At Immersion Recovery we understand how difficult Oxycontin withdrawal can be. Many times withdrawal symptoms are so serve that those struggling with Oxycontin addiction return to using within 24 hours. The key to overcoming this obstacle is a medically supervised detox where withdrawal symptoms can be identified and treated immediately. At Immersion Recovery Center we perform an in-depth initial evaluation and tailor a treatment plan unique to each clients needs and recovery goals. Immersion Recovery Center provides 24 hour medical supervision and comfort care for our detox clients. Our medical and client support team’s goal is to make sure all clients have a safe and comfortable detox so they can begin the next phase in their recovery journey.

Oxycontin is a controlled narcotic most commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. Because the chemical substance Oxycontin is so addictive it is only prescribed by medical professionals and is circulation is highly regulated. Those who suffer from significant ongoing pain (such as cancer patients or individuals with other chronic illnesses) will often be prescribed Oxycontin to help alleviate discomfort. This class of drug is known as an opioid analgesic and it works to change chemistry within the brain by changing how the central nervous system reacts to pain. Oxycontin is the extended-release form of Oxycodone, a specific class of pain medication. There is no generic version of Oxycontin available – while Oxycodone does have generic versions. It is recommended that those who have struggled with addictive tendencies in the past avoid this medication altogether because the risk of dependency is so high.

If you or someone close to you has been abusing these narcotic painkillers for any length of time, seeking professional medical help is absolutely crucial because withdrawal symptoms can pose serious health risks.

Because Oxycontin is often prescribed to those with pre-existing medical conditions it can be difficult to tell if someone who was once taking the drug as prescribed for chronic pain, and has developed an addiction – or has begun to abuse the medication. This is extremely common because tolerance builds very quickly. It is also common for those who have access to the medication (but were not prescribed the medication by a medical professional) to begin engaging in drug abuse. Perhaps the child of a parent with cancer begins stealing small amounts of his or her medication, or finds an unused prescription in a medicine cabinet. Safe disposal of narcotic painkillers are crucial, otherwise, those who shouldn’t have access are more likely to experiment – and when it comes to semi-synthetic opioids such as this one, experimentation often turns to physical dependency.

When abused, Oxycontin (which comes in a tablet form) is often crushed and snorted, injected intravenously, or smoked. As previously mentioned Oxycontin is extended-release – however, when it is used in any of these methods the effects begin to take place far more quickly. Once the drug hits the brain, neuroreceptors that produce a “euphoria” become engaged leading to an intense high (similar to that produced by heroin). Due to extremely high rates of abuse manufacturers began distributing a tamper-proof version of the pill in 2010. However, to this day Oxycontin is still widely misused.

If you believe that someone close to you has been abusing Oxycontin there are several outward signs to look for. These include drowsiness, slowed breathing, slurred speech, constricted pupils, inexplicable nausea and vomiting, and profuse sweating. There are also a fair amount of behavioral signs to be aware of. For example, if someone is “doctor shopping” – making appointments with a variety of doctors in hopes of receiving as many prescriptions as possible – this is a very big indication of addiction. Attempting to forge prescriptions is also common among Oxycontin addicts, as is stealing medication or purchasing the medication from a drug dealer.

Because the drug is so potent, withdrawal symptoms can be very severe. They are similar to the withdrawal symptoms caused by other opioid painkillers, but they are usually even more intense (depending on how frequent use was, and on the amount being used on a regular basis). Acute withdrawal usually begins within the first day of ceasing use, and it can last for between one and two weeks. Post-acute withdrawal last much longer – up to a year, depending on the severity of the addiction. The early symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal include:

After the first couple of days the symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal will worsen.

Oxycontin withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable, though when overseen by a team of medical professionals it typically isn’t life-threatening. Our goal at Immersion Recovery Center is to make the process as painless as possible while helping determine a long-term plan of recovery so that our clients first detoxification experience will also be their last.

At Immersion Recovery Center we understand how difficult the Oxycontin detox process can be and our staff is dedicated to doing all they can to reduce pain and pave the way for long-term addiction recovery. If you or someone you love has been struggling with Oxycontin addiction, you are not alone – we have extensive experience helping Oxycontin addicts overcome their mental and physical dependencies and go on to live fulfilled, drug-free lives.