ARC, West Los Angeles  California

OxyContin® is a brand name for sustained-release Oxycodone. OxyContin addiction develops due the pharmacologic origins of its primary component Oxycodone. Oxycodone derives its name from codeine and is a highly addictive opioid analgesic medication. Due to this, OxyContin addiction is extremely dangerous and can result in fatality. ARC provides onsite medical detoxification services including the advanced medical protocols of Buprenorphine detox and Subutex detox. If you or someone you know is suffering from OxyContin addiction call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you have and help you to find the recovery resources you need.

Dangers of OxyContin Addiction

OxyContin was first introduced in 1995. Almost immediately, NIDA research teams determined that populations prescribed Oxycontin were showing increasing signs of abuse. This is primarily because OxyContin contains only Oxycodone and inert filler. Abusers were able to simply crush the tablets to circumnavigate the time-release nature of the compound. Once crushed, the Oxycontin could be ingested, snorted or used intravenously to achieve rapid bloodstream absorption.

Unfortunately, OxyContin addicts often mistake the outside coating of the pill as the time release, when in fact it is simply a color code to identify the dosage amount. Due to this the majority of OxyContin-related deaths are attributed to OxyContin addicts ingesting substantial quantities of the drugs primary component, Oxycodone, in combination with another CNS depressant such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

OxyContin addiction primarily develops due the euphoria experienced through its consumption. The effects are similar to that of all opioid-based substances and most similar to those of heroin, thus earning OxyContin the nickname “Hillbilly Heroin.” Potential side effects from ingesting OxyContin include constipation and nausea. However, it has been demonstrated that abusers are not deterred by the risks for fatal overdose or by any potential physical consequences from the drugs consumption. The strong euphoria from the high, coupled with the powerful withdrawal symptoms stemming from the drug absence once addicted, is described by OxyContin addicts to take the place of other human drives such as the need for food and water.

Tolerance to OxyContin develops rapidly as with all Opioids. The inherent danger with OxyContin tolerance is that while increased dosages are required to obtain the subjective “high” the lethal point for ceasing involuntary functions remains the same. (Involuntary functions that control vital mechanisms such as breathing and heartbeat) Consequently, the risk of fatal overdose is intensified the longer a pattern of abuse persists.

Physical Risks Specific to OxyContin Addiction

• A physical risk specific to OxyContin addiction lies in the reality that may people attempt to circumnavigate the time-release nature of the drug to increase the euphoric effects. Unwittingly, this compounds the drugs effects when taken with any other CNS depressant. What seems to be a harmless alcoholic beverage becomes a ticking time-bomb for a potential fatal overdose. Likewise, people who might be prescribed another CNS depressant such as Xanax take the benzodiazepine as always and can unknowingly engage the process of involuntary system shutdown, which can result in coma or fatality.
• Another problem specific to OxyContin addiction stems from the acute withdrawal symptoms from the drug. A sense of desperation develops during the initial onset of withdrawal and this desperation can greatly inhibit a rational decision making process. People addicted often resort to crime or forgery of prescriptions to support their OxyContin habit. Potential legal consequences then result in situations that force the person to detox without the safety of qualified medical detoxification services.

Acute Withdrawal Symptoms from OxyContin

At ARC we provide onsite medical detoxification services for the withdrawal symptoms associated with OxyContin addiction. We treat both acute and post-acute symptoms with medical attention and clinical support. Clients detox in a comfortable, dignified environment under the supervision and support of physicians, nurses and licensed professionals.

Our fundamental understanding of the nature of OxyContin addiction and its subsequent withdrawal symptoms makes our treatment approach comprehensive and unique. Some of the acute symptoms associated with OxyContin withdrawal are.

• Craving
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain
• Leg movements (“kicking”)
• Cold flashes with goose bumps ("cold turkey")

Major withdrawal symptoms for OxyContin addiction peak between 24 and 72 hours after the last dose of the drug and subside after about a week. However, some people show persistent post-acute withdrawal symptoms for many months.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms from OxyContin Addiction

• Craving cycles
• Stress sensitivity
• Memory problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Inability to think clearly
• Physical coordination problems
• Emotional fluctuations or emotional “numbness”
  
  

The primary challenge with post-acute withdrawal symptoms is in their accumulative affect. While traditional drug rehabs support clients experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms by imparting the spiritual philosophy that “this to shall pass” ARC focuses more on medically treating the physical post-acute symptoms and clinically supporting their psychological manifestations. This medical and clinical coupling helps each client overcome OxyContin addiction and to transition into the primary care portion of the program where a durable foundation in recovery can commence to be formed.

Treatment for OxyContin Addiction with ARC is Unique

Prior to arrival each client completes a detailed preliminary assessment with the assistance of credentialed ARC staff. A component of this evaluation process is to determine any medical needs stemming from OxyContin addiction that will need immediate attention upon arrival at the center. Additionally, staff gathers clinical information relevant to the upcoming treatment and in-turn the clinical team is debriefed before each client’s intake on the individual circumstances surrounding the admission to ARC. This brings the clinical picture into focus and helps to assign a primary clinician that will support the client with clinical continuity of care during the detox period.

Once a comfortable detoxification process has been completed the actual treatment program begins. (For more information see Phase 1 Primary Care.)

The ARC treatment philosophy addresses the underlying issues that have contributed to OxyContin addiction. Once these issues have been identified a plan of action is implemented through the development of a personalized treatment plan.

Aside from the general treatment curriculum which includes, but is not limited to; OxyContin addiction education, 12 Step Philosophy and substance abuse counseling, each client receives daily individual sessions with their primary clinician such as:

• Grief Therapy
• Trauma Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Analytical Therapy
• Reflective Therapy
• Insight-Based Therapy
• Reason-Based Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

The individual therapeutic techniques for OxyContin addiction treatment depend upon the underlying issues specific to the circumstances and experiences of each client. Clients and their loved ones may also participate in the family program which helps to reconcile the difficult emotional experiences that have developed during the addictive process.

Once primary care is completed clients may choose to participate in Phase 2 Continuing Care and Phase 3 Extended Care. These programs are designed to meet the ongoing clinical and transitional needs for clients as they continue the journey towards sustained addiction recovery. When time constraints prevent clients from continuing in residential care an aftercare plan is created by the primary clinician that supports clients during reintegration and serves to provide a detailed roadmap for continued recovery.

OxyContin addiction is a serious condition that requires the support of a treatment facility. If OxyContin addiction is uninterrupted there is a strong likelihood of complications that could result in overdose or fatality. If you or a loved one needs help with OxyContin addiction call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will answer any questions you might have.