Oxycontin DETOX treatment FAQS:
Q: I'm not a heavy user of Oxycontin. Do I need to go through detox?
A: Each person's addictive potential is unique. In the same way that some people can drink large amounts of alcohol without becoming intoxicated, the extent of an individual's use of Oxycontin is only one aspect of addiction. Most experts in the field of addiction agree that addiction shows itself not in how much or how often someone uses a drug, but in how they react when they don't have access to it.
Upon entering a treatment center, the staff will perform an intake interview, where the specific course of your treatment will be determined. If the intake counselor determines that detox is appropriate, that decision will be based on experience drawn from successfully hundreds or thousands of previous cases.
Q: What happens during Oxycontin detox?
A: Detox is the process that gives recovery from addiction the greatest chance for success. High levels of Oxycontin or other opioids can be toxic to the body. The primary purpose of detox is to allow all the body's systems to readjust to a drug-free state. As the body detoxifies, physical symptoms similar to influenza (only more intense) can wrack the body. Bone pain, restlessness, vomiting, chills; constipation and diarrhea are common during opioid withdrawal
These symptoms gradually pass within the first 7 to 10 days.
Q: Are there medications that can relieve the symptoms of withdrawal?
A: Almost all treatment centers take exceptional care to mitigate the discomfort patients experience during detox. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to lessen the severity of symptoms. Also, some treatment programs are using relatively new medications that offset the effect of the Oxycontin on the brain.
A fairly new and controversial process known as "rapid detox" is available through some treatment centers. The patient is essentially placed under general anesthesia for 4-6 hours, remaining unconscious while the body experiences the most uncomfortable period of detoxification.