Strengths of 40 milligrams or more can cause an opioid overdose and death in someone not tolerant of opioids. 

OxyContin immediate-release tablets start to work within 15 to 30 minutes of ingestion. The peak pharmaceutical effects can be felt within 1 hour, and OxyContin’s effects last between 3 to 6 hours, depending on the individual’s pain levels and opiate tolerance.

Forms of OxyContin available

OxyContin comes in various forms and is often combined with other analgesics for more effective pain relief. OxyContin is available in the following forms in the UK:

  • OxyContin immediate-release tablets and capsules (brand names include OxyContin, Oxaydo, OxyFast, OxyIR, OxyNorm, Roxicodone and Roxybond)
  • OxyContin oral solution – Used for individuals unable to swallow tablets and for breakthrough pain management in cancer patients. OxyContin solution can also be administered intravenously through a tube.
  • OxyContin sublingual (under the tongue administration)
  • OxyContin extended-release tablets and capsules – OxyContin ER and Xtampza ER – extended-release gradually release a steady supply of OxyContin into the bloodstream over 12 hours
  • Immediate-release OxyContin with paracetamol (brand names include Endocet, Roxicet and Tylox)
  • Immediate-release OxyContin with aspirin (brand names include Endodan, Oxycodan, Percodan and Roxiprin)
  • Immediate-release OxyContin with ibuprofen (Combunox)
  • Extended-release OxyContin with Naloxone (brand names include Targin, Targiniq and Targinact) works for 10-12 hours of controlled release.
  • Extended-release OxyContin with naltrexone (Troxyca) works for 10-12 hours of controlled release.

OxyContin’s effects

OxyContin is the favoured prescribed drug by opiate addicts. Its effects are delivered quickly, and they are very potent.

The medication delivers powerful pain relief to individuals suffering from genuine pain. For an individual with no pain, the drug works differently and produces sought-after effects desired by those seeking to get high.

The sought-after effects of OxyContin include:

  • Euphoria
  • Relaxation
  • Drowsiness
  • Sleepiness
  • A feeling of warmth and well-being

OxyContin’s desired outcomes can come at a high cost to an individual abusing the drug; OxyContin is one of the most potent opioid medications available.

OxyContin misuse can cause instant overdose and death and lead to OxyContin dependence.

OxyContin warnings and precautions

OxyContin comes with many warnings and precautions, all of which must be taken seriously.

Taking OxyContin, both as prescribed and off-prescription, exposes patients to addiction, abuse and misuse, and opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Taking OxyContin for a prolonged period whilst pregnant can lead to neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. In this condition, the baby is born physically dependent on OxyContin from the mother’s blood. Babies born with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome suffer from full-blown opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Addiction, abuse and misuse of OxyContin can lead to respiratory depression and death.

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients who are opiate intolerant, those who snort or inject the drug, and those who mix OxyContin with alcohol or other depressant drugs, including opiate sedatives and benzodiazepines.

OxyContin tablets should be swallowed whole – crushing, chewing or dissolving OxyContin tablets can cause rapid release and absorption, leading to a potentially fatal dose.

OxyContin abuse

Oxycontin is a powerful painkiller and among the most commonly abused prescription opioid drugs in the country. Drug addicts and those who abuse drugs favour them over other medications for the following reasons:

  1. It delivers a potent and lasting euphoric high
  2. It is perceived as safer than Class A street drugs such as heroin as it is a prescribed medication

The transition from use to abuse to addiction can be quick and harmful. Oxycodone is a potent drug and offers much-needed comfort to many people struggling with chronic pain or terminal illnesses; as such, it can be challenging to stay in control.

Realising that someone has an addiction to Oxycodone could help save their life. Not only is it a costly and debilitating addiction, but opioid overdose from Oxycodone is also a very real — and potentially deadly — possibility.

Is OxyContin Addictive?

It takes a couple of weeks to become physically dependent on an opioid, but that varies by individual.

If you take an opioid short-term, it should not be an issue; you will generally not become addicted. However, OxyContin addiction can result from abusing this heavy-weight opioid. It can also occur due to taking a prescription for genuine reasons.

