OxyContin addiction , as with any narcotic, occurs when oxycontin is administered daily over a period of time. Signs of OxyContin addiction may include withdrawal symptoms when the OxyContin is discontinued, requests for OxyContin at frequent intervals around the clock, personality changes if OxyContin is not given immediately, and constant complaints of pain, and failure of OxyContin to relieve pain.

While these behaviors can have other causes, OxyContin addiction should be considered.

Drugs such as OxyContin are obtained in a variety of ways including pharmacy diversion, "Doctor Shopping" and improper prescribing practices by physicians. Pharmacy diversion occurs when individuals working in pharmacies take OxyContin directly from the shelves, or when people make fraudulent prescriptions.

The most widely used diversion technique at the street level is doctor shopping. Individuals who may or may not have a legitimate ailment requiring a doctors prescription for OxyContin visit numerous doctors, sometimes in several states, to acquire large amounts of OxyContin which they abuse or sell to others.

Continued increases in the diversion and abuse of OxyContin are likely. Reliable strength, potential prescription cost coverage, and significant profit potential make OxyContin attractive to both illicit distributors and abusers. Authorities have recognized the increasing problems associated with the diversion of OxyContin. Law enforcement officials, physicians, pharmacists, and representatives of Purdue Pharma L.P are working together to find methods to limit the diversion and abuse of OxyContin. Legislative initiatives are also being drafted to make OxyContin distribution less appealing by creating more stringent penalties.

OxyContin addiction is serious and is very difficult to overcome through out-patient or home treatment.