The Facts: Oxycontin

OxyContin, also known as Oxycodone, is a commonly prescribed depressant that affects the body’s central nervous system. People who take this substance recreationally will often experience a sense of intense euphoria and relaxation. Those who indulge in repeated use of the drug may ultimately develop a tolerance to it’s effects, alongside a heightened risk of addiction.

Usage

OxyContin is typically prescribed for individuals in an effort to combat moderate to intense  pain caused by a medical condition, such as childbirth, cancer, fractures, dislocation, back pain, neualgia, arthritis and other severe injuries.

Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects associated with OxyContin use include confusion, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, sedation, headaches, inhibited respiratory system, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation and sweating. These effects will often begin to subside following continued and persistent use.

Warnings

OxyContin is classified as part of the opiate family, and as such, can be highly addictive. If an individual suffers an overdose, immediate medical attention must be obtained to avoid more serious consequences. Symptoms of an OxyContin overdose include seizures, slowed breathing, disorientation, small pupils, and clammy skin.

Dosage

OxyContin pills shold never be crushed, chewed or broken. This can result in an array of issues, including death, due to the rapid release of the drug’s main active ingredient. If an individual must use OxyContin to counter severe pain or discomfort, the tablets should be ingested whole alongside a cup of water. In this way, the drug’s active ingredients can be absorbed into the body over time.

Pregnancy

Women who choose to use OxyContin during pregnancy place their babies at risk for severe withdrawal following birth. Women who continue using while breast feeding will ultimately pass the drug to their child, resulting in addiction.

Need Help?

If you or someone you know is struggling with an OxyContin addiction, our Above It All addiction counselors are available to help! Give us a call today, and let our team help you back on track towards the happy, loving, and healthy life you deserve.

Kicking The Habit – Pain Pills

Many people begin taking pain pills to address an aching back or in response to a recent surgery. Initially, everything was pretty wonderful. The pain was gone, your social life was on the upswing, and your mood was directed towards the positive side of life. There was no need to worry, because after all… these drugs were prescribed by a licensed physician; “What harm could they do?”

“Faith is taking the first step even when
you can't see the whole staircase.” Martin Luther King Jr.

The truth is, these types of medications can do a lot of damage. If your prescription pain medication use can gotten away from you, it may be time to consider seeking out a prescription drug treatment program.

Steps

1 – Discuss your concerns with your physician. Once your doctor is aware of the issue, a plan can be drawn up to get you the help you require. The intensity, length, and symptoms associated with your withdrawal will be determined by the amount of time you have been using.

2 – Contact our substance abuse rehabilitation facility for information on detoxification. Users who decide to halt their intake abruptly place themselves at risk for an array of issues, including anxiety, depression, intense drowsiness, seizures, tremors, and suicidal thoughts. By calling Above It All, you can rest easy with the knowledge that you will experience a comfortable, safe, and medically monitored detoxification.

3 – Make a commitment to yourself to undergo at least a week of detox. The length of detox will ultimately depend on your use history and personal investment into the program.

4 – Communication is key. Make certain to communicate any and all of your symptoms to the acting physicians. Though it’s common for patients to feel sad, achy, tired or anxious, other symptoms – such as blackouts, seizures or hallucinations – should be communicated immediately.

5 – Stay positive. It can be easy to let yourself sink during the detoxification process. The key to a successful outcome during this difficult time is a healthy dose of drive, determination, and self-confidence. Know this: You CAN do it. You WILL be fine.

Prescription Drug Addiction – Warning Signs

When it comes to prescription drug use, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of addiction. Though many people utilize these substances to help cope with severe pain and discomfort, it can be easy for users to slip into a spiral of abuse and dependency. There are a variety of telltale signs to note, when addiction is suspected. In this entry, we will seek to inform and education our readers on some of the behaviors and signs to look for.

Missing Meds

One of the most commons signs associated with prescription drug addiction is missing medications. Addicts will often steal medications from the cabinets of friends and family members in addition to over-the-counter drugs. If you suspect your loved one of a prescription drug addiction, it is best to remove and hide all medications.

Doctors Visits

As the medication supply begins to dwindle, addicts will begin seeking out multiple physicians in an effort to appease their habit. Increased doctors visits are a common warning sign that an addiction may be present.

Altered Sleep Habits

One of the major signs associated with prescription drug addiction is disrupted sleep habits. Due to the fact that many prescription medications contain one or more sleep agents, addicts will often experience altered sleep cycles, whether deprivation or excess.

Alcohol Consumption

Increased alcohol consumption is yet another warning sign to watch for. Depending on which medication the individual prefers, the addict may utilize alcohol to help maintain a proper sleep schedule, while attempting to promote a comfortable “come down”.

Mood Swings

As with most drugs, prescription drug addiction can often result in wild mood swings and irritability. Day-to-day issues that might otherwise be brushed aside will commonly result in tantrums, fits of rage, and hostility.

Need Help?

If you or someone you love is struggling with a prescription drug addiction, our prescription drug treatment center is the place to call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of addiction specialists help you back on track towards the happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve. 

From Cancer To Addiction

Recent statistics show OxyContin sales at an all-time high; outselling all other prescription pain medications. The drug is an opiate, similar to morphine and heroin, and as such, is extremely addictive. Users can ingest orally, smoke, snort and inject the substance, making it one of the more versatile drugs in use today. Continued OxyContin use can lead to a variety of negative effects, addiction being one of the worst.

OxyContin dependence reduction can be difficult, as many medical doctors tend to write prescriptions that exceed the amount required to ensure a comfortable and healthy recovery.

OxyContin is generally prescribed to cancer patients and others who suffer from serious, chronic illnesses that generate tremendous amounts of pain that cannot be alleviated with mild pain killers. Due to its powerful effects, OxyContin users undergo withdraw symptoms after being taken off the drug. In the last few years the number of people who abuse OxyContin has gone up and so have the number of patients seeking help at addiction treatment centers.

If you or someone you know are addicted to OxyContin and can't stop using the drug, please find professional help.  Because addiction is typically a chronic disease, people cannot simply stop using the drug of their choice for a few days and be cured. Most patients addicted to prescription drugs require long-term or repeated episodes of care to achieve the ultimate goal of sustained abstinence of the drug and recovery of their lives.

When an addict has made the decision to seek help for their addictions, it’s important to locate a reputable facility to help them make the transition to sobriety.  Rehabilitation facilities not only help patients make the transition back to sobriety, but offer the tools and education needed to maintain it upon program completion. At Above It All Recovery and Treatment Center, we are here to help you.  We will start you on the program that will best help you ease into a life of sustained sobriety.  Contact us today and let’s get started on finding that path back to sobriety.

Oxycontin and Women

OxyContin addiction can be extremely harmful for females, especially those who believe they are aware of the substance abuse risks. There are a great number of ways that women find themselves addicted to prescription medications. Some take these drugs following surgery or an injury. Others begin popping pills as a way to supplement an existing addiction. Still others will use medications in a casual manner at the insistence of a loved one or close friend. While OxyContin is only legal when prescribed by a certified physician, many users find ways to score it without physician approval.

Many women dealing with an addiction to OxyContin may not even realize they have an issue. Though use frequency may be heightened, users often find it difficult to come to terms with why they are actually using the drug. OxyContin, as with many other types of drugs, can cause users to engage in activities and exhibit behaviors that would normally be deemed inappropriate.

Pregnant women dealing with OxyContin addiction impose a variety of risks on their children en utero. Pregnancy often works to affect habits and lifestyles, with many women seeking help following a positive testing.

If you are a woman and suffering from addiction, please find yourself a medical detox program. OxyContin withdrawal symptoms can include anything from nausea and insomnia to vomiting, body aches, seizures and convulsions. When left untreated, these symptoms may result in death. A medically monitored detox program provides addicts with medical supervision to help ensure an easier transition into sobriety.

Once you have successfully completed the detox, seek out a local outpatient support group for narcotic addicts in recovery. Outpatient groups such as these offer support and social interaction addicts intent on kicking the habit. Participants are provided with the tools necessary to achieve and maintain a long-lasting recovery while helping others to achieve the same.

If you feel you need further help, the answer is simple. Ask. Sometimes determination is simply not enough to overcome the weight of addiction. If you are intent on a true and long-term recovery, the first step is reaching out. You are not alone; Help is simply a step towards the freedom you deserve.  One of the best places to find all of the above help is the Above It All Recovery and Treatment Center.  We deal with your problems on a one to one basis and design a program that meets your needs.  Contact us today and let us help you on the road to recovery.