What is OxyContin?

OxyContin is a powerful opioid prescription drug used to treat chronic pain patients. Circulation of this prescription substance began in 1995 and before long OxyContin was hailed as a medicinal breakthrough throughout the medical community. This powerful painkiller is twice as potent as morphine and has approximately 16 million active prescriptions written per year. As an opioid, OxyContin provides pain relief by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors. OxyContin, along with other synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids, is at the center of the current opioid epidemic due to the high likelihood of dependence and addiction. According to the CDC, an average of 41 people died each day from overdoses involving prescription opioids in 2018 alone.

Dangers of OxyContin Abuse

Manufactured by Purdue Pharma, Oxycontin was introduced in 1995 and praised as a medical breakthrough in pain management. Although generating billions of dollars for Purdue Pharma, there have been over 400,000 Oxycontin-related deaths in the last two decades, resulting in over 2,000 lawsuits against the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the lawsuits have not significantly decreased the circulation of OxyContin as it remains one of the most abused, addictive prescription opioids available today. 

When used, opioids produce a rush of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating the brain’s reward center. After prolonged opioid use, the brain eventually becomes incapable of producing dopamine naturally, leading to opioid dependence. Opioid dependence ultimately results in an individual requiring higher doses of the substance in order to achieve the same feelings of pleasure and euphoria. 

Classified as a depressant, OxyContin suppresses an individual’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This causes an oxygen shortage in vital organs such as the brain and heart. Prolonged use of opioids such as OxyContin can inflict severe, irreparable damage. Most OxyContin fatalities are the result of breathing cessation due to an overdose of the substance. 

The introduction of synthetic opioid Fentanyl has decreased prescription opioid deaths by partially absorbing the death toll; however prescription opioid fatalities remain high. The CDC states prescription opioids were involved in over 28% of all opioid overdose deaths in 2019 alone.

Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help 

OxyContin abuse is dangerous and potentially fatal if left untreated. Fortunately, help is available for those battling this addiction. Depending on the stage of an individual’s addiction, they may require detox, an intensive treatment program, or both. Fortunately, Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling with this addiction. 

Services offered: 

Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of OxyContin. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable. 

Addiction Treatment –  During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready. 

Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility. 

Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a program that addresses their specific wants and needs. 

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with OxyContin abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an addiction expert today.