Oxycontin

Oxycontin is the opioid pain reliever oxycodone in a time released capsule. It is used for short term pain relief by blocking pain messages and causing drowsiness. However, long term use can quickly lead to a chemical dependence and an Oxycontin addiction. A single, very large dose can cause severe respiratory depression followed by death. It is very useful for those with a medical need for this medication, but like many prescription medications, Oxycontin abuse is very common. Using this drug without specific medical guidelines and medical need can lead to some seriously negative consequences. These consequences can turn into drug use that is just as dangerous and illegal as street drugs, like heroin. As of 2006, prescription medication is the number one most prevalent drug problem in America.

Often referred to on the street as Killer, OC, OXY, and Oxycotton, Oxycontin is supposed to be taken every 12 hours because of the time-release function of each tablet. This sets it apart from most medications because pain medications are usually taken every three to six hours. When drug abuse takes place, Oxycontin abusers remove the time-release coating on the pill and receive a rush or relaxing, euphoric high similar to that of heroin. Many of the side effects include constipation, nausea, sedation, dizziness, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, sweating, weakness, and most seriously, respiratory depression.

After taking Oxycontin for an extended period of time, a user can begin to develop a tolerance to the drug. They feel that they must take higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effect. If they do this, then they will find themselves face-to-face with an addiction to Oxycontin. Fortunately, there are many Oxycontin drug rehab centers located across the nation. Because the abuse of Oxycontin and other prescription medication is so widespread, there have been extensive efforts to work toward freeing people of their physical and psychological dependence on these substances. Many times in Oxycontin rehab, the patient will receive a similar synthetic opioid medication such as Suboxone or Subutex which reduces and diminishes the overall symptoms of their drug addiction. If the individual chooses to attend a holistic drug rehab center, they will find themselves attending many group and individual therapy sessions, as well as taking part in exercise and educational programs. The most effective treatment program has been shown to be a collaboration of both types of rehab to create a dual-acting program that encompasses all of one's needs.

If you or a loved on feel that you are suffering from a drug abuse problem, do not hesitate to get help. There are millions of people out there who are going through exactly what you are going through. You are not alone in your addiction, and through a treatment center like Ambrosia Treatment Center, you will not be alone in your recovery either. It is essential to your health and to your life that you get help with your addiction to Oxycontin. Your life is a life worth saving.

Are Sleeping Pills Addictive?

Millions of people suffer from temporary or long-term insomnia. There are several prescription medications to help insure a good night's sleep. However, sleeping pills used in abundance can be detrimental to one's health and state of being. They can even become addictive. The main prescription sleeping pills are well known: Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (escopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon). These are commonly referred to as Z-drugs, or hypnotics. The attractive effect from these kinds of drugs is the way they dampen arousal, thereby allowing sleep to set in and stay for an extended period of time (usually 8 hours).

When used as directed (and prescribed by a certified physician), most sleep medications allow for a very safe way of relieving insomnia. When used correctly, there is an extremely rare possibility of a physical or chemical addiction. However, when used frequently and/or in excessive doses, this type of addiction can occur. Also, as with any kind of drug use, sleeping pills can be exceedingly habit-forming, causing a psychological addiction. The user may develop a dependence on the substance, and begin to crave the constant and continual use. However, this dependence is different than an actual impulse to keep taking the drug.

There are many different ways to work with a physical dependence. Much of the treatment for the dependence of sleeping pills resides in the possibility of other psychological or behavioral therapies. Also, a major factor in the want to continue with the medication is in the way that insomnia returns after stopping the usage. This will prompt the individual to want to keep taking the medication. Some people are at a higher risk for dependence and possible addiction than others, as it is with any type of medication/drug.

It is common knowledge that Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and possibly Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose on sleeping pills, sometimes mixed with other substances. It is extremely dangerous to mix these drugs with any other substances, especially and most often, alcohol. For some people, sleeping pills can open doors to more dangerous and lethal substances like the abuse of OxyContin, Vicodin, and even heroin.

