Detox From Oxycontin – Dangers & Help
When detoxing from OxyContin, it is important to be prepared and to know what to expect. Quitting prescription pain killers can be an extremely uncomfortable and even painful process due to the potential for withdrawal symptoms.
Choosing How to Detox from OxyContin
There are different methods for detoxing from OxyContin. You may wish to quit “cold turkey” with no outside assistance or you may wish to receive help through an inpatient or outpatient detox program. If you choose outside detox treatment, many facilities offer several different types of medications to help with withdrawal symptoms or even medications that can block or reduce the effects of opiates, such as OxyContin.
Read more: Drug Addiction Detox
Why Detox from OxyContin?
The detoxification process is the first step to take when you wish to quit using drugs. If you wish to get help for an addiction, many drug treatment programs require that you complete the detoxification process and be clean and free of drugs before you can start the program. Some treatment facilities offer detox as a part of the treatment program. Even if you are trying to quit using drugs on your own, when you first quit, your body will go through the detoxification process as remnants of the drug leave your body. This process can be difficult and often results in people going back to drug use just to avoid the withdrawal symptoms that are experienced.
Receiving Outside Assistance for Detox
If you are going to receive inpatient or outpatient detoxification help, speak with a qualified professional from the detox program to find out what to expect with their help. Outpatient programs can provide support or medications to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient detox facilities can offer around the clock care and support, with or without the use of medications. Your family doctor might even be able to prescribe you something to help during this process.
Making Preparations for Detox from OxyContin
It is important to know what to expect in the detoxification process beforehand so that you can be prepared. Make arrangement for a trusted friend or family member to stay with you as much as possible during the detoxification process. This will allow for support, help with daily chores, and for assistance in an emergency situation. Be sure to have at least a week’s worth of healthy foods and beverages available, though you may not feel much like eating at first. It is also important to have some over the counter products on hand to deal with withdrawal symptoms, including pain relievers, antihistimines, anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea, and sleeping aids. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety and agitation
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Aches and pains
- Heart palpitations
- Coughing fits
- Sleep disturbances
- Hot and cold sweats
- Extreme fatigue
By being prepared, you increase your chance of successful detox from OxyContin.
