Teen OxyContin Treatment
OxyContin is a brand name for the drug oxycodone hydrochloride. It is an analgesic in the United States and available only by prescription. It belongs to the Schedule II category of drugs, meaning the potential for abuse is very high. OxyContin treats mild to severe pain that is caused by arthritis, bursitis, cancer, back problems and injuries.
Like many other drug users, you may become addicted to OxyContin if you take more than the prescribed dosage. This can happen if you allow your curiosity to take precedence over your doctor’s instructions, or if you are taking the drug without a doctor’s prescription.
Be aware that teens make up a significant portion of patients at many rehab clinics in the country who have become addicted to OxyContin. It’s a serious addiction that needs to be treated as early as possible to avoid long-term health effects. If you find yourself entangled in OxyContin addition, outside help is available.
Consider calling our helpline on , or fill out our contact form so we can refer you to a reliable OxyContin addiction treatment center.
Signs of Teen OxyContin Addiction
“Most deaths related to OxyContin occur when the drug is used in combination with other drugs, frequently alongside alcohol.”According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, OxyContin use has escalated by 400 percent since 1996. Most deaths related to OxyContin occur when the drug is used in combination with other drugs, frequently alongside alcohol. In the United States, about one million Americans aged 12 and above reported abusing OxyContin at some point in their lives. In 2005, approximately four percent of high school students abused OxyContin.
Parents often find it hard to determine whether or not their teens have become addicted to OxyContin. One reason is that teens deny their addiction to avoid censure from their families and society. However, there are several warning signs that can help parents detect if OxyContin addiction is present. These include poor performance at school, overall change in demeanor and treatment of friends and family, and stopping participation in previously enjoyable activities.
Other signs of addiction to OxyContin include the following:
- Bewilderment
- Lethargy
- Fainting
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of consciousness
- Indifference
- Cold and slimy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bone and muscle pain
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Sleep difficulties
Noticing any of the above signs of OxyContin addiction should prompt parents to seek professional help right away. Our trained advisors at our helpline at can give expert advice on possible treatment options for teen OxyContin addiction.
OxyContin Withdrawal Symptoms
Although OxyContin is a very powerful drug, you will not automatically develop an addiction so long as you observe proper usage and follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage instructions. However, keep in mind that the addiction potential is real, and users abuse the drug due to its euphoric effects.
Prolonged abuse of OxyContin can cause tolerance to develop in your body. Physical and psychological addiction are other threats to take into consideration when you use OxyContin for the long term, even for medical reasons. Once your body has become tolerant to OxyContin, you will need to take increasingly higher dosages to obtain the desired effect. A tolerance to OxyContin does not necessarily mean you are addicted to the drug. Speak with your doctor about your tolerance and alternate pain-relief methods may be prescribed.
Those with a tolerance or addiction to OxyContin may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the medication. These symptoms can be very severe if you suddenly stop taking OxyContin so it’s important to only do so with medical supervision.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cold flashes
- Diarrhea
- Excessive yawning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bone and muscle pain
- Cravings
- Heart palpitations
- Uncontrolled leg movements
Be aware that these symptoms may take place about six hours following your last intake and can persist for weeks. To deal with these symptoms, you should seek detox at a teenage OxyContin addiction treatment facility where medical staff will always be present to help.
OxyContin Rehab for Teens
Many drug users cling to the false belief that they can quit their vice whenever they want to. This is simply not the case for most types of drug addiction. As a teenager, you may find it hard to admit your addiction to your parents out of fear of disapproval. However, the more you hide your problem, the more likely it is that it will get worse over time. To gain freedom from OxyContin addiction, you should seek rehab as soon as possible. With parental support, OxyContin rehab will allow you to live life the way you want.
Rehabilitation for OxyContin addiction is comparable to that of other painkiller addictions. In rehab programs, professionals will first look into the type of addiction you have, be it mental, physical or both. Your rehabilitation process proceeds from that point. Experts will conduct a thorough assessment of your situation to learn what they need to know about the drug you abuse. They may come up with a treatment plan and develop a certain program specifically designed to address your case. Treatment may go alongside other important pursuits, such as keeping you busy with productive and healthy hobbies to get your attention away from your addiction and your focus on living a healthy life.
Addiction Treatment for Teens
There is no single addiction treatment approach that is suitable for everyone. Addiction treatment for teens may differ from the treatment of adults, depending on the specific needs of the patient. However, there are addiction treatment modalities that have shown very high success rates. Every addiction treatment process commences with detoxification. Although detox per se is not a treatment for OxyContin addiction, it serves the important purpose of preparing an addict to advance to the next phase of treatment.
The two most successful treatment solutions for OxyContin addiction are:
- Long-term inpatient treatment
- Long-term medication-assisted outpatient treatment
The main goal of long-term inpatient treatment is to provide you with skills you can use to handle life’s problems so you will be able to pursue your job, education or family reconciliation with ease. Depending on your progress and response to treatment, your length of stay may be from three to 12 months. In a residential setting, you will have the support of the facility’s staff and the other residents. Inpatient treatment for OxyContin typically includes psychological counseling, group therapy and 12-step programs.
Medication-assisted treatment involves the use of a drug to replace OxyContin. This type of treatment has shown positive results in the past, especially when supplemented with psychosocial intervention, regular assessment and support services. The main types of drugs used for medication-assisted OxyContin addiction treatment include agonists, antagonists and partial agonists.
For more information on teen OxyContin addiction and treatment, please feel free to contact us through our helpline at . We are available 24/7 to take your calls.