OxyContin Dependence Reduction Techniques

OxyContin is a prescription medication provided to patients in an effort to address severe pain and discomfort. Since its introduction in 1995, OxyContin addiction has become a wide-spread issue, due mainly to its large-scale availability and addictive properties. As with other opiates, OxyContin provides users with an extreme feeling of euphoria and contentment.

Reducing a dependency to OxyContin is a difficult process, as many physicians tend to prescribe the drug in mass quantity. Proper treatment can help decrease and ultimately eliminate OxyContin addiction, while placing addicts on the road to a healthy and happy recovery.

Steps

1 – Find yourself a medically monitored detox program. Withdrawal from OxyContin addiction may include symptoms ranging from nausea and insomnia to seizures. If not properly supervised during detox, these symptoms may result in death. A medically monitored detoxification program can offer addicts the attention they require to make a safer, more comfortable transition into sobriety.

2 - Enroll in our Above It All treatment program. Due to the severity of OxyContin dependency, a residential rehab program is vital to ensuring a healthy foundation from which to base your recovery. Here, patients will receive psycho-education and information regarding the nature of their dependency alongside family, group, and individual therapy.

3 – Locate an outpatient support group following completion of your Above It All rehab program. These organizations will provide support throughout your post-rehab recovery. Groups will vary, but tend to emphasize education regarding the tools required to enjoy a long-lasting recovery. 

What Are The Effects of Prescription Drug Addiction?

Prescription drug abuse is the fasted growing drug related issue in the civilized world. Most any drug type can be abused, though the most problematic concerns tend to stem from those that are both highly psychoactive and addictive. Large portions of users find themselves addicted via prescriptions obtained through legitimate means, ultimately becoming reliant on the effects provided by the substance.

In the Beginning

These types of addictions generally stem from use of a legally prescribed substance. In these cases, the individual may start misusing the drug by obtaining it illegally, via doctor manipulation, or through crooked physicians.

Painkillers

Painkillers are perhaps the most commonly misused of the addictive substances prescribed. These drugs are typically provided to patients following surgery or injury, but are often utilized to address chronic pain issues. Common medications in this grouping include Vicodin, OxyContin, Codeine, Percoset and Demerol.

Treatment

Each patient’s Above it All treatment plan will differ according to the type of substance being used, possible mental issues, and the patient’s use history. Above it All prescription drug patients will be enrolled in a medically monitored detoxification program before transitioning to a comprehensive addiction treatment platform.

Psychiatric Drugs

Psychoactive substances are another commonly misused medication type. Abuse of antidepressants like Zoloft, anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax, and anti-hyperactivity drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can often lead to serious addictions. Users will often utilize these substances to experience a quick high, building up a tolerance over time.

Risks

The dangers of prescription drug addiction are quite similar to those associated with illegal street drugs. Individuals that were initially provided the drug legally to address an underlying condition will be forced to take on additional challenges when combating their addictions; mainly, to determine healthy and alternative means of treatment.

Helping A Friend Through A Prescription Drug Addiction

The term “drug addict” typically conjures images of street junkies, prostitutes, and lost causes. Over the years, drugs such as crack, heroin, and meth amphetamine have taken hold of a general populous perception regarding addiction and drug use; Prescription drug use is often shrugged aside. However, this type of addiction can be much more dangerous, damaging, and common than most people realize. In this entry, we will discuss tips to help you address a prescription drug addiction affecting a loved one.

1 – Begin attending Nar-Anon meetings. Nar-Anon is the narcotics equivalent to Al-Anon, founded as a support means for those whose friends and family members have been stricken by narcotics addiction. If you have any chance of helping your loved one, you must first make certain that you are properly equipped to do so. Nar-Anon will help.

2 – Consider the possibility of intervention. A quick call to our Los Angeles drug rehab facility can place you in touch with a professional interventionist who can properly address the situation at hand. Many addicts, regardless of the specific addiction, are working through some form of denial. Organizing an intervention will serve in helping your lived one come to grips with the situation, while pushing towards a healthy and happy solution for all involved.

