A Dangerous Trend
OxyContin addiction is a serious problem that affects thousands of Americans each year. Many individuals who suffer from prescription drug addiction want to get help, but do not know where to start. Some withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they require medical intervention.
If you or someone you know is addicted to OxyContin, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or even hopeless. With professional treatment from a rehabilitation center, however, it is possible to overcome this addiction and life a full, active life.
Why is OxyContin so addictive?
OxyContin is a narcotic pain reliever prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. The active ingredient is the synthesized painkiller oxycodone, which is very similar to heroin or morphine. When used as prescribed, this medication is released slowly over a 12-hour period to provide a steady level of prolonged pain relief.
Individuals who abuse OxyContin chew or inhale crushed tablets, which produce an intense rush similar to abusing heroin or morphine. This instant feeling of euphoria is highly addictive. For individuals suffering from physical pain or feelings of hopelessness, prescription drugs can quickly become the only thing allowing them to function day-to-day. This physical and psychological addiction is dangerous and difficult to overcome without medical treatment.
How to Treat OxyContin Addiction
Withdrawing from OxyContin is extremely difficult. In addition to a powerful psychological craving, individuals may suffer severe physical side effects that require medical intervention. In order to overcome this addiction, it is essential to seek treatment from a qualified drug rehabilitation center.
The first step towards overcoming prescription drug addiction is to admit that there is a problem. Recognizing the signs of addiction and acknowledging drug abuse is difficult, but essential. Once an individual has acknowledged the addiction, it is possible to seek professional help from a rehabilitation center.
Assisted withdrawal is the next step to overcoming prescription drug addiction. Physical withdrawal and other withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Muscle spasms
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Additionally, individuals must battle a powerful psychological craving. Sheer willpower alone is not enough to overcome these withdrawal symptoms. A drug treatment center and trained specialists can help an individual through this challenging process.
Following the physical withdrawal process, a psychological desire to abuse this drug will still remain. Drug counseling and treatment programs will address the issues underlying drug abuse and prepare individuals to live a drug-free life using our alternative treatment methods. These programs may include holistic counseling, life skills courses, and coping strategies to help individuals stay sober after they leave the rehabilitation center.
Prescription Drug Rehab Saves Lives
The number of deaths from opioid-painkillers like OxyContin has more than tripled in the last decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Individuals who abuse prescription drugs are at increased risk for drug overdose and death.
If you or someone you know is abusing prescription drugs, a rehabilitation program is essential to overcoming this addiction. Professional drug counselors will provide the support an individual needs to succeed through medically supervised withdrawal, psychological counseling, and aftercare programs. With the right treatment program, success is possible.
About Author
Pete Lortz is an achieved writer specializing in the addiction treatment industry. He often contributes articles to Top Rehabs. Pete is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys skiing and rollerblading in his off time.