OxyContin Addiction and Treatment

There has recently been a wave of heroin overdoses by young people who started using OxyContin recreationally and then graduated to heroin addiction once the high price and short supply of OxyContin made it difficult for them to continue their abuse.

OxyContin addiction has grown exponentially in recent years to the point where it is one of the most commonly abused medications in the "invisible epidemic" of prescription drug abuse. The opiate based drug has a variety of nicknames like OCs, Oxy's, Beans, and even Hillbilly Heroin. People can quickly become physically and psychologically addicted to OxyContin, which reduces pain and relaxes both the physical body and the mind.

This terrible wave of heroin deaths was documented in a recent A&E documentary called "Heroin Hits Home". The special episode begins by recounting the exposure of the heroin epidemic in the cities surrounding Brockton, which discovered that "opiate overdose" was the most common cause of death for young people in these communities. Unfortunately, these neighborhoods seem to be in denial about the "silent epidemic" that surrounds them.

The documentary introduces you to several heart-wrenching teenager's stories. The stories are about honor roll students, athletes, and "innocent" kids that you would never have expected to become drug addicts. Most people find it surprising that suburban kids from loving families can become hooked on heroin, but the victims of this addictive phenomenon were typically introduced to opiates by using OxyContin or "OC.", something they may have considered to be harmless at first. When they unwittingly become hooked on Oxies, the cravings become so intense that cheaper alternative heroin is sought out. It's a breathtaking wake up call for parents everywhere.

The OxyContin-addicted individual often doesn't think their drug abuse is as serious of an addiction to those who are addicted to harder "street drugs" (like cocaine, heroin, and crystal methamphetamine). But OxyContin addiction can be just as serious and potentially deadly as any other substance.

Some symptoms of addiction to OxyContin include mood swings, personality changes, defensiveness, strained communication, anxious behavior, and withdrawal from normal activities. To learn more about the symptoms of prescription drug abuse and addition, Sober Living By The Sea out of Newport Beach, CA has put together this prescription drug addiction quiz.

OxyContin Addiction Treatment

Sober Living By The Sea, now one of the largest residential treatment facilities in the United States, offers a unique recovery environment for those suffering from all forms of addictive behavior. They have been treating addiction for over 23 years in Orange County, California, and understand the special challenges of OxyContin users. The treatment program is personalized to the needs of the OxyContin-addicted individual.