3 – Quit enabling. Those closest to drug and alcohol addicts often enable them to continue destructive behaviors through finances, housing, or other support means. Though it may be tough to watch your loved one suffer, it is important to understand that it is a crucial part of the recovery process for both you AND the addict. Once your loved one has exhausted all of their options, they will be forced to seek out help for their dependency issues.

4 – Support your loved one by whatever means possible. Attending 12 step recovery programs, communicate, and listen to what they have to say on the topic. By making a concerted effort to continue supporting the individual throughout their recovery, you will be doing your part to ensure a successful and long-lasting outcome. 

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.

OxyContin Addiction & 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.

Unfortunately, addiction to OxyContin is quickly becoming the drug of choice for women suffering from substance abuse in addition to those seeking to take their own life. A 2011 study suggests a 210% suicide attempt increase in women by way of OxyContin overdose.

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 or a women you care for is suffering from an OxyContin addiction, out Above It All treatment specialists are available to help. Give us a call, 24/7, and let us help you back on track towards the happy, productive, and healthy lifestyle you deserve.

OxyContin Dependence Reduction Techniques

As a prescription drug, OxyContin is used to address and alleviate back, arthritis, and post-surgical pain. Since its introduction in 1995, OxyContin abuse has escalated drastically, due primarily to its highly addiction nature. Like heroin, OxyContin is an opioid narcotic, providing users with intense feelings of well-being and euphoria.

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.

1 – 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.

2 – Locate a residential rehabilitation facility. Because of the severity of OxyContin addiction, residential programs may be necessary to help ensure proper support and guidance during the initial recovery stages. These types of programs offer patients a safe and secluded environment to jump-start their recovery, while engaging in family, group, and individual therapy sessions.

3 – 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.

4 – 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.

OxyContin Induced Mood Disorders

Many of those who suffer from addiction often suffer from mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, borderline personality etc. However, drugs like OxyContin have the ability to bring on mood disorder episodes as well. In most cases, OxyContin disorders are limited to anxiety and depression. These types of disorders can often complicate the treatment process, which is why choosing a medically monitored detox and substance abuse rehabilitation program is so important.

Whether these types of disorders where present prior to the OxyContin abuse or began as a result of the addiction can be difficult to determine. Many specialists in the field are finding that non-medical OxyContin use is often associated with mood disorder development. Addiction and mental health experts are generally able to properly sift through the symptoms, while formulating a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen.

In order for drug addiction induced mood disorders to exist, a physical examination, patient history, and laboratory findings of abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal must be apparent. These types of disorders can often last upwards of 4 weeks following a successful transition into sobriety.

There are an array of issues that come about once an individual becomes addiction to OxyContin. If you or someone you love are suffering from an OxyContin addiction, our Above It All treatment counselors are available to help. Give us a call today, and let us help you back on track towards the loving, happy, healthy, and fulfilling life you deserve. 

OxyContin Side Effects

OxyContin is an opiate commonly prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain caused by arthritis, cancer, and invasive surgery. As with most pain medications, OxyContin holds a risk of dependency, and may cause various side effects in its users.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects experienced by OxyContin users typically revolve around the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system, and respiratory systems. Frequent user reports cite constipation, vomiting, and nausea. Apnea and depressed breathing are relatively common, in addition to psychiatric effects such as paranoia and euphoria.

Rare Side Effects

Some of the lesser known and experienced effects of OxyContin include postural hypotension, allergic reaction, irregular heartbeat, and seizure.

Side Effect Causes

As with other drugs in the opiate family, OxyContin use holds a risk for increased histamine levels, which can lead to an array of allergy-like symptoms including itching, rash, dizziness and sinus pressure. Because OxyContin binds itself to the GI tract’s opiate receptors, constipation is relatively frequent among users. OxyContin’s ability to stimulate a precise area within the brain triggers the common nausea effect, causing muscle contractions throughout the stomach, and potential vomiting.

