Oxycontin Addiction Withdrawal
OxyContin is a powerful, highly addictive opiate pain killer that, if abused, can very easily lead to addiction, overdose and in many cases, death.
OxyContin made a huge impact on the prescription pain killer market because of its 12 hour time release method for delivering its active ingredient, oxycodone. This new, longer pain relief formula allowed those suffering from chronic or intense pain receive almost four times the level of treatment than they were with more traditional painkillers. The serious problems with OxyContin occurred when people began abusing the drug for non-medicinal purposes. Instead of waiting for the 12-hour time release of the medication, many individuals were chewing, snorting or injecting the OxyContin so that they could feel the entire impact of the drug at one time. This heavy dosage level lead to many emergency room visits and deaths.
It is essential that people who are addicted to OxyContin stop taking the drug before it ruins (or potentially ends) their life. But in order to detoxify from OxyContin, an individual will almost certainly have to endure a series of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from OxyContin occurs when the mind and body are looking for the drug they have become accustomed to – and are unable to find it. This manifests itself in a series of physical and psychological symptoms.
How to Treat Oxycontin Withdrawal
The following are the most common withdrawal symptoms experienced by those detoxing from OxyContin:
- Exhaustion: Feeling tired or fatigued
- Sweats: Hot or cold sweating throughout the day
- Heart palpitations
- Joint or muscle ache
- Constant yawning
- Nausea: The individual may feel very queasy and even experience bouts of vomiting
- Coughing: loud, uncontrollable coughing
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia: Individual may be very restless in the days after he stops taking OxyContin.
- Depression and anxiety: The two most common psychological effects of detox from OxyContin.
Although the length and intensity of these OxyContin withdrawal symptoms may vary (according to the length and level of the addiction) the symptoms most commonly begin in the 4-8 hours after the last dose of OxyContin and last generally for about a week.
The detox process and withdrawal symptoms associated with OxyContin have been compared by many addicts to the detoxification process that occurs with ending heroin use. (In fact, one of the common street names of OxyContin is "Hillbilly Heroin".)
At Michael's House, we know how difficult OxyContin withdrawal can be. Our caring, trained staff can help you get clean and stay clean. Michael's House understands OxyContin use and drug addiction – and the emotional and psychological conditions that can lead to despair, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. We are here to help you. We are experts who care. Call us at .
When you, a loved one, or a client is sick and dealing with the diseases of addiction and/or mental illness, getting help is critical. The decision about whether to seek alcohol rehab or drug rehab is very important and is an essential part of beginning recovery. Do you or a loved one need help? Our Call Center is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions and help with the admissions process. You may also send a confidential e-mail or have a secure, private Live Chat with a representative.
