OxyContin is a prescription opioid medication that doctors may use during the treatment of chronic moderate to severe pain. When you use it only as your doctor directs, OxyContin can help you lead a more productive life by mitigating chronic pain. However, just like other prescription painkillers, it comes with a risk for addiction that may require the help of an opiate detox center. If you use it more often or in larger doses than your doctor prescribed, you can quickly become addicted.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand that the person struggling with dependence on OxyContin may overlook the symptoms of opiate abuse. The pain relief and euphoria this prescription painkiller provides can make the user oblivious to the problems the drug is creating. We aim to help friends and family members notice the changes in their loved ones when the signs of OxyContin addiction appear so they can encourage them to get help. Call us today at 866.516.8356 if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of opiate abuse.
The following are five signs of OxyContin addiction to be aware of in those close to you.
1. Reckless Behavior
A person under the influence of OxyContin may not feel the same hesitation about engaging and reckless behavior as they otherwise would. The drug helps dull pain and impart a feeling of euphoria, leading a person to feel a false sense of positivity and confidence. They may engage in driving under the influence of prescription painkillers or combining OxyContin with other drugs or alcohol.
2. Chronic Dishonesty or Deception
OxyContin addiction can lead a person to uncharacteristic behaviors such as lying and stealing to obtain the drug. A person struggling with dependence on OxyContin may resort to stealing someone else’s prescription medication. Alternatively, they may tell their doctor they lost their prescription to have another one prescribed for them. In addition, they may partake in doctor shopping, which involves visiting different doctors to get multiple prescriptions for the drug. If family members are vigilant or questioning their use of OxyContin, the person may start hiding their usage and taking the medication in secret.
3. Loss of Interest in Other People and Activities
When a person is in the throes of OxyContin addiction, the drug becomes their primary focus. Using the drug and obtaining enough of it to maintain a high becomes their priority. Because of this, they may begin to isolate themselves from anything that does not involve using OxyContin. Spending time with friends and family, hobbies, and other activities may no longer appeal to them. If a loved one is struggling with OxyContin addiction, you may notice they become more distant and no longer engage in activities they once enjoyed.
4. Changes in Appearance
One of the most noticeable symptoms of opiate abuse is a change in physical appearance. A person’s attention to hygiene and self-care may start to decline. You may notice that they lose a lot of weight quickly, do not appear healthy, or may not be eating regularly. In addition, they may not be applying the same level of care to their hygiene, like bathing and brushing their hair and teeth.
5. Development or Worsening of Mental Health Conditions
Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety can make a person much more likely to engage in opiate abuse, but it does not always start that way. Sometimes, a person using OxyContin to address pain from injury or illness unintentionally becomes addicted, although they did not experience mental illness beforehand. Some symptoms of mental health conditions may include:
- Irritability
- Chronic sadness
- Excessive worrying
- Reduced cognitive function
- Extreme mood swings
If you’ve seen these changes in yourself or a loved one, it may be a good idea to seek treatment at rehab that offers dual diagnosis treatment.
Break Free from Addiction at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you believe that a loved one is showing symptoms of opiate abuse, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. We can help guide you as you encourage those you care about to get the help they need to break free from OxyContin addiction. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn more about how our opiate detox center can help you or a loved one leave opiate abuse behind.
