Drug & Alcohol Addiction Information

OxyContin is the trade name of the opiate, oxycodone, which is converted into morphine in the body. The morphine activates opioid receptors that are found in many areas of the brain. Two of the major effects of opiates, like oxycodone, are the simulation of the pleasure center by releasing dopamine and the relief of pain.

Providing lasting pain relief for 8-12 hours, Oxycontin is unique among opioid medications. It is formulated to release some of oxycodone every 2-3 hours. Oxycodone, in drugs with trade names like Percodan, Percoset, and Tylox, only provide pain relief for 2-3 hours. This makes OxyContin useful for cancer patients and others with severe pain, as they only need to take a pill twice or three times a day. The pills are to be swallowed and not chewed to get the timed-release mechanism to work properly.

People with acute pain from operations or injuries can use short-acting opiates like oxycodone (Percodan) or hydrocodone (vicodin) safely, even if they need frequent doses for the first 2-3 days. OxyContin is only appropriate for cancer patients or those with severe chronic pain.

The short-acting opiates are mixed with other pain reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen, which have toxic effects if too large a dose is taken. This helps to prevent addiction in many people since taking addictive amounts damages the body. Ignoring the toxicity of these drugs, some people get addicted to short-acting opiates, using large amounts daily. Oxycontin does not have additives so when it is ground up, large amounts of oxycodone are available for ingestion.

Addicts rapidly discovered that grinding up OxyContin broke up the coating that allowed for timed-release. By grinding or even chewing the tablets, large amounts of oxycodone are made available. It can be swallowed, snorted, or injected.

Oxycodone depresses the functioning of the central nervous system. It stimulates opioid receptors in various parts of the brain regulating pain, nausea, vomiting, hormones, and respiration. Opiate drugs, like oxycodone, target these receptors but rapidly induce tolerance, a resistance to the drug's effects. High doses create euphoria, but increase the risk that respiration can be so depressed that death can result.

Intoxication for OxyContin is similar but more intense than opiate intoxication from other opiates. It begins with a short wave of euphoria or rush, followed by a period of stuporous comfortableness, often called "being on the nod". This term describes the intoxicated person falling partially asleep and waking again over and over until the acute intoxication wears off.

A brief period of continued comfort follows before increasing withdrawal discomfort begins. this accompanied by severe craving for more opiates, developing into a frantic search for more opiates as the withdrawal symptoms become more severe.

Users never obtain the same rush that they initially get. They describe this as chasing their first high. If they have been able to sleep, they chase the first high of the day, trying to get the euphoria they had the first time they used. Gradually, using becomes a struggle to keep from getting sick, and little euphoria occurs.

	The intense euphoria resulting from the high levels of oxycodone obtained from ground OxyContin causes repeated use of large amounts making Oxycontin extremely addictive. When addicts become addicted to oxycodone, the brain's demand for more and more oxycodone overpowers good judgement and makes the addict do anything to obtain the drug. Addicts take great risks to get the drug, leading to arrest, injuries, or accidental death.
	The high levels of oxycodone made available by chewing or grinding OxyContin may cause an opiate overdose in anyone with a low tolerance to opiates. Suddenly, shortly after taking the drug in those not exposed to opiates recently, breathing stops and the person turns blue. If this happens, do CPR while calling 911 or rush the person to a hospital.
	Anyone taking MAO antidepressants can have sudden toxic reactions to opiates causing sudden death. Opiates should never be used with MAO antidepressants such as Parnate and Nardil.