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OXYCONTIN: Effects and Addiction Treatment


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Oxycontin Effects and Addiction Treatment

recent trends in “doctor shopping,” pharmacy theft, and falsifying

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."