OxyContin Detoxification 101

OxyContin is a continuous-release opiate painkiller that is provided in capsule form and intended to be taken twice a day for moderate to severe pain relief. Although OxyContin has only been on the market for a short time (since 1995), it has quickly become a drug that is commonly manipulated and abused.

What is OxyContin Detoxification like?

For the majority of those addicted to the drug, OxyContin detoxification begins with physical detoxification. Detoxification is safest when conducted under the surveillance of a medical doctor. Without the help of a doctor during detox, symptoms of withdrawal are a real and overwhelming factor. Although these symptoms are not fatal, they are incredibly distressful on the body and mind. Symptoms for every individual may vary, but are commonly:

Severe agitation
Anxiety
Tremors
Hot and cold flashes
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscle aches

In many cases, the concentration of the symptoms will coincide with the dosages and the speed of withdrawal.

Who Needs OxyContin Detoxification and When?

While anyone can become addicted to OxyContin, some people may be more susceptible to addiction, especially those who have had a drug abuse or addiction problem in the past or those with a genetic predisposition for addiction. Even if you have these issues, you may still be prescribed OxyContin, though your doctor should monitor you closely. If you find that you are preoccupied with taking the drug, take a higher dose than prescribed, go "doctor shopping" to get multiple prescriptions for OxyContin or other opioid-based prescription drugs or increase your dosing schedule without authorization from your doctor, then the person needing OxyContin detoxification is you.

How is Buprenorphine Used in OxyContin Detoxification?

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, is a successful tool in OxyContin detox. This drug is similar enough to other opiates to block the nerve receptors and dissipate withdrawal symptoms, but different in that it doesn't offer the same euphoric high. Buprenorphine alone in the form of Subutex is subject to abuse among those who are not addicted to opiates, so Suboxone was developed, combining buprenorphine with the opiate antagonist naloxone, to decrease the chance of opiate abuse during OxyContin detox.

One of the benefits of Suboxone is that it makes OxyContin addiction treatment attainable for many who in the past may have only had the option of going to a methadone clinic or becoming an inpatient in a rehabilitation facility. Suboxone is available through a prescription provided by a certified physician. This means you can take it on a truly outpatient basis without the time commitment associated with most outpatient drug addiction programs that require you to attend drug education classes, support group meetings and the like. Though those are still good ideas to help you strengthen your chances of success during OxyContin detox, a Suboxone treatment allows you to implement these measures at your leisure and according to your own schedule.

OxyContin Detoxification at Meditox

At Meditox, our goal is to help you successfully detox from OxyContin and remain drug free when your detox is complete. Our program requires a commitment of only one appointment but we offer 24-hour telephone support should you need advice, encouragement or a referral to specialists or therapists in your area. All of our doctors at Meditox are fully trained and certified to provide their patients with a prescription Suboxone and a fully individualized treatment plan. Call Meditox today to get started.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

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“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way."

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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