Addiction & Withdrawal

Addition and opiates are not strangers to one another. Like other opiates, OxyContin possesses the power to pose psychological addiction and physical dependence with regular use. Choosing to discontinue usage in an abrupt manner following frequent intake can result on an array of withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, intense pain sensitivity, cravings, and insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms will often begin as quickly as 6 hours after the last dosage, in varying amounts on intensity and duration depending on the user’s individual physiology and use history. 

OxyContin Addiction – What Are The Signs?

OxyContin is a popular painkiller used to address an array of conditions, including lower back pain, arthritis, dislocations, and pain caused by cancer. The main ingredient found in OxyContin is oxycodone, a potent, and potentially dangerous opioid.

Oxycodone addiction in the U.S. stems back over 30 years, with more than 3.5 million citizens age 12 and over reporting regular use. With this statistic on a seemingly perpetual incline, the dependency risks only continue to grow.

Symptoms

If you or someone you know are currently using OxyContin, it serves your best interests to understand the symptoms and signs associated with a developing addiction. In assessing these signs, it should be noted that opiate addiction is not a picky mistress; meaning that anyone can become an addict.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

-Irritability

-Anxiety

-Abdominal Pain

-Insomnia

-Loss of Appetite

-Vomiting

-Muscle & Joint Pain

As a general rule, the longer an individual is addicted to OxyContin, the more apparent these signs are likely to become. In many cases, OxyContin addicts begin using the drug in an effort to counter legitimate pain. The addiction, unfortunately, can be a surprise side-effect.

Recognizing The Signs

Acknowledging an OxyContin addiction is the initial and most important step one can take on the road to recovery. Individuals who have become addiction through legitimate prescriptions will often find it more difficult to admit there is a problem. Once acceptance does take place, the addiction has often escalated to a point where the individual is unable kick the habit alone. In these situations, medical detox and therapy are commonly utilized to help the individual regain sobriety. 

OxyContin – Fact & Fiction

When it comes to prescription drug abuse, perhaps no other drug holds the public eye more often than OxyContin. As a pain-killer, the drug has gained a solid reputation for providing quick and effective relief to patients suffering from an array of conditions, ranging from post-surgical recovery to arthritis. As a street drug, the same effects have unfortunately made OxyContin the epicenter of a long-spanning drug war, with an assortment of myths and misconceptions. What follows are a few of the more common myths associated with OxyContin use, and the facts behind them.

Myth - OxyContin is not addictive

Fact – Just because substance happens to be manufactured by a respected pharmaceutical company does not imply that it does not hold the potential for addictive behaviors.

The active ingredients found in OxyContin are actually opiates – the same type of substances that make up drugs such as Vicodin and heroin.

Myth – Injecting or snorting OxyContin is no worse than ingesting the drug orally.

Fact – The majority of OxyContin overdoses occur in individuals who inject or snort it.

OxyContin is manufactured with the intent of being a time-release substance. When a user takes the drug orally, OxyContin works to emit its effects over a period of hours. When the drug is snorted or injected, the opiates within the drug are released into the body at the same time. As such, the risks of overdose and death are heightened exponentially.

Myth - OxyContin is illegal

Fact – Due to its success in treating chronic pain, OxyContin is still legally prescribed by physicians.

The legality of OxyContin is often questioned due to addicts who forge physician signatures, steal pills from medicine cabinets, and purchase the drug illegally for an individual with a valid prescription.

Myth – The withdrawal process is not so bad

Fact – Just as with other substances in the opiate family, the withdrawal symptoms associated with OxyContin withdrawal often pose a great deal of psychological and physical discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

-Nausea

-Depression

-Suicidal thoughts

-Muscle aches

-Anxiety

Perhaps the most concerning symptom of OxyContin withdrawal stems from the heightened risk of relapse. Without the proper guidance and support, many addicts will often find themselves off the wagon and assuming the same routine.

