One of the most important and alarming facts to know about OxyContin addiction is that it’s been the most common prescription drug problem in America for the last two decades. OxyContin is helpful in the treatments of cancer symptoms and chronic severe pain. However when abused, the negative effects are many, varied, and potentially life threatening. OxyContin addiction is a biological and psychiatric response to heightened dosage and frequency of use. This triggers the substitution of the brain’s natural chemicals to emulate normal reward response receptors and sets the abuser on a collision course toward physical and mental deterioration. Like most other drugs, the brain wants what the brain wants—and will tell the body to want the same thing. OxyContin is a relatively easy drug to obtain legally because it is often prescribed in the treatment of many different types of body pain or post-op surgery pain. The illegal acquisition and improper use often start after a person has been prescribed Oxycontin legally for legitimate purposes but has developed an oxycontin addiction from continued use beyond the time period recommended by their doctor. In recent years oxycontin has become the illegal drug of choice for many young people who start out abusing just to get high without ever having a doctor prescribe it for any legitimate pain application.

Physical Effects of OxyContin Addiction

In addition to the effects OxyContin addiction can have on the brain, it can also deliver immediate and long-term physical effects on the body. Those new to OxyContin addiction can expect a variety of uncomfortable symptoms as a result of the body’s response to the drug including: constipation, weakness, nausea, excessive sweating, severe headache and vomiting. If the above effects are not a sufficient deterrent, potential abusers should consider the lasting effects that an untreated OxyContin addiction will potentially bring: permanent digestive problems, respiratory failure, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary complications, etc. OxyContin addiction wages war on your body like few other drugs. It also comes with severe psychological risks.

Mental Effects of OxyContin Addiction

The fierce desire and singular pursuit of OxyContin during addiction is born from a dangerous alteration of the brain’s chemicals. If left untreated, a protracted course of abuse will ultimately cause some level of mental deterioration. Besides the behavioral changes one may experience, the chemical changes the brain experiences can be irrevocable and warrant the need for further medication. Severe anxiety, hallucinations, aggressive behavior and confusion are only a few of the mental effects of OxyContin addiction. This all too popular drug plays a dangerous game with your brain, and should be taken only for its established clinical benefits under the care of a qualified and competent physician.

OxyContin Addiction Treatment for Lasting Recovery

After the drugs are safely and responsibly expelled from your body, psychological therapy in an outpatient program is strongly encouraged. The therapy and cessation process should never be attempted alone. The withdrawal symptoms can be painful and sickening. The National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center (NASAIC) maintains a continuously updated national database of OxyContin addiction treatment programs in your local area, as well as the leading recommended OxyContin addiction treatment centers in the United States and around the world.