OxyContin/OxyCodone Addiction, Withdrawal and Detox

OxyCodone is a strong opioid analgesic, or pain-relieving, medication. It is chemically similar to both morphine and codeine. It is a semi-synthetic that was first created in a German laboratory in 1916. Oxycodone is marketed as a pain reliever in combination with aspirin as Percodan, or with Tylenol as Percocet.

Oxycontin, which is commonly referred to it as “oxycotton” and as “oxy”, is a sustained-release form of Oxycodone. It was first marketed in 1995. Medically, Oxycontin is prescribed to provide pain relief for an extended period; 8-12 hours. It is more prone to abuse than a drug like Percocet for two primary reasons. First, the oxycontin is a purer form of oxycodone and it does not contain Tylenol, which in large quantities can damage the liver and kidneys. Second, when a time release medication is crushed and snorted, an intense high is delivered immediately. This “quick” high is the reason that OxyContin is the most abused pain medication in the United States.

OxyContin addiction is not an easy cycle to break. People trying to end their OxyContin abuse will find OxyContin withdrawal to be a painful process. They experience many withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, nausea, vomiting, leg pain and diarrhea.

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help people that are dealing with an OxyContin addiction. Rapid detox at ODI (Opiate Detoxification Institute) consists of a two week program during which a patient undergoes a medical procedure under brief general anesthesia, followed by a 3-4 day hospital stay to assist in further recovery. Treatment is rendered under the care of board certified anesthesiologists, pain management specialists and psychiatrists.