Prescription opioid abuse is so common today that it has become known as an epidemic. Since it’s such a prevalent issue, it’s important to remain knowledgeable about these types of drugs. The information below will specifically discuss factors regarding Oxycodone vs OxyContin. Moreover, we will also talk about the common signs of an addiction.
Understanding Opioids and Their Effects
Sometimes called narcotics, opioids are drugs that treat severe pain. Sometimes used for pain after surgery, migraines or even chemotherapy pain prevention, opioids block pain messages sent from the brain. Some types of opioids are made from natural substances and others are completely synthetic. However, the one common thread between all types of opioids is they have a high 
potential for abuse and addiction. Because of this risk of addiction, doctors who prescribe them closely monitor patient’s dosages.
Oxycodone vs. OxyContin
Oxycodone is a very common type of opiate that is often used in pain medications such as Percocet and Percodan. OxyContin is the brand name for extended-release Oxycodone that is prescribed by doctors. Both relieve pain but OxyContin works for a longer time by slowly releasing the oxycodone into the body to block the pain from brain receptors.
Both are highly addictive substances and can easily cause an individual to become dependent on it for relief. Out of all the drugs containing Oxycodone, OxyContin has the highest risk of causing addiction. Because of the OxyContin’s extended-release, the effects are the most long-lasting especially when mixed with other substances. It can be crushed up and snorted or mixed with a liquid and injected through a vein with a needle.
Signs of an Opiate Addiction
No matter what brand name of opioid drugs is being taken, various signs will hallmark an addiction. For example, consider the signs in the following list:
Seclusion from Others: People struggling with an addiction may want to be alone the majority of the time. In addition, they also lose interest in hobbies they previously enjoyed.
Possible Depression or Anxiety: In some cases, addiction can bring about a co-existing mental health condition. For example, some people suffer from accompanying depression and anxiety when they face an addiction.
Physical Changes: Physical changes are common and can include many things. Some people may not be interested in bathing, brushing their hair, or handling other self-care tasks. Others may develop rashes, red eyes, dark circles from a lack of sleep, or other common changes.
Seeing Multiple Doctors: Opioid medications are controlled substances because they are highly addictive. This means that doctors will only prescribe a specific amount of these drugs to each individual. Since people facing an addiction will grow tolerant of their current dosage, they may try to acquire prescriptions from several different doctors.
Proper Treatment for Opiate Abuse
If you are facing a serious OxyContin addiction, you’re not alone. In fact, many people struggle with this devastating disease. However, you can overcome the challenges ahead through support and proven treatment.
Treatment for opiate abuse can include many different facets. Specifically, personal counseling, group therapy, and behavioral therapy techniques can all come together to create an effective treatment plan. The important thing to realize is that a treatment center will be able to create a program that addresses your specific problem areas.
Available Treatments at CRVC
Our team at CRVC believes in encouraging our patients to be self-sufficient, independent individuals by the time opiate rehab has been completed. In order to become fully functional again, therapies will be required for an individual to the east back into a normal lifestyle. Some of our therapies included are:
Family Counseling Programs: in these programs, family members are brought in to help both the patient and relative understand a better way to cope with recovery. Both parties are able to share thoughts and feelings on the subject, and the program helps to bond one another closer together. This shows the recovering addict they have a long-lasting support system after rehab completion.
Individual Therapy: This therapy allows the patient to talk solely with their therapist about things they may not feel comfortable sharing among others. This oftentimes helps patients to process the emotional side of past situations that ultimately may have helped lead them to their addiction.
Group Therapy: This is another term for a group meeting setting. Primarily verbal to allow patients to interact with one another and share stories of their recoveries and experiences while using. This gives the patient support from people going through similar situations.
Dual-Diagnosis Therapy: oftentimes, patients are diagnosed with multiple disorders at the same time as having an anxiety disorder while also having a substance disorder. This therapy treats both disorders at the same time and allows the patient to decrease the time spent in our rehab facility.
We also offer recreational therapies, meditation techniques, acupuncture and holistic treatments that focus on relieving the mind and body of unwanted stress that may have caused the addiction in the first place.
Detoxification
Once an individual suffering from substance addiction is placed into a rehabilitation center, the first step to recovery will be a process called detoxification. Detoxification is the medical process of slowly weaning an addicted individual off of the substance they have been abusing. Over time, this process eliminates drugs or alcohol from the patient’s body.
During this process, the patient will experience physical and mental symptoms called “withdrawal symptoms.” The symptoms can be very painful and include things like increased heart rates, profusely sweating and even seizures in some cases. Once this process has been completed, the treated patient will be transferred over to a rehabilitation facility to begin professionally recommended treatments for their addiction disorders.
Here at CRVC, we never recommend individuals to try to detox by themselves at home. We are partnered with a detoxification facility that will offer the recommended length of stay and will oversee each stage of the process to ensure detoxification completion.
Inpatient Treatment
Residential inpatient treatment is the highest level of treatment available, and it is what people typically associate with the word “rehab.” This type of care is recommended to anyone with a more severe addiction problem, and patients will spend long lengths of time in a treatment facility. Medical professionals monitor them around the clock to ensure their safety, as well.
There are a lot of instances when residential rehab is a better fit. If a person has a history of relapsing easily after completing time in rehab, inpatient rehab is probably a better option. Treatment in inpatient facilities is intensive enough for these individuals because they require constant supervision in order to not fall back into old patterns. It is also a great option for people who face constant temptation in their everyday lives like living with roommates or family members who also abuse the substance.
Outpatient Treatment
There are two main types of outpatient rehab: general outpatient and intensive outpatient. When someone is admitted into general outpatient rehab, this means they still have flexibility within their schedule. They are able to time their counseling sessions and attend their meetings around their already existent outside activities. As opposed to inpatient facilities that have around the clock care, outpatient intensive rehab facilities are similar but focus more on mild addictions that can be treated over a longer period of time.
Most of the rehabilitation process is through support groups and counseling. The attendee will go about their regular day-to-day life while still going to counseling or group meetings 3 days a week. Most outpatient programs require around 4-6 of therapy as well as checking in with counselors on a regular basis.
At Crest View, we believe outpatient rehab is a great alternative to inpatient for individuals who want to maintain their daily routine or have to hold a job to support their family or want to stay in school so they can achieve their degree. It is also a great way to continue therapy once inpatient treatment is completed. Outpatient treatment is much less costly than that of inpatient intensive treatment because it does not require the patient to live on the premises of where the rehabilitation is taking place.
Although it is very beneficial for some individuals, there are a lot of instances when outpatient rehab is not the best fit for someone looking to be treated for their addiction. If a person has a history of relapsing easily after completing time in rehab, outpatient treatment is probably not a sufficient option. Treatment is not intensive enough for these individuals because they require constant supervision in order to not fall back into old patterns.
About Crest View Recovery Center
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Crest View Recovery Center is a respected rehab facility. Utilizing a special type of reality therapy, CVRC can tackle the serious challenges that come along with addiction treatment. Moreover, holistic treatment options and a peaceful environment promote ultimate healing.
End your addiction once-and-for-all. With the proper substance abuse treatment programs, you can overcome your opioid addiction problems. Call 866.327.2505 to discover how the professionals at Crest View can help you today.