California OxyContin Rehab: What to Expect

Statistics show that an estimated 20 percent of Americans have abused prescription drugs. One of the most frequently abused prescription painkillers is OxyContin, a powerful opioid painkiller that can be highly addictive if abused. OxyContin abuse has grown across the country, especially among teens, thanks to the cheap, quick and powerful high it creates from snorting or injecting crushed OxyContin pills. For this reason, OxyContin is often referred to as ‘Hillbilly Heroin.’

If taken properly, OxyContin is an effective treatment for pain; but once a patient starts using OxyContin beyond the recommended dose or in order to get high, an addiction is likely to occur. If you or someone you love is caught in the grip of OxyContin addiction, an OxyContin rehab center can help break the addiction’s powerful hold and return your life back to you. Here’s what you can expect from a California OxyContin rehab center.

California OxyContin Rehab Centers: Detox

The first step of OxyContin rehab is to enter a detoxification program. OxyContin is an opiate that’s derived from the same chemical base as heroin. Just like heroin withdrawal, OxyContin withdrawal can be painful and difficult. During the detox process, the individual will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms as the body is rid of all the harmful toxins left behind from the opiate abuse. The intensity of OxyContin withdrawal depends on the degree of addiction. Chronic abusers of OxyContin can experience severe withdrawal symptoms that are similar to the intensity of heroin withdrawal if they suddenly quit using the drug. These withdrawal symptoms can begin as soon as six hours after the last dose and can last as long as a week. The most common OxyContin withdrawal symptoms are flu-like symptoms, severe stomach cramps, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

The entire detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible. For chronic abusers, this might include assisted medical detox using medicines such as methadone, bupreorphine, chlondine or suboxone to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

California OxyContin Rehab Centers: Treatment

After detox, treating the mental addiction to OxyContin can begin. Some abusers will be so mentally dependent on the effects of the drug that they will convince themselves they need OxyContin in order to survive, so the most effective treatment for OxyContin addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the OxyContin addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce OxyContin abuse. Some California OxyContin rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga, acupuncture and equine therapies to help you reconnect your body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.

California OxyContin Rehab Centers: Residential and Sober Living

When seeking treatment for OxyContin addiction, it is often best to receive care at a residential treatment center and continue your first few months of recovery at a California sober living facility.

There are many benefits of residential treatment, but perhaps the biggest benefit is that it provides a structured environment that’s free of temptations, distraction and access to OxyContin so that the mental addiction can be broken. Residential treatment for OxyContin addiction provides round-the-clock care and support to help you focus on your recovery and teach you the skills needed to live a drug-free life. It also provides a temporary escape from the daily stresses and responsibilities of home, work, family and other relationships so you can solely focus on recovery.

Sober living is often a good follow-up to any effective California OxyContin rehabilitation center. It allows you to live in a clean, sober environment so that you can re-learn how to live a life without drugs and alcohol during the delicate first months of recovery. Sober living is often recommended for people who have just completed residential treatment and are at risk for relapsing if they return home.

If OxyContin addiction has a hold of your life or the life of a loved one, a California OxyContin rehabilitation center can finally set you free. Call one today and start the healing process.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.