Sleeping pills, when used correctly, are extremely beneficial and helpful. However, the potential for abuse does exist. Often times, people who tamper with other prescription medications will start to try sleeping pills, or vice versa. It is common for addicts of other substances to abuse sleeping pills along with their drug(s) of choice. Even if this is not your or a loved one's problem, it is necessary to get help with any kind of dependence on any type of substance abuse. With sleeping pills, behavioral and cognitive therapies are extremely necessary. That is what you should look for in the treatment center that will help you with your addiction to sleeping pills. It is tough to break such a strong psychological habit such as a sleeping pill dependency, but it is always possible. If you think you have a problem, don't wait. Get help today.

The Most Addictive Drugs

Drug addiction ruins millions of lives. Approximately 23 million Americans are addicted to drugs and alcohol. Drug addicts suffer from a physical and mental dependency on the drug of their choice. Without being under the influence, they can go through withdrawal symptoms, which can include depression, anxiety, fatigue, shakiness, nausea, seizures, and even more severe symptoms that can sometimes be fatal. Drug addiction can occur with a wide range of different substances, but some drugs are more addictive than others.

Heroin

Heroin is a derivative of the poppy plant, and it is made by processing the raw opium that is collected from the flower's seed pod. Although most of the world's heroin comes from Afghanistan, where large amounts of poppies are grown, Mexico is the second largest producer of opium in the world. The heroin coming from Mexico is known as black tar, and it has high concentration levels of morphine.

Heroin is normally injected intravenously, although it can also be snorted or smoked. When consumed, users fall into a state of extreme relaxation and euphoria. It is a highly addictive drug, and it is one of the main reasons why people seek drug treatment. Heroin addiction can lead to rapid weight loss, heart problems, diseases through the sharing of needles, pneumonia, blood clots, liver disease and many other medical complications. Overdoses and death from overdose are common with heroin use.

Oxycontin

Oxycontin is an opiate, like heroin, and has similar side effects when used recreationally. Although it is intended as a prescribed medication for those suffering from chronic pain, oxycontin is frequently bought illicitly and abused by drug users. It comes in pill form but can also be crushed up, snorted, smoked or injected. Oxycontin addiction has, in recent years, become a major problem among drug users.

Cocaine

Cocaine is a stimulant and a highly addictive drug that comes from the leaves of the coca plant. Cocaine increases alertness and energy, produces feelings of euphoria, anxiety, paranoia and restlessness. In high doses, cocaine is dangerous and can lead to overdose and death.

The crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s saw the drug at its most heightened level of popularity, especially among urban communities. Crack cocaine, which is a crystalline form of cocaine at a lower level of purity cut with other substances, is smoked through a pipe and is extremely addictive. It is relatively cheap and users can easily become hooked. Frequent cocaine and crack cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular and brain damage, among many other medical complications.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, which is the pill form of the drug MDMA, is known as a club drug and was highly popular in the rave scene of the 1990s. Ecstasy pills often include a combination of MDMA cut with other substances, such as heroin, speed or methamphetamine. Taking ecstasy gives users feelings of euphoria, hallucinations, increased energy, and an increased intimacy with those around them. Because it releases massive amounts of dopamine and serotonin into the brain when consumed, ecstasy can be very addictive. Withdrawal symptoms from ecstasy include extreme depression, anxiety, mental and emotional fatigue, and anhedonia.

Every person and every drug user has a different chemical makeup, and everyone responds differently to different drugs. Some people may easily become addicted to cocaine because of its properties as a stimulant, while others may be drawn to heroin for its euphoria and relaxation. Whatever the case may be, drug addiction is a serious disease, and no matter what substance is being abused, drug treatment is typically the best solution to come clean and recover from addiction. 

FDA Panel Votes Against Pure Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is one of the most widely abused painkillers on the market. It is prescribed to patients with moderate to severