Is Oxycontin Toxic to the Brain?

Oxycontin has received a lot of press in the past ten years or so. This is not only due to the fact that it is a highly effective painkiller, but also because it is also highly addictive. For years, the abuse of prescription drugs was overlooked as all of the focus was on the “bad” or illegal drugs. The illegal drug addict was thought to be different as they often looked, acted, and experienced things more negatively in a more rapid manner than someone who took too many pills. That has all changed.

Oxycontin is an opiate controlled substance. It is made from Oxycodone, but it lasts longer. It has effects that kill pain very rapidly and well, yet it also has addictive properties similar to those of morphine. It relieves feelings of anxiety and relaxes the user and often creates a sense of euphoria. However, while this is taking place, it is also reducing respiratory fiction and causing constipation. The withdrawal effects can be very noticeable, annoying, miserable, and even dangerous in some cases.

Oxycontin works on receptors and chemicals in the brain to reduce the feelings of pain in the body. It works by stimulating the pleasure centers and chemicals in the brain through artificial chemicals. The way that the brain produces and responds to the natural pleasure and pain chemicals eventually changes. This also has a psychological effect on the user. There is a tolerance result and this leads to cravings. This is the beginning of the oxycodone detox.

As the brain chemistry and function is altered, the user also develops triggers that result from memories etched in the brain’s pleasure and pain centers. The user remembers that his pain is relieved and pleasure is felt intensely when more of the drug is taken. Things that are said, heard, done, and people and places that are part of these memories will trigger user cravings when these things happen again. This is why they often relapse and go back to the drug again and again. Triggers mean that their brain goes back to the places and feelings when they are on the drug. They felt good, so they want to do it again.

It has been proven that Oxycontin alters the brain chemistry and receptors with repeated use. This is also true of other drugs. This is why recovery is such a touchy area and the user must be monitored closely and kept busy with healthy activities. Detox is often not enough and a good oxycodone treatment in Ontario would be necessary.

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