OxyContin dependence develops quickly, as does Oxycontin tolerance. A person taking a prescription for a prolonged period is more vulnerable to developing an addiction and dependence.

Detoxing from OxyContin

Detox is a procedure that helps your body return to a medically steady state while handling withdrawal symptoms in a safe and supportive environment. It is usually only the first step in addiction recovery and helps equip you for addiction treatment.

An individual with OxyContin dependence will be able to wean off the medication and stay off the medication. They may even require an OxyContin detox, but once the drug has been safely removed from their system, they can carry on as usual and continue their life OxyContin-free.

On the other hand, a person suffering from OxyContin addiction will struggle to reduce the amount they are taking and often abuse the medication or increase the dosage themselves when tolerant to its effects. They will take extreme measures to ensure that they have a constant supply of Oxycontin. This may include manipulating and lying to doctors and stealing Oxycontin from others.

Once addicted individuals are detoxed safely from OxyContin, they will still crave the drug, and their thoughts will be preoccupied with obtaining it. They will be highly susceptible to relapse.

Addiction is a brain disease that occurs through repeated exposure to a particular drug or drug. The brain’s pathways are chemically altered to seek and take the medication over time. This remains even once the drug has been removed.

OxyContin addiction is characterised by repeated relapse on OxyContin or a similar potent opiate, obsessive and dysfunctional thought patterns and compulsive and destructive behaviour.

OxyContin addiction requires more than just detox to stay in recovery and free from OxyContin. A substantial change in mindset, willingness to work on recovery and behaviour change is also needed.

According to the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, those who become addicted to OxyContin or abuse it are 40 times more likely to become addicted to heroin.

OxyContin prescribing is only indicated for those who require severe pain management around the clock and not on an as-needed basis. Due to its potency, patients must be opioid-tolerant and correctly titrated with medical supervision to avoid an overdose.

OxyContin in any form is not suitable for those who have addiction problems past or present.

As a Class C controlled drug,  prescribers should carefully assess each patient and only prescribe OxyContin where alternative medications are no longer sufficient or suitable.

Free rehab for OxyContin addiction

If you have an addiction to OxyContin and are looking for a free drug rehab programme, don’t hesitate to contact your local drug and alcohol team for community support and find out what your local services offer.

Sadly, due to significant funding cuts to drug and alcohol services in the UK, free drug rehab places are few and far between. You can, however, access support in the community.

Help for Oxy addiction can also be sought through mutual aid support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and Smart Recovery.

OxyContin addiction treatment and OxyContin rehab

Ideally, a comprehensive drug rehab programme is recommended following an OxyContin detox for those suffering from OxyContin addiction.

Detox Plus UK specialises in the treatment of opiate addictions. We can help you or your loved one break from the misery and pain of addiction and show you how to create a drug-free, productive life beyond what you ever thought possible.

OxyContin addiction and abuse kill; addiction is a life-threatening illness that requires specialist treatment delivered by qualified addiction treatment professionals.

By undergoing treatment at one of our CQC drug rehabs in the UK, you will benefit from numerous evidence-based treatments designed to unearth and heal the root causes of addiction.

Drug rehab for OxyContin addiction also offers the following benefits:

  • A complete medical OxyContin detox where dependence is identified. 
  • 24/7 care from medical and addiction treatment professionals
  • A comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation
  • A bespoke drug rehabilitation programme
  • A safe and nurturing recovery-focused environment that is conducive to healing
  • Undergo evidence-based addiction treatments that are adapted to your individual treatment needs.
  • Be shown the tools of recovery and essential relapse prevention techniques
  • Benefit from a complete holistic rehab programme including therapies such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, art, drama, tai chi, fitness, music and more.
  • Learn how to have fun and enjoy life once again in a drug-free environment
  • Be shown how to build healthy relationships with others and repair some of the damage from your past

There are numerous benefits to attending a drug rehab for Oxy addiction. Our rehab centres and detox clinics ensure every patient receives a bespoke treatment programme. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all when successfully treating opioid misuse. We also realise that aftercare and continued support in completing treatment are essential to recovery in the early days.

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