“Abuse Proof” Oxycontin?

A newer version of OxyContin, created in an effort to curb the drug’s abuse, is available now. However, skeptics are still debating as to whether the newer “abuse proof” pills will actually serve in reducing addiction statistics. Though the FDA has approved this new version, it requires manufactures to implement testing to help ensure lower abuse percentages.

The new form of OxyContin makes crushing, chewing and dissolving the pills more difficult to addicts seeking to achieve the heroin-esque high it produces.

As opposed to prior OxyContin versions, the new pills host a durable gelatin capsule, offering users a 24-hour continuous release when ingested orally. The design also works to prohibit manipulation that could result in injected or snorted by addicts.

Where’s the Evidence?

Does it work? In a recent statement released alongside the new drug’s approval, the FDA warns that “there is no evidence that the reformulation of OxyContin is less subject to misuse, diversion, addiction, abuse or overdose.”

Unfortunately, there is currently little scientific evidence to support claims that the new version will serve in curbing the drug’s addictive tendencies, an ever-growing issue throughout the U.S.

As such, the FDA has required Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of OxyContin, to research the new pills to help determine whether they actually work to combat abuse, and if so, exactly how.

The above may be partially due to a 2007 case, in which Purdue Pharma pleaded guilty to misinforming the public regarding OxyContin’s safety. Purdue Pharma was ordered to pay a fine of $634.5 million – which to date, is one of the biggest penalties ever evoked by a drug-company.   

OxyContin Facts & Effects

OxyContin has been used for decades as a pain relief medication to address post operative pain and pain caused by lower back issues, arthritis, and cancer. It is a Schedule II controlled substance and is known to be extremely addictive. In this entry, we will discuss some of the more interesting facts associated with this substance.

Names

OxyContin is known by a variety of names, including Oxycodone, Percodan, Percocet, Tylox, Roxicet and Endocet. A number of these substances will also combine drugs, like acetaminiophen, with OxyContin. Street names for the drug include Oxycottons, OCs, Oxy, Percs and Percodoms.

Features

OxyContin is manufactured from an opium chemical named thebaine. When taken, OxyContin immediately begins to affect pain response throughout the nervous system, with users experiencing effects akin to those found in heroin use. OxyContin is typically prescribed in 10-80 milligram doses.

Abuse & Addiction

In many cases, OxyContin addiction stems from habits nurtured during surgical recovery, or in an effort to alleviate lower back and arthritis pain. Individuals intent on subduing this pain for prolonged periods may dabble in excess use, resulting in addiction.

Still, others abuse the drug with the sole intent of experiencing the sense of euphoria provided. OxyContin addicts may crush, chew or inject the pills to help the body absorb the drug at a faster pace than by oral consumption.

Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects associated with OxyContin use include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, headaches, drowsiness, weakness and appetite loss. Extreme side effects may include seizures, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, fainting and hallucinations. 

Back Pain and Addiction

A great number of Americans fall into addiction each year, without even realizing they are headed down that path.

Back pain, is one of the most common triggers that get people addicted to oxycontin. Back pain can torment for those who suffer with bulged discs or herniated discs. When that kind of pain strikes, sufferers are not likely to be concentrating on whether or not they may become addicted to the painkillers -- they just want the pain killed.

This is what makes oxycontin so dangerous, is that it is one of the only drugs suitable to treat severe ongoing back pain, but is highly addictive when used in an ongoing fashion.

The best treatment for spinal pain, is not with drugs, but through laser spine surgery. Surgery can help and reset the spine to its normal, pain-free functions without the serious risk of addiction to pain medications.

Institutions, such as Deuk Spine, are working on new ways to make the surgery option more readily-available to and affordable for the general public. With addiction to prescription painkillers rising exponentially, physicians -- as a whole -- are beginning to work on ways to completely alleviate the pain that draws in the addicts, instead of just keeping them medicated for long periods of time.

