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.