Oxycontin - A Drug of Dependence

1. Oxycontin: A Drug of Dependence Oxycontin is a drug derived from the poppy plant, making it an opioid. This drug is produced in a lab and used in various mixes to make pain medications. Because of the action in the brain of oxycontin, it can lead to an alarming number of people who become addicted. Even though a patient may take this drug as prescribed they can still become addicted. Oxycontin delivers a powerful high which can lead to a dependence or tolerance of the drug. When prescribed by doctors, this drug can help to manage moderate to severe pain. Be aware though of the addiction that can occur. Oxycontin users can feel or experience the euphoria of the drug in different ways. Depending on the way oxycontin is consumed, the feelings of relief can be immediate or a slow release. The most popular way of ingestion is by pill form. The trouble comes when addicts begin to crush the pills and either snort them or dissolve in a solution and inject it into their veins. The wanted effects of oxycontin is a feeling of relaxation and release of muscle tension. This leads to a perceived feeling of euphoria and mental calmness. When too much is taken one may feel nauseous, constipation, confusion, and a slower rate of breathing. Oxycontin overdoses are dangerous and of course lead to death. The makeup of this drug and how it attaches to receptors in the brain make it easy to slip into a coma and possible loss of life. If someone in the family has an addiction there are outward signs one may notice. These signs include the following. ● Dilated pupils (not reactive to light) ● Periods of extreme sedation. Difficult to wake ● Lack of responsiveness ● Bluish appearance to lips and fingernails Oxycontin addiction revolves around the dependence one begins to feel while using oxycontin. Once the drug is taken, a release of dopamine happens. Dopamine is the hormone which calms the reward system of the brain. Once the experience happens,

2. one will want to continue taking this drug. The problem is that at some point in the addiction a person will become tolerant, therefore needing more of the drug to get the desired effects. This rollercoaster leads to a bigger addiction. Oxycontin addiction will lead people to exhibit behaviours they would normally not do. They will begin to lie and steal in order to get money to make purchases. Making up false medical records in order to get a prescription and neglecting other parts of their lives because they have to have a fix. Their interests change and personality changes all happen because the drug takes over the life of the addict. Oxycontin is a drug of dependence, so one may not realize that life can be good outside of oxycontin. Source: http://www.topkingly.com/oxycontin-a-drug-of-dependence/