The Effects Of Oxycontin Abuse

The most common long-term effect of abusing OxyContin, and perhaps the worst effect, is the addiction itself. Addiction ruins a person’s life bit by bit, becoming worse over time. In this way, OxyContin abuse is no different from heroin, cocaine, or alcohol abuse. The addict changes his or her entire lifestyle to allow for more and more drug use.

Some OxyContin abusers begin their abuse with a prescription written for them, either for real pain or faked pain. Some of these people have access to insurance benefits that will pay all or most of the cost of their prescriptions. During this period, an OxyContin abuser can go downhill quickly because there is no financial barrier to increased consumption. Sooner or later, however, the person’s doctor determines that there is an abuse problem going on, and won’t prescribe more. The addict then begins buying the drugs on the black market. The street price of OxyContin is very high. Addicts begin stealing, robbing, and even going into prostitution to raise the money they need to service their addiction.

The most serious risk associated with OxyContin, is respiratory depression. Common opioid side effects are constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, and weakness. Taking a large single dose of an opioid could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to death.
Chronic use of OxyContin can result in tolerance for the drug, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same initial effects. Long-term use also can lead to physical dependence and addiction -- the body adapts to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur if use is reduced or stopped. Properly managed medical use of pain relievers is safe and rarely causes clinical addiction, defined as compulsive, often uncontrollable use of drugs. Taken exactly as prescribed, opioids can be used to manage pain effectively.

If you find yourself in a position where you are suffering from an addiction, we are here to help.  At Above It All Treatment Center, we can design a treatment regimen that will fit your schedule and start you on the path to a relapse free recovery.  Contact us today.

How To Recognize Oxycontin Addiction

Over the past few years OxyContin has risen out of relative obscurity to become one of the most abused drugs in the country.

With its powerful painkilling properties and close similarity to morphine, the mounting reports of OxyContin (timed release oxycodone hydrochloride) abuse and dependency has caused both healthcare professionals and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reconsider how the drug is packaged and marketed.

As with other painkillers, OxyContin has several withdrawal symptoms which can be signs of a possible addiction problem. However, if you take the drug as prescribed, meaning no more and no less, then you shouldn’t experience these symptoms. Also, it is suggested that you gradually ease off using this drug as opposed to abruptly going cold turkey. Anxiety, nausea, muscle pain, muscle weakness, flu-like symptoms and fevers are all legitimate concerns during withdrawal.

There are a few signs to look out if you suspect a friend or loved one might be abusing a strong prescription painkiller such as OxyContin. Pharmacy theft, fraudulent prescriptions and over-prescribing in the United States have led to abuse of OxyContin. On an older version of OxyContin, there was a warning on the bottle stating that the time release tablets shouldn’t be crushed. This led to recreational drug users crushing and snorting the capsules. OxyContin’s popular street name is “hillbilly heroin” and its abuse is on the rise. If you think a loved one is overindulging in the effects of OxyContin, talk to them immediately about the dangers of addiction; if you suspect a powerful addiction has developed, OxyContin addiction treatment therapy is always an option.

At Above It All Treatment Center, we are here and ready to help you or a loved one who is experiencing any of these symptoms.  We will work with you to design a program that is tailored to your needs and will put you on the road to recovery.  

Oxycontin: Coming To A Community Near You

OxyContin Abuse is becoming a wide spread problem in America. OxyContin is a leading treatment for chronic pain, but officials fear it may succeed crack cocaine on the street. The DEA says it is only a matter of time before every community in the country is confronted with the problem of OxyContin abuse.

Rather than ingesting the pill as indicated, people who abuse OxyContin use other methods of administering the drug. To avoid the controlled-release, they chew, snort, or inject the medication to get an instant and intense "high".

