People who abuse oxycodone know that they are on a dangerous path and they know that they need help to stop using. But, what they may not understand is what that help looks like. Or, they may know something about treatment, but not about detox. In fact, quite commonly the impact of professional detox isn’t understood at all, but it should be.
Oxycodone and related meds— Percocet, Percodan, Tylox, OxyContin—are what the US Department of Justice considers Schedule II drugs; this means that they have a high potential for abuse. When you begin using, you run the risk of developing both psychological and physical dependence. At this point, you are at the very least, dependent.
Breaking that dependence will begin with detoxification, which is the practice that will enable you to transition from acutely addicted to a state that is drug-free and safe. This is considered the first step because detox is not a replacement for formal treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration gathered a panel of experts who are unanimous in stating detox alone is not satisfactory treatment for dependence; instead, it is part of a care process.
It is especially important to undergo a professional detox when coming off of an opioid addiction or dependence because opioid detox is one of the most difficult to make it through. To attempt to undergo and independent, home detox is a relapse waiting to happen. Plus, you will need other treatment, so structured detox is a great way to prepare for treatment and to easily transition from one to the other.
If you know that you need oxycodone detox and treatment, Oxycodone.org has the information you need. You are invited to call any time and access resources, have questions answered, and/or receive treatment recommendations. Call 888-810-2643 today to get started.
What is Detox?
The first stage of oxycodone detox is a medical assessment.
Detox is a pretty straightforward concept and it is one that you are used to hearing. You know that it is about taking toxins out of your system. But, unlike juice fasts and fad diets, drug detox is a difficult process that requires assistance to manage.
The most commonly depicted for of detox on TV and in movies is called “cold turkey.” This detox method is essentially ceasing to use oxycodone and waiting out the symptoms. In addition to being dangerous, this method will leave you so desperate for a way to stop the pain that you are likely to relapse.
What you should be looking for is a professional detox program that has a staff of addiction specialists whose education and work experience have trained them to deal with every aspect of your withdrawal.
Most detox uses a blend of models, and two of the more prominent models are the social one and the medical one. The medical model utilizes medical staff and medications in a medical environment. The social model takes place outside of the medical environment and is dependent upon the support of staff and peers, who help you through withdrawal.
The 3 Stages of Detox
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration explains that detox always has 3 components: assessment, stabilization, and developing a patient’s entry into treatment.
- Assessment: This step ensures you have the proper treatment plan. Therefore, you are rigorously screened for medical and psychological conditions, as well as your social situation. In addition, the level of drugs in your system will be measured.
- Stabilization: This is the step that most people think of as detox: you go from actively on oxycodone to a “medically stable, fully supported, substance-free state.” This is achieved using a variety of professional methods backed by evidence.
- Developing a patient’s entry into treatment: This step teaches you the importance of continued treatment. You will be prepared to and urged to continue with the process.
Each of these stages provides you with a level of care and expertise that it is impossible to find outside of professional care.
Easing or Eliminating Withdrawal
The number one way that professional detox helps is in relieving the symptoms associated with withdrawals that develop when you stop taking oxycodone. Even people using their oxycodone as directed by a physician can experience mild withdrawals when they stop or limit their usage. But, heavy, recreational users face severe withdrawals.
The US National Library of Medicine declares you will experience the following symptoms:
- Sweating
- Distress
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yawning
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Muscle pains
- Insomnia
- Stomach cramping
- Chills
You can manage the detox symptoms by seeking outside help. To find that help, call Oxycodone.org and speak to someone who can connect you with professionals. Just call 888-810-2643 right now and get started.
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