Many people struggle with an addiction to prescription drugs. This addiction has risen to become one of the most devastating addictions within the United States. One of these drugs is Oxycontin. This drug is classified as an opiate analgesic. This particular drug works by changing the way in which the brain reacts to the nervous system. It is a highly addictive substance and anyone addicted to it should seek help at an opiate addiction detox florida facility. Medical supervision is needed at a detox center to overcome an Oxycontin addiction.
Oxycontin
Oxycontin was first synthesized in Germany in 1916 at the University of Frankfurt. This came after the German company Bayer stopped mass production of heroin. It was hoped that oxycontin would cause less dependency among users. As pain medication, Oxycontin is taken every 12 hours because the tablets contain a controlled, time-release formulation of the medication.
Side Effects
There are many side effects to oxycontin consumption. Most drastically, the drug can cause impotence. It has also been known to cause memory loss, fatigue, headache and anxiety. Prolonged usage of oxycontin can also cause permanent, blurred vision.
Rehabilitation
Anyone who takes oxycontin for more than a couple weeks will naturally develop a physical dependency on the drug. This is caused by a change in the brain that leads to a need to continue taking the medication. Anyone with a physical dependence on oxycontin will endure withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking it. When this occurs, people may need medical assistance to get over their addiction.
Counseling
Those who are addicted to Oxycontin in addition to overcoming their physical dependency must do much soul searching as well. After detox is completed rehabilitation begins, which teaches a person how to relive their life without drugs. Therapy including private and group is very popular at this stage. Many rehabs feature 24 hour care including a medical staff that can help with ongoing withdrawal symptoms as well as caring counselors and staff to assist with residual feelings that drug use tries to hide.
Aftercare
After initial treatment there are a few different choices for aftercare. Many people continue their recovery in a residential setting. They participate in addiction treatment programs in a drug rehabilitation center or hospital program. Some prefer treatment in an outpatient facility.
Oxycontin is a prescription drug and for that reason will not be taken off the market because it is beneficial to those who do not abuse it. However it must be taken with extreme care. If an addiction does develop then there are opiate detox Florida programs available. These programs allow an individual to detox from the drug under the care of a medical team. Addiction is scary and can be very damaging, which is why it’s important to be vigilant and diligent when it comes to opiate prescription medications.