The abuse of OxyContin, as with the abuse of most prescription drugs, creates a cycle of health care fraud. For example, a corrupt physician writes a patient a prescription for OxyContin for a nonexistent injury. The physician bills the insurance company for that, and subsequent visits. The patient uses a portion of the OxyContin and sells the rest for a substantial profit.

Oxycodone is an agonist opioid. It is thought to be one of the most effective pain relievers available. Unlike the other analgesics, opioid agonists have an increasing analgesic effect with increased doses. Meaning that the more you take, the better you feel. Other analgesics, like aspirin or acetaminophen, have a threshold to their effectiveness.

OxyContin, especially when chewed or snorted lowers a person's respiration rate. Each person is different, but as little as half a pill when combined with alcohol or other depressants can lower your respiratory system enough to be deadly. Excessive amounts of OxyContin taken alone or combined with a long list of other medications can also easily kill a person by lowering their respiration until they eventually stop breathing. The most dangerous side effect is overdosing.

If you are locked into a need for Oxycontin and are starting to feel out of control, you may need to seek outside help.  At Above It All Treatment Center, we are here to provide that help.  Contact us and let us show you how we can start you on the road to recovery through a personalized treatment plan that is designed just for you.

Inpatient Treatment May Be Right For You

If you are addicted to OxyContin, oxycodone, heroin, Percocet, fentanyl or other opiates, we can help. We provide medically assisted withdrawal and detoxification services to get you stabilized.  You’ll also get the counseling, resources and support you need to build a new life for yourself, healthy and sober. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to be ready to make a change. Our team of experts will be at your side to support you every step of the way.

Sometimes the usual outpatient rehab does not provide enough of a constant therapy and assistance to allow you the ability to recover.  While some patients can quit cold turkey and others can do with the simple routines of outpatient therapy, there are some who need a more personalized approach.  If this is you, then our team of professionals is here to provide you with the constant care that is required to build your strength, to build your resistance, to build your resolve and to put you on the path to a relapse free recovery.

At Above It All Treatment Center we will sit down and map a day by day personalized program that will be designed with you and your needs in mind.  We will discover your strengths and identify your weaknesses so you are aware what needs to be conquered.  Our inpatient program has a strong track record for turning serious drug addicts into fully recovered former addicts that are leading normal lives and meeting family and work responsibilities.  Contact us today and see what we can do for you.

Will I Become Addicted To OxyContin If I Take It Every Day

OxyContin is only intended for moderate to severe pain that is present on a daily basis and that requires a very strong pain reliever. Patients with this type of severe pain condition require daily pain treatment. Taking OxyContin daily can result in physical dependence, a condition in which the body shows signs of narcotic withdrawal if the OxyContin is stopped suddenly. This is not the same thing as addiction, which represents a situation in which people obtain and take narcotics because of a psychological need, and not just to treat a legitimate painful condition.


Physical dependence can be treated by, under the advice of a physician, slowly decreasing the OxyContin dose when it is no longer needed for the treatment of pain. Concerns of addiction should not prevent patients with appropriate pain conditions from using OxyContin or other narcotics for pain relief.

However, if you find that you are increasing your dosage as you build a tolerance for OxyContin, this could be a sign that you are facing an addiction problem.  This could mean it is time to see out professional help in order to stop any addiction before it becomes a major problem.

If you are in need of some help to break an addiction, then we can help.  Contact us and we can design a personal program to meet your needs.  At Above It All Treatment Center, we are here to assist you on the road to an addiction free life.  Contact us today to see what we can do for you.

How Did Your OxyContin Addiction Start ?

Your addiction to OxyContin may have started with pain from an injury or a chronic condition. When you went to your doctor’s office for help, and you were provided with a prescription for the drug, you were likely told how the drug was to be used. Perhaps you followed those instructions to the letter for a short period of time, but one day, you chose to bend the rules a bit and you took a higher dose than was recommended or you combined the drug with alcohol or another medication, trying to increase the sensation of euphoria. This is one pathway to addiction that many people follow.

