Oxycontin Withdrawal Treatments
Recovering from opiates, including prescription narcotic pain relievers such as Oxycontin, can be difficult. Opiate withdrawal may create a horrible discomfort, become exceedingly painful, and may even be dangerous in long-term, heavy users. There are different types of Oxycontin withdrawal treatments available to help users quit this potentially dangerous drug.
Different Types of Oxycontin Withdrawal Treatments
When quitting Oxycontin use, a person can choose to quit on their own “cold turkey. On the other hand, a person may wish to receive help in the form of an outpatient or inpatient detoxification program. These programs are often available with or without the use of medical treatment to help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms that may be experienced. When choosing from Oxycontin withdrawal treatments, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect from the detox process.
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Oxycontin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawing from Oxycontin can be exceedingly painful and uncomfortable. It is important to note that complications can occur that can be dangerous, such as aspiration of vomit, especially while sleeping. There is also a risk of overdose if the user returns to use once the body has decreased its tolerance while withdrawing from the drug. The most common withdrawal symptoms are:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Sleep disturbances
- Hot and cold sweats
- Abdominal pains,cramping, and diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
At Home Oxycontin Withdrawal Treatments
You can choose to quit cold turkey or get some prescription help from a qualified professional on an outpatient basis. If you choose to go alone, be sure to have a friend or relative stay with you for assistance, support, and emergency situations. Stock up on over the counter remedies that include pain relievers, and antihistamine, anti-diarrhea and anti-nausea meds, as well as sleeping pills if necessary. Check with your physician to see what will work best for you. Most symptoms should subside with a few days to a week. If you have trouble quitting at home, you might benefit from an inpatient detox program with around the clock care and support.
Medication Assisted Oxycontin Withdrawal Treatments
In both inpatient and outpatient settings, there are special medications that might be used to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms experienced after quitting opiates. However, these medications also carry the risk of being addictive, though they are less addictive than narcotics such as Oxycontin. Opiate replacements, such as methadone, allow users to maintain their lives while quitting opiates. Opioid agonists, such as buprenorphine and naloxone, take the place of opiates in the brain, prevent opiates from affecting the user, and decrease the length of time of the detoxification process in the body. Other effective methods also exist to treat withdrawal symptoms as they occur to help people feel more comfortable during withdrawals.