How Long Do OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
When users are physically dependent on OxyContin, their bodies begin to feel out of balance without the drug’s presence. These users will often experience withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop using OxyContin. Due to personal variances in metabolism, detoxification and other biological factors, recovering OxyContin addicts do not all experience withdrawal in the same way.
Types of OxyContin Withdrawal
The two types of OxyContin withdrawal are acute and protracted. Acute withdrawal often occurs immediately after halting the drug use. Many addicts also experience protracted withdrawal, which may occur after the acute withdrawal period ends.
Acute withdrawal from OxyContin can begin as soon as six hours after the last dose is taken and commonly lasts from four to ten days. The symptoms of acute withdrawal may include the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Depression
OxyContin Detoxification
Professional medical supervision can help addicts go through the detoxification process safely and effectively. Doctors can help monitor symptoms and provide relief. Undergoing detox with medical supervision can also decrease the risk of a patient succumbing to cravings for OxyContin. Returning to OxyContin use after the body has begun to restore a healthy level of drug tolerance during detox can increase the risk of overdose.
Detoxification is often the first stage of a comprehensive addiction treatment plan. It can help to prepare patients for further rehabilitation therapy, which can lead to lasting recovery. Professional treatment offers patients education in areas such as relapse prevention skills, what to expect during and after rehab and how to identify underlying factors that may have contributed to the addiction.
Protracted OxyContin Withdrawal
While protracted withdrawal is not experienced by all patients, many recovering addicts continue to experience some symptoms for a prolonged period of time. This is commonly due to drug-induced changes in the brain and central nervous system which may be slow to heal. Users who experience protracted withdrawal may suffer from sleep disturbances, irritability, anxiety and depression for weeks or months after the detox process.
It is vital to distinguish between withdrawal-related mental issues and co-occurring disorders which can be treated with help from Dual Diagnosis therapy. A rehab program that offers integrated Dual Diagnosis treatment can help patients to better understand their own symptoms and treatment needs. Comprehensively treating mental health conditions during the addiction treatment process can help increase the chances of lasting recovery.
Find Lasting Recovery from OxyContin Addiction
If you or someone you love is struggling with OxyContin addiction or withdrawal, please call our toll-free helpline now. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about addiction and withdrawal and to help you find the best treatment options for your situation. Please call now.
