OxyContin® is the brand name for oxycodone. It impacts the opioid receptors in the brain, and it’s addictive. The body builds a tolerance to OxyContin quickly. As a result, people must increase the amount they take to get the same results. This makes their physical dependence on the drug more intense. OxyContin addiction can take hold in a short amount of time. People take OxyContin and other opioid painkillers for legitimate reasons like chronic pain or when recovering from surgery or an injury. But up to 29% of people will experience prescription drug abuse, according to The National Institute on Drug Abuse. Research shows that 80% of people who abuse opioid painkillers will go on to abuse illegal substances, if they do not seek help. OxyContin withdrawal symptoms start within 8 to 12 hours of last use. It is dangerous to go through OxyContin withdrawal cold turkey. Without medical help, most people’s attempts fail. Then relapse happens due to intense withdrawal symptoms. There are safe ways to go through OxyContin withdrawal. It requires medical drug detox and medical supervision. Detox should be followed by addiction treatment at a rehab facility.
OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms
In OxyContin detox, you can expect compassionate care and comfort. Medical experts minimize the symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal, which may include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Heart racing
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Intense anxiety
- Aches in bones and muscles
- Cramps and diarrhea
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Acute pain (without the drug)
- Cravings
- Depression
A Safe Way to Go Through OxyContin Withdrawal
You may be afraid to go through OxyContin withdrawal and detox. Or perhaps you have experienced OxyContin withdrawal, without assistance, in the past. This may have made you put off addiction treatment. Finding the right treatment facility can help you get through OxyContin withdrawal in the most comfortable way possible. You also need to remove yourself from the environment and triggers that led to drug abuse. For many people, this is why inpatient rehab is the best option. When working with a facility that has experience with OxyContin withdrawal and detox you can expect a well-rounded, evidenced-based approach to addiction treatment. Your personalized treatment plan may include:
- Full assessment of your medical and psychological condition
- One-on-one counseling, group therapy and family programs
- Diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring conditions (if you’ve been taking more than one type of drug, or are struggling with mental health issues)
The first part of the process is getting the drug out of your system so you can thrive in recovery.
Compassionate Medical Care
In medical detox, you’ll get support from a medical team. This team offers replacement medications for OxyContin withdrawal. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease your symptoms. Other medications may be used as clinically indicated. This is called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Treatment for withdrawal symptoms may include medicines to ease:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Muscle aches and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
OxyContin withdrawal symptoms can be eased with a comprehensive opiate addiction treatment program. FDA approved, evidence-based approaches include: Suboxone® (buprenorphine). This medication can ease the cravings and pain of opiate withdrawal symptoms. It also blocks the ability to get high from OxyContin or illicit opioid drugs for as long as you are on Suboxone. Vivitrol® (naltrexone). This is an injectable medication that binds to brain receptors. It can ease withdrawal symptoms. But it can also lead to overdose if you are on Vivitrol and take other opiates. Methadone. This prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone has high potential for abuse and must be monitored medically. It also requires a tapering process when stopping this form of medication-assisted treatment.
Safe, Comfortable Detox
OxyContin withdrawal and detox doesn’t need to be dangerous or painful. Evidence-based medications and alternative therapies can keep you safe and comfortable. With treatment options like medication-assisted treatment, therapy and therapeutic massage, it’s easier to get through the initial phases of OxyContin withdrawal. It takes time to complete Oxycontin detox. OxyContin withdrawal symptoms need to be managed weeks and months after medical detox. This depends on how long you have been on the drug and what other drugs you have taken. With the right addiction treatment center and recovery plan, you can reclaim your life.