Your addiction to OxyContin may have started in a completely different fashion, and if so, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, 78 percent of people who admitted to OxyContin use also admitted that they’d never been given a prescription for the drug. They may have received the drug by: purchasing it from a dealer, stealing it from relatives, receiving the drug as a gift from friends or relatives or buying it online

Using OxyContin without a prescription is illegal, and it’s also considered drug abuse. The medication is designed to treat pain, so using it for any other purpose is troublesome. If you’re using the drug to get high or for recreation, it’s time to stop and think hard about your actions and what you might need to do to stop. As you’ll see, experimenting with the drug can lead to abuse and addiction.

If you are using OxyContin to the point that you cannot stop, let us help.  At Above It All Treatment Center, we will set you up with a one on one personalized program to lead the way to a drug free life.  Contact us today to discuss your treatment options.

Time Release Is Still Addictive

In 1995, researchers thought they had made a bold strike in the fight against prescription painkiller abuse. Medications such as morphine were commonly abused, as they were provided in convenient dosages that users could simply double or triple in order to get high. Producers of oxycodone wrapped their drugs in a time-release capsule. In so doing, they thought it would be harder for addicts to abuse the pills. After all, they’re not designed to provide a rush of the drug. They’re designed to come on slowly and go away slowly. Sadly, addicts found a way around this time-release safeguard. In fact, it’s this time-release capability that makes oxycodone abuse so very dangerous. Addicts can crush the pills, stripping out the time-release capability, and receive hours of medication, all at the same time. When addicts figured this out, addiction rates began to climb.

The preparation of hydrocodone from thebaine was done to avoid the mood altering effects that were common with morphine and heroin. Oxycodone, like morphine, acts on the brain but does not show the full spectrum of mood altering effects seen with morphine or heroin, nor are the effects long lasting. However, the drug does have some euphoric effects, lessens anxiety and gives the user a pleasant experience. This plus the relatively easy availability of the drug has made it liable to abuse. Oxycodone and its derivatives have been illicitly abused in North America for the past 20-30 years.

If you or a friend are suffering from an addiction to Oxycontin and are ready to break that addiction, now would be the time to contact us at the Above It All Treatment Center.  We have trained professionals that can work with you to find the best way to set you on the road to a successful recovery.

Does Oxycontin Rule Your Life?

More and more people have been searching the web for drug rehab centers to help kick their Oxycontin addiction.  At Above It All Treatment Center you can find information on what has quickly become one of the most common forms of abuse and addiction in the past few years. Although Oxycontin has only been on the market for a little over ten years, it has already ruined countless lives and hundreds of users have died.

Oxycontin is potentially deadly and belongs to a class of opioid medications for which we've actually created specialized programs to treat men and women who are addicted to them. This drug can be accurately described as legalized heroin and we rue the day it hit the market in the US.

Many rehabs are quick to label you an addict for life, saying you will never have full control over yourself. We completely disagree with this. We know patients can recover fully without falling back into addiction. 

We differ from most other rehabs in our total approach to opiate detox.

If you can’t stop using Oxycontin, you likely need some professional help. The kind of help you need depends on your situation. Are you just dependent, or dependent and addicted to Oxycontin?


Anyone who uses the medication regularly for more than a couple of weeks will develop a physical dependence on the drug — a change in the brain that leads to a need to continue taking the medication. Anyone with a physical dependence will endure withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking the medication.


If you are looking for a treatment center that will provide you with a personalized plan of action to lead you to a successful, relapse free recovery, then contact us today.  We are here to help you through one of the toughest times in your life.

A Solid 12 Step Program In LA

Twelve Step recovery programs are well known for use in recovery from addictive or dysfunctional behaviors. The first 12 step program began with Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) in the 1930s. The 12 Step approach has since grown to be the most widely used approach in dealing with not only alcoholism, but also drug abuse and various other addictive or dysfunctional behaviors.

In addition to working all of the Steps with their mentor, residents will be taught numerous life skills and practices crucial to their recovery, including: money, career, goal setting, organizational skills, nutrition, physical exercise, meditation, impulse control, communication skills, giving back to the community and their families, and spiritual laws which impact how they have been living their lives. And last, but most importantly, they will develop a personal relationship with their Higher Power, a relationship which promotes inner peace and a sense that all is well.

The programs designed by Above It All Drug Rehab start off with an inpatient detox followed by residential treatments. A Sober lifestyle then begins in one of the Oxford homes. Diagnosis is known as one of the most important parts of recovering and that is exactly what sets Above It All Drug Rehab apart from the rest of the pack.  A 12 step adaptation program is the key to the success of their clientele. If you are looking for an LA Drug Rehab Center, give Above It All a call.

What Are Bath Salts?

We hear a lot of talk these days about bath salts and the most common two questions that I hear are “what are bath salts “ and “I thought you used those in bathwater”.  The confusion comes in the name. There are bath salts that are used in bath water; however, these are not the bath salts that you are hearing about today.  The bath salts you here about today is a drug that is formed from methylenedioxypyrovalerone, although newer pyrovalerone derivatives are being made by illegal street chemists.

Bath salts can usually be found in mini-marts and smoke shops sold as Ivory White, Bolivian Bath and other names and are usually labeled “not for human consumption” which allows them to avoid being labeled as illegal.  Most law enforcement officials believe that eventually all of these chemicals will become illegal.  Being illegal, however, does not mean that they will disappear.  Cocaine, marijuana and heroin are illegal but they are all still out there for consumption, which leads to addiction problems.  Bath salts will likely follow that trend.

Bath Salts are very scary in that when using them you experience agitation, paranoia, chest pains suicidal feelings an increased pulse and high blood pressure.  Some of the suicidal feelings have resulted in suicides several days after bath salt use.  As for being addictive, they have not been around long enough to know if they are or not but that may be a moot point if the suicidal feelings enter your mind after the first use.

Will bath salts stay around?  The answer is probably because as with any new drug, they are under the radar like most designer drugs and are constantly changing as drug makers will keep creating new combinations at home and in illicit drug labs.

What Is Oxycontin?

Oxycontin is a pain reliever that was introduced in 1995.  Its main ingredient is Oxycodone.  Oxycontin is specifically meant to treat moderate and severe pain but can also be used to treat several other conditions including constipation, anxiety and cough symptoms.  Within a few years of the introduction of Oxycontin the many cases of Oxycontin misuse and abuse began, especially among teenagers.

Most abusers of Oxycontin are seeking the rush and the feeling of euphoria that it creates along with the feelings of lightheadedness, release from inhibitions, stress and pain relief.  Oxycontin produces the same effects that heroin produces. 

Oxycontin addiction is a physical dependence that is unavoidable when a person is taking a high dosage for a long period of time.  The body adapts and develops a tolerance for the drug and it becomes so powerful that it actually produces cravings for it.  Cravings for Oxycontin result from its impact on an individual’s memory of the feelings of euphoria and pleasantness that it associates with the ingesting of Oxycontin.

Like other addictive drugs, Oxycontin is able to short circuit your survival system by artificially stimulating the reward center, or the pleasure center of your brain without anything beneficial happening to your body.

There are a number of effective options to treat a dependence on Oxycontin and other prescription opioids and to help manage the severe withdrawal symptoms that accompany sudden cessation of drug use.  They include treatment programs using methadone along with behavioral approaches.  Once the patient completes detoxification, the treatment provider must then work with the patient to determine which course of treatment would best suit the needs of the patient.

Rapid detox is the most recent entry into the field of opiate detoxification.  It treats opiate dependency at the receptor level, blocking opioid receptors and precipitating the withdrawal syndrome, while controlling it. This is achieved through use of medications, including anesthetic agents that allow withdrawal to occur, while the patient is unconscious.