OxyContin – What You Don’t Know Might Kill You…

OxyContin is a substance plagued by myth, rumor and lore. What follows below are some of the more common OxyContin myths, and the facts behind them. 

Myth: OxyContin is not addictive.

Fact: Though manufactured by a legitimate pharmaceutical corporation, OxyContin is extremely addictive. OxyContin is riddled with opiates – a highly addictive class of drugs found in a variety of prescription painkillers and street drugs, including heroin. 

Myth: Injecting or snorting OxyContin isn’t any worse than ingesting it orally.

Fact: Users who inject or snort OxyContin are much more likely to overdose than those who take it orally. OxyContin was initially designed as a time-release substance. When used as directed, intended and orally, it offers relief over a period of hours to combat excessive pain. Users who crush and snort or inject OxyContin experience a full release, resulting in an effect that is unmanageable for many; often times overdose or even death.

Myth: OxyContin is illegal in the U.S.

Fact: OxyContin is often prescribed by physicians to those suffering from extreme chronic pain due to injury or illness. Legality comes into question when physician signatures are forged, prescriptions are stolen and medicine cabinets are raided in an effort to obtain the pills illegally.

Myth: OxyContin withdrawal is no big deal.

Fact: OxyContin withdrawal is as severe as any opiate. Common symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal include:

-          Anxiety

-          Depression

-          Body aches

-          Nausea

-          Suicidal thoughts

For many users, the most serious OxyContin withdrawal symptom lies in relapse. More recovering OxyContin addicts fall off the wagon than any other addict type.

Myth: There is no hope for me.

Fact: Quite the contrary! If you’re seeking drug abuse help, the addiction specialists at Above it All treatment center are available to take your call. Pick up the phone today, and let our team of counselors help you back on track towards the healthy, happy lifestyle you’ve been missing. 

Generic OxyContin Ban – What Are The Side Effects?

Though banning less expensive, generic Oxycontin may seem like a “win” in the fight against drug addiction, there is much debate as to the side effects yet to be seen.

Critics of the FDA’s decision to ban generic forms of Oxycontin argue that it may ultimately promote the use of less effective substances without eliminating addiction risks. Oxycontin went off patent this past April.

In most cases, the end of a drug patent will usher in an era of generics. Following the FDA’s decision, drug-makers must now work to create abuse-resistant versions of the substance in order to compete in the market.

The number of deaths associated with prescription opiates more than tripled from ’99 to ’06. In 1997, Purdue Pharma LP – the maker of Oxycontin - pleaded guilty to federal charges of misbranding the substance as a less addictive and safer alternative to narcotic drugs such as Percocet and Vicodin. By 2010, Pharma had developed an abuse-resistant version of the drug to help diminish the risk of overdose and death.

The new “abuse-resistant” Oxy includes an ingredient that makes it difficult to crush and inject or snort to achieve the desired effect - one similar to that found in heroin use.

But just because a drug is “abuse-deterrent” doesn't make it harmless…

In fact, nearly one third of users polled say they've figured out how to beat the system. Those who have not, still stand the risk of procuring or maintaining an addiction by swallowing the pills to excess.

Moral of the story: Where there’s a pill, there’s a way. 

Need Help?

Considering rehabilitation? Pick up the phone and call Above It All Treatment Center! With a team of seasoned addiction specialists available to assess and address your individual needs, you can count on Above It All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call now!

Just the Facts – Substance Abuse Counseling

A twofold process, substance-abuse counseling takes the patient through physical withdrawal before immersing them in psychological rehabilitation and therapy. This approach is commonly used with patients struggling with alcohol, street drug and prescription drug addiction. 

Criteria

Substance abuse counseling is suitable for patients struggling with all levels and types of addiction. Substance abuse problems are often placed into two similar but separate levels: Substance abuse and substance dependence. Though both levels affect an addict’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis, they differ by way of the impact on the user’s mental, physical and emotional health.

A patient struggling with dependence to a substance has developed an emotional and physical need for the drug. Many experience withdrawal symptoms after only a short period of abstinence. Tolerance to the substance also plays a role in how much the individual must use in order to achieve the desired affect. 

Both abuse and dependence often result in health and legal issues. Friends and family may show concern and become frustrated with the on-going use. When an individual meets these criteria, counseling is often recommended. 

Types

Counseling for substance abuse commonly occurs in one of three ways: group counseling, outpatient counseling and inpatient counseling.  Group and outpatient counseling offer patients the ability to attend therapy sessions and return to normal life. The inpatient format requires patients to reside at the designated facility throughout treatment. 

Purpose

People take drugs for an array of reasons, including pain relief, recreation and escape. Substance abuse counseling explores the reasoning behind use to an effort to help them develop alternative means to cope. Patients are typically asked to share their feelings surrounding substance abuse, while being offered guidance and support. Group counseling provides addicts with the ability to relate to others with similar experiences, while building support and camaraderie along the way.  

How To Combat Anxiety In Recovery

The term “anxiety” describes an intense feeling of unease, nervousness and worry, typically surrounding a situation with an uncertain outcome. Most people experience from some form of anxiety, whether mild or extreme, at some point in their lives – and is commonly found in recovery. In this entry we will offer up some tips and tricks to help you stay positive and sober throughout your recovery.

Anxiety and addiction often go hand in hand. Studies suggest that many addicts experience some type of anxiety; OCD, Social Anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder to name a handful. Addicts often utilize substances to hide or mask these issues in an effort to combat the discomfort associated with the condition. Whether the anxiety is due to un-treated addiction or alcoholism or a separate mental health disorder depends on the individual patient. 

Tips:

1 – Acknowledge your feelings. It may seem difficult or even embarrassing to admit to stress or anxiety during recovery. Understand that this condition is completely normal, and that in order to deal with it properly, it must first be recognized.

2 – Ask yourself what you are stressing about. For example, you may be concerned about the life you’ve left behind or are reliving past traumas hidden by the substance abuse. Narrowing down exactly what you’re anxious about to place you in position to deal with the real issue properly.

3 - Educate yourself. The more you know about anxiety, the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Talk to your counselor, and create a plan to deal with attacks when they come about. The better prepared you are, the easier they will be to brush off.

4 – Focus on something positive! Dive into a good book or hobby. Choosing to immerse yourself in something outside your own head will offer escape and confidence throughout recovery. The more time you devote to living your life, the less time you will have for worry.

5 – Consider a daily journal. For some, putting thoughts to paper can serve as a wonderful stress relief.  It may even help you work through your fears! 

Drug Use & The Celebrity Effect

In a culture obsessed with celebrity, it seems only natural to discuss the effect of Hollywood drug abuse on our nation’s populous. From tabloid magazines to the evening news, salacious tales of partying, excess and dependency only fuel our ever-growing infatuation with the “elite” population class gracing the world stage. 

For many people, celebrities make easier companions than neighbors and friends. Their personal lives on display, many gravitate towards these individuals out of empathy and self-identification. Their fame and stories offer escape from a world perhaps plagued in routine - We discuss their downfalls and triumphs as we might a relative’s – We are proud, disappointed, engaged and consumed.

As a society, we tend to emulate those in the limelight. Unfortunately, some of us have a difficult time separating the fantasy from reality. “Why can’t I be desirable, talented, beautiful and rich, whilst nurturing a mild to moderate prescription drug habit? Seems to work for actor/singer/producer/director Jane Doe Esq., III – Why not me?!”

The issue here is not celebrity, so much as how we consume and digest it. Not every action, outfit and hairstyle need be analyzed, adored and replicated. As humans, we are afforded the ability and right to make ourselves. Though imitation certainly serves as a guide towards many positive paths and experiences (drive, perseverance, accomplishment), it is imperative that we distinguish and learn from celebrity indiscretions rather than absorb as commodity.

If we must emulate our celebrities, we must also acknowledge the fact that drug and alcohol abuse within celebrity culture offers little hope of long-term happiness. By altering the mindset from “glorify” to “study”, we can hope to learn from the trials and tribulations of these individuals rather than repeat them.

Above It All

Searching for drug addiction treatment in Los Angeles, CA? Contact Above it All treatment center today! With a team of seasoned substance abuse specialists available to address your individual needs, you can count on Above it All to have you on the fast track to recovery in no time. Call now!