OxyContin addiction stems from overuse and physical dependency of OxyContin, which can be treated medically. OxyContin is an addictive prescription drug used for pain management. However, many also use this drug for recreation as it produces the same effects as heroin.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is the brand name for oxycodone hydrochloride, a strong opioid analgesic which is used medically to treat patients suffering from moderate to severe pain. As a pain reliever and a cough suppressant, it works very similarly like morphine. The mechanism of action of the drug involves the stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain. It does not eliminate one’s sensation to pain, however, it decreases the discomfort by increasing tolerance to pain. Oxycontin addiction affects people of all ages, from the middle aged, the elderly, and even young adults.
OxyContin is available in tablet form in 8 doses: 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg and 160mg.
Why is OxyContin Addictive?
OxyContin addiction results from chronic use of the said medication. Most patients dependent on OxyContin did not intent to become addicted but long term use can result in tolerance for drug. This means that in order to achieve the desired effects, a person should take higher doses. The body adapts to the presence of the drug and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is stopped or even reduced.
Oxy addiction resulted from self medicating the discomfort can be caused by:
- Acute or chronic physical pain
- Emotional pain such as depression, trauma or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Attention deficit disorders
- Recreational self medication for euphoria
OxyContin Addiction Rehab
OxyContin drug rehab programs generally consist of detoxification followed by residential treatment. Detoxification usually lasts 3 to 5 days. It is medically supervised as medical staff treat OxyContin withdrawal symptoms using other medications like suboxone. Suboxone is a synthetic opiate that stimulates the opiate receptors in order to relieve the symptoms without making the patient high. Other symptoms like body ache, stomach cramping and anxiety are also treated medically.
After 5 days, the patient is ready to take the next step of the OxyContin rehabs: the residential treatment. This is where they learn how to maintain a sober life and how to prevent relapses. Residential treatment usually lasts from a few weeks to a month. It involves various group meetings, therapies and lectures. The main goal of residential treatment is to educate the patient in their recovery, teach peer support and introduce them to a strong support system to help them after they leave the OxyContin rehabs.
Another form of potential treatment for OxyContin addiction is drug maintenance therapy. A patient may be prescribed to use suboxone or methadone daily for a long period of time. This is to divert the OxyContin dependent to another opiate pill, helping them to avoid reverting back to OxyContin. However, this treatment method is still highly controversial. Many believe that taking maintenance drugs is no better than using the opiates.
Find Florida OxyContin Rehabs
OxyContin addiction is one of the hardest types of addiction to overcome. Users can easily become addicted and will not stop using until they enter drug rehab programs. OxyContin rehabs are the best way for an individual to fight and overcome their addiction. Find your local Florida drug rehabs and decide the treatment option that would suit your needs.
