Oxycontin, or oxycodone, is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic. A prescription-only drug, this medication is used for the treatment of significant pain due to surgical procedures, or chronic pain related to cancer. The National Drug Intelligence Center categorizes Oxycontin as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act, indicative of its high potential for abuse. However, the intended population prescribed this drug is the least likely to become addicted. Rather, it has become popular among teens and adults alike with a preference for euphoric recreational drug use. Street names for Oxycontin include 40, 80, blue, hillbilly heroin, kicker, oxycotton, OCs, ox and oxy.
Detoxification
Oxycontin detoxification is ideally a process completed as an in-patient in a drug rehabilitation hospital environment. The withdrawal process from Oxycontin is physically painful, yet rarely fatal. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the initial process takes approximately 10 days, with the worst symptoms peaking at 48 to 72 hours post-dose. Many drug detoxification programs do not use medication to counter the effects of opioids, or to make withdrawal an easier process. However, among those programs that do, buprenorphine or methadone is implemented. Other programs have embraced a more holistic approach, implementing the use of vitamins, minerals and adequate nutrition to decrease symptoms.
Maintenance Programs
Maintenance programs for opioid addiction involve regular and measured doses of a synthetic substitute. Buprenorphine, or Suboxone, and methadone are the most commonly used drugs of this nature. The Office of National Drug Control Policy lists maintenance programs as safe, effective methods of deterring future drug abuse due to the synthetic drug's ability to balance brain and body chemicals, and providing the relief needed during Oxycontin cravings. However, maintenance takes years to accomplish full detoxification and treatment. Yet, the benefit remains its cost effectiveness, deterrence from risk-taking behaviors associated with obtaining drugs illegally, and blocks the euphoric effects of Oxycontin future use should the individual attempt to return to it.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is often employed in the treatment of Oxycontin abuse, as many underlying causes may lead to abuse. Alberta Health Services for example, suggest treatment programs that educate the individual in recognizing potential warning signs and triggers. Acknowledgment of the issues that initiate motivation to use Oxycontin can include boundary establishment between the user and former friends or relatives that use, cognitive behavioral therapy to change coping mechanisms that led to an addiction in the first place, and the implementation of a holistic component that embraces spirituality, fitness, relaxation, stress reduction, respect and self-esteem needed to avoid relapse.
References
- National Drug Intelligence Center; Oxycontin Fast Facts
- National Institute on Drug Abuse; Extended Suboxone Treatment Substantially Improves Outcomes for Opioid-Addicted Young Adults
- The Office of National Drug Control Policy; Methadone Fact Sheet
- Alberta Health Services; Relapse Prevention:Planning for Success
