OXYCONTIN: Effects and Addiction Treatment
Oxycontin Effects and Addiction Treatment
prescriptions more individuals are suffering from pharmaceutical drug
addictions. Due to the addictive nature of these controlled substances,
the war on drugs has evolved from our streets to our medicine cabinets.
OxyContin is a highly addictive prescription narcotic pain reliever. It
is the brand name for Oxycodone. Oxys are synthesized and formulated
from thebaine, which is derived from opium. In a sense, OxyContin is
synthetic heroin. This drug first became popular in rural areas, thus
the nickname “hillbilly heroin” is used for OxyContin today. Opiates are
known for dependence, severe withdrawal symptoms and harmful
consequences. Painkillers, like OxyContin can be taken orally, but many
addicts remove the time release and melt the drug down. Oxys can then
be smoked or injected.
Mixing OxyContin with alcohol or other drugs can be a dangerous
combination. The effects of a drug like alcohol combined with any
painkiller can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of coordination and
irregular heartbeat. More importantly, combining painkillers with
benzodiazepines can be a lethal concoction. People are usually unaware
of the real effects and health risks associated with prescription drugs.
We feel that because these substances are found in our medicine
cabinets, they are therefore safe and can not cause real harm.
Unfortunately, this is just not the case.
The Food and Drug Administration found that, “from 1998 to 2005 the side
effects and deaths related to prescription drugs almost tripled to
90,000 incidents.”
Oxycodone
Dangerous side effects associated with oxycodone include:
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Euphoria
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Nausea and abdominal pains
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Muscle pains
- Change in pitch of voice
- Respiratory problems
The numbing effect produced by any painkiller is very psychologically
addicting. Individuals abusing opiates find it difficult to live with
out them. That combined with the fact that OxyContin withdrawal
symptoms can be extremely painful, makes it difficult to kick this habit
alone. Stopping any pharmaceutical drug abruptly is never recommended.
A person abusing painkillers should be gradually weaned off by a
medical professional. It’s only after detoxification that an individual
can then be treated for the psychological aspect of their addiction.
OxyContin rehabs provide a safe medical detox along with residential
treatment programs for those struggling with addiction.
The Addiction Recovery Center Addiction Treatment Programs has successfully helped
thousands of individuals suffering from OxyContin addiction. If you
suspect that someone you love is abusing OxyContin, our detox and
inpatient treatment programs at The Addiction Recovery Center can help.
We provide a safe medical detox, where you or your loved one is
gradually tapered off OxyContin and safely monitored by medical doctors
and nurses. Following the detoxification process, your loved one will
complete an intensive residential treatment plan to treat the
psychological effects of their addiction.
During this time your loved one will see a psychiatrist, participate in
group therapy, and work with a counselor who understands what OxyContin
addiction is really about. In residential treatment, your loved one
will learn how to cope with feelings and emotions, they will deal with
any trauma or grief issues, and they will learn how to prevent relapse.
After the inpatient portion of the OxyContin treatment plan, your loved
one will be encouraged to participate in an Intensive Outpatient
Program. By this time, your loved one will be re-integrating into
society, but still attending group therapy meetings in the evenings.
The groups will help your loved one learn how to live a normal life free
from OxyContin addiction.
If you or someone you love needs help with OxyContin abuse, please call The Watershed Addiction Treatment Programs 24 hour Helpline: 1-888-510-2481.
For more information or to speak to our caring admissions staff, call 24 hours a day,
1-888-510-2481
"It's never too late to call."
