OxyContin, a known narcotic analgesic, is potentially addictive. OxyContin creates a very strong physical & psychological dependence with its users, similar to that of heroin addiction. OxyContin contains an active component known as Oxycodone which is actually a type of synthetic morphine. The drug is believed to be physiologically addicting & emotionally crippling. OxyContin was designed as a 12-hour time release analgesic. OxyContin abusers usually crush the tablet in order to produce a greater euphoric effect thus bypassing the timed element of the drug. This practice leads to an increase risk for OxyContin addiction and overdose. OxyContin abusers may need a doctor’s assistance in decreasing dosages and dealing with the possible withdrawal symptoms. This is entirely a medical issue. A person who abuses OxyContin on a regular basis, either increasing more than the prescribed dosage or taking the pill for non medical reasons, can potentially develop OxyContin addiction and dependency at the same time. OxyContin drug rehab centers are therefore necessary as soon as addiction is prevalent.

OxyContin Treatment Options

OxyContin addicts have several rehab options to choose from, including:

• Going ‘cold turkey’
• Undergoing a rapid medical drug detox and enrolling in drug rehab either in a outpatient or residential basis
• Taking Suboxone
• Taking methadone

Cold turkey or quitting in your own way is often an abuser’s initial attempt to sobriety but oftentimes fail. Even individuals who went through the first few days of medical drug detox are facing a tough battle with their OxyContin cravings and gear them towards relapse.

Medical Detoxification and OxyContin Addiction Rehab

This is the conventional OxyContin rehab guide treatment option where an addict initially overcomes physical dependence through detox before having counseling therapies. During detox, patients are closely monitored and placed in safe surroundings. Medications are given in order to reduce the effects of withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be fatal and most doctors are on call or located at the facility premises all the time. The withdrawal phase can last for a week. After the detox phase, clients tend to feel better and are now ready to go on with the addiction treatment. Abandoning treatment after detox usually leads to relapse and the need to go through the detox phase all over again. Detox isn’t entirely the treatment, it only allows drug addiction treatment to take its course.

Treatment programs after detox may vary depending on an individual’s needs. There are some who would opt for a residential setting where they can actively get involved in treatment programs inside a rehab facility. Still there are others who would prefer outpatient services. When it comes to finding the right OxyContin rehab program, there is no wrong or right way. The appropriate rehab program would be something that meets an individual’s needs and circumstance. Some of the programs included in most inpatient and outpatient rehab setting include:

• 12 step AA or NA meetings
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy
• Life skills and vocational programs

OxyContin Rapid Detox Programs

Ultra rapid OxyContin detox is designed to shorten the withdrawal period and have less uncomfortable withdrawal effects. A client is usually placed under general anesthesia while removing all trace of OxyContin elements in the body. This type of detox process can sound attractive to some but also has its controversial disadvantages:

• Rapid detox is believed to be very dangerous. Accelerating the removal of OxyContin can be tough on the system and there are some who died under anesthesia.
• Rapid detox is very expensive and may even cost as much as a month’s stay in a drug rehab program.
• There are clients who have reported the same degree of discomfort even after rapid detox.
• Only a few rapid detox practitioners offer rehab treatment and continued care.