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 Symptoms
of Addiction
When patients take OxyContin as prescribed, for adequate control of
their pain, they are not abusing the drug. As the pain decreases, the
need for the medication also decreases. Most healthy, non-drug abusing
patients do not experience euphoria, probably because the drug is
working as intended – to relieve pain. However, when patients take
more of the medication than needed, or to get “high”, or contrary to
their doctor’s prescription, they are abusing the drug and face the
risk of addiction. Oxycontin and other drugs that contain Oxycodone
can be highly addictive and dangerous as the compulsive use of the
drug causes adverse physical, psychological and social consequences.
Physical dependence is characterized by withdrawal symptoms if the
drug is unavailable, and an increased tolerance to the medication.
OxyContin ® addiction also manifests itself psychologically. Because
prolonged OxyContin use alters the brain’s ability to experience
pleasure and other impulses, the addict’s decision-making ability and
judgment become impaired. Their prime motivation and preoccupation is
the use and pursuit of the drug. As the addiction takes priority,
users disconnect and become more withdrawn and uncommunicative. They
may feign pain or “doctor shop” in order to obtain a prescription.
Disorientation, depression, guilt and desperation are other symptoms
of addiction. Some may forge prescriptions and even resort to crime in
order to use or sell the drug.
Treatment
The goal of OxyContin addiction treatment is to completely eliminate
drug use, and help to restore the addict to physical and mental
health. With abstinence and better health, the lives of the addict,
their family and the community are improved. Because addiction is a
complex and chronic disorder, there is no stand-alone course of
treatment. Fortunately, there are several options used to treat those
addicted to opioids and OxyContin including medication and counseling.
Detoxification is the first step in the treatment regime that may
include medication to help manage severe withdrawal symptoms and
cravings, as well as behavioral counseling. Detoxification is commonly
known as “withdrawal” and is accompanied by severe symptoms when drug
use is abruptly stopped.
There are a variety of
medications available to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal.
Since OxyContin is sometimes referred to as “hillbilly heroin”, it
seems appropriate that Methadone, which has been successfully used for
over 30 years to treat people addicted to heroin is also used to treat
Oxycontin addiction. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that alters the
effects of heroin and other opioids, eliminates withdrawal symptoms,
and relieves drug craving. Treatment with methadone requires daily
dosing.
Like Methodone, levo-alpha-acetyl-methodol (LAAM), and Naltrexone help
to counter the euphoria caused by OxyContin ®. Another medication,
Naloxone is used primarily for patients who have overdosed. In October
of 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Subutex (buprenorphine
hydrochloride) and Suboxone tablets to treat opioid addiction.
Rapid detox is the most recent entry into the field of opiate
detoxification. It treats opiate dependency at the receptor level,
blocking opioid receptors and precipitating the withdrawal syndrome,
while controlling it. This is achieved through use of medications,
including anesthetic agents that allow withdrawal to occur, while the
patient is unconscious.
Once detoxification is completed, the healthcare provider works with
the patient to determine the best approach to treatment. With respect
to its onset, course and response to treatment, research has
demonstrated that addiction is similar to other chronic diseases such
as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and many forms of cancer. Like
these other diseases, addiction can be managed and effectively handled
with readily available treatment and adherence.
At Brown & Crouppen our
experienced team of Oxycontin and defective drug lawyers provide
tough, aggressive representation for Oxycontin victims and their
families. When you choose us to handle your Oxycontin lawsuit, our
entire team becomes fully committed to your cause. We’ll find answers,
hold negligent companies responsible and get you the compensation you
deserve.
Brown & Crouppen can help you make informed decisions about your legal
rights, so please call Brown & Crouppen at
1-800-536-HELP for your free legal consultation or save
time with our online
Contact Form.
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