Kicking Substance Abuse and Getting Help

"No one has ever regretted getting sober" ~ McKay

via Above it All Treatment

The Effects Of Prolonged OxyContin Abuse

One of the most frightening aspects of OxyContin abuse is that the effects may pop up randomly during the addiction cycle. First time users can easily overdose due to over consumption causing excessive binding of the neurotransmitters. As such, even in instances where abuse does not occur initially, the side effects associated with use can include confusion, pupil dilation, breathing issues, fatigue and weakness.

The later stages of abuse can result in a slowed heart rate, nausea, gastrointestinal issues and loss of consciousness. It is in these types of instances that addicts should consider detox by way of a reputable substance abuse rehabilitation facility.

Additionally, prolonged OxyContin abuse works to alter the chemical makeup of the addict’s brain; ultimately rerouting particular neural pathways. In some instances, it may take months following detox for the effects on the neural pathways to wear off… though specialists debate whether the alterations to the brain can ever be completely rectified.

Perhaps the scariest association with prolonged OxyContin abuse lies in post-detox patients. Many addicts who relapse back on OxyContin following detoxification will do so with the same amounts used prior to their initial recovery. Because the tolerance of the individual has worn down, the addict faces a high risk of overdose, respiratory failure and death.

If you or someone you know are dealing with an OxyContin addiction, your best option is to contact a specialized OxyContin rehab facility to help you address the addiction in a safe and healthy manner. Not only will these facilities be able to provide you with detox services, but education and techniques to help counter to addiction long-term. And over time, many facilities are able to help addicts gain an understanding of happiness, fulfillment and clarity without the addiction distraction. 

5 Rehab Myths

When it comes to drug and alcohol rehab, there are a number of myths to weed through. In this entry, we will outline some of the most common rehab and addiction myths to help shed some light on the recovery process.

1 – An addict must hit their “bottom” in order to receive help.

Fact: Most facilities, experts and counselors agree that a user, addict or abuser is not required to hit rock bottom in order to rehabilitation to be effective. In truth, the sooner an individual seeks treatment for their addictions, the better the response will be.

2 – Addicts must attend rehab on a voluntary basis to achieve a successful outcome.

Fact: A number of addicts are forced into rehabilitation programs through court order. Does this mean the treatment will not be as effective? Certainly not. When an addict is admitted to rehab, either by choice or force, it is the job of the facility to help ensure a positive outcome through counseling, therapy and combative means in addressing the addiction.

3 – Rehab is expensive

Fact: It doesn’t have to be. If you are unsure whether you will be able to afford the costs of treatment, a little research can go a long way. If you have health insurance, it pays to search for an addiction treatment that accepts Blue Cross, Aetna, or Value Options. If you lack insurance, you may consider financing options. In addition, there are a variety of government sponsored treatment programs available to those who seek them. Where there is a will, there is a way.

4 – There Is Only One Way To Address Addiction

Fact: For every different type of person, experience and drug, there is a different road to recovery. As such, it’s important to locate a facility that is experienced and able to properly address the addiction at hand. Find yourself a reputable facility and seek out admissions information for rehab treatment. There, you will be able to assess whether or not the philosophies, activities and methods used by the facility and staff meet your individual needs and goals.

5 – Relapse = Restart

Fact:  When a recovering addict goes through a relapse situation, they will often feel depressed and discouraged. These feelings are often compounded in cases where addicts have worked to maintain their sobriety for an extended period of time. While many addicts may feel they must begin their recovery from square one, the truth couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, studies show that the more an addict attempts to remain sober, even in cases of relapse, the better their chances of remaining sober long-term. 

Choosing Your OxyContin Rehab Facility

If you or someone you know is dealing with an addiction to OxyContin, the first step towards recovery is locating a reputable addiction treatment center. A variety of options are available, including public and private facilities with low to no costs associated with enrollment. In order to locate the best facility, you’ll need to do some research. In the following entry, we will walk you through the process involved in choosing an OxyContin rehab facility.

Step 1 – Determine whether to seek outpatient or inpatient care. Outpatient facilities allow patients to love at home and maintain a job / daily routine during the program. Inpatient facilities require patients to reside at the facility for the duration of treatment.

Step 2 – Take a good look at your financial situation. If you are concerned about the costs associated with treatment, keep a lookout for rehabs that take insurance. Many health care providers offer assistance for clients seeking rehabilitation help, and may even be able to offer assistance in locating a facility. If you lack insurance through your employer, you may want to consider rehab accepting Value Options… an independent behavioral health care and wellness company. 

Step 3 – Locate a facility that offers a variety of therapies. Going into the process, you may not know which type of therapy serves you best. By choosing a facility will customized treatment plans, you can rest easy knowing your options are covered.

Step 4 – Find out specifics in regard to aftercare. A reputable facility will help patients during a following treatment. The costs associated with aftercare should be part of the total cost amount and include regular check-ins and therapy.

Step 5 – If you find yourself interested in multiple facilities, it’s never a bad idea to schedule a tour. This will allow you to gain a first-hand look at the property and discuss possible treatment options with the staff. If you find yourself feeling anxious or uncomfortable, you’ll know to look elsewhere.

OxyContin Abuse Effects

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.

Medical Use

OxyContin is typically prescribed to alleviate excessive pain. When the drug is taken as directed, users are able to utilize it to their benefit. Patients choosing to exceed the recommended dosage or use the drug recreationally put themselves at high risk for addiction and abuse.

Short Term Effects

The effects of short-term OxyContin use include vomiting, nausea, dizziness, perspiration, dry or “cotton” mouth, constipation, and extreme relaxation. A single large dose of OxyContin is enough to cause ventilation issues… and even death.

Long-Term Effects

After a long enough period, OxyContin addicts are able to develop a tolerance. As a result, users commonly use more at a time to achieve the same high. Long-term users who attempt to reduce or halt their intake abruptly will often begin going through withdrawal.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The symptoms associated with OxyContin withdrawal commonly include muscle aches, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, goose bumps and chills. Those intent on overcoming an OxyContin addiction are encouraged to seek out admissions information for rehab treatment.

Rehab

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. Where finances pose an issue, patients have the option of locating an addiction treatment that accepts Blue Cross, Value Options, Aetna or other common coverage plans.

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.

If you or someone you know is suffering from an OxyContin addiction, it’s never too late to fight. Locate a reputable rehab facility that specializes in OxyContin addiction and contact them to find out about their health coverage options and philosophies.