Like all addictions, the Oxycontin addiction symptoms come in two different categories. The first is the physical addiction as the body becomes used to the effects of the drug. This shows up as lowered side effects when taking higher doses and Oxycontin addiction withdrawal when the drug is unavailable. The second category is the mental cravings and drug seeking behaviors.
For people whose bodies are not used to getting the drug, Oxycontin can cause nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and depressed breathing. An addict soon becomes used to these effects and will then be in the position of using the drug to get “normal.” They will tolerate higher and higher doses without getting sick or suffering the same level of side effects. The downside of Oxycontin addiction symptoms, for the addict, is that they also need more of the drug to get the effects they want – usually the euphoria and good feelings that come with narcotic use.
Psychological Oxycontin Addiction Symptoms
On the mental side, Oxycontin addiction symptoms present as an inability to stop when you want to and this extends into other areas of life. For most, managing their Oxycontin addiction symptoms becomes the driving force that governs a great deal of their actions. Even the thought of being without Oxycontin can cause anxiety and fear.
Of the two categories, the mental addiction of Oxycontin addiction symptoms is thought to be the hardest to overcome. That isn’t to say that physical withdrawal is easy, but it is a clearly defined pattern that can be treated medically and has a clear end point. The mental side can last much, much longer and even those who have been away from the drug for years might still take it again if given the chance.
The picture of an Oxycontin addict with Oxycontin addiction symptoms is someone who acts secretly and will take risks to get the drug; someone who thinks about using and sacrifices to get it; someone who doesn’t feel well (or normal) unless they are on Oxycontin; and someone who understands the dangers and harm the drug is causing but doesn’t stop.
Related Articles
