Physical OxyContin Addiction and Recovery

Naturally occurring chemicals that regulate pain and anxiety are displaced by OxyContin. The body adjusts to the presence of OxyContin and develops a tolerance to the drug, meaning it will take a larger and larger dose to achieve the original effects. Many users will try to recreate the original OxyContin high by increasing dosage or mixing OxyContin with other drugs or alcohol. This greatly speeds up the addiction process and leads to dependence. The resulting physical dependency means that when the drug is not in the user’s system, he or she will experience withdrawal symptoms. It can take anywhere from several days to more than one month for the body to completely finish the detox process and to overcome physical OxyContin addiction.

Psychological OxyContin Addiction and Recovery

OxyContin produces a euphoric high that stimulates the pleasure center in the brain. This is the same area that is responsible for impulse control, emotions and establishing behavioral habits. The brain will want to re-experience this euphoric stimulation, and this is the core of psychological OxyContin addiction. Neural pathways in the brain are rerouted to reinforce the behaviors that lead to the high. These behaviors become signs of OxyContin addiction and include the following:

• Lying to doctors, pharmacists or others to get the drug
• Intense emotional peaks of euphoria and valleys of depression
• Anxiety regarding quitting
• Preoccupation with obtaining and taking OxyContin
• Pain or discomfort when not on OxyContin
• Noticeable change in activity levels (laziness, restlessness, over activity)
• Continued use despite negative physical, relational, financial or legal effects

How OxyContin Rehabilitation Helps

The most successful rehab programs treat the entire person and not just the OxyContin addiction. Medically supervised detox services alleviate withdrawal symptoms and address physical addiction. Dual Diagnosis treatment takes care to diagnose and treat any co-occurring psychological disorders that may be contributing to the addiction or undermining recovery. Integrated rehab uses a wide array of therapeutic techniques to address the psychological aspects of addiction and to introduce and reinforce healthy habits and diversions. Most programs combine these diverse treatments into customized unique plans for each individual person and execute that plan in a healthy and relaxing environment. Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits all solution.

Find OxyContin Rehabilitation Help Today

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s use of OxyContin, call our toll-free helpline. We are ready to answer any questions you have and walk you through the rehab process. We are available 24 hours a day, so there is no reason to waste another day trapped in the cycle of addiction. Restore your relationships, your self-respect and your hopes and dreams. You can do it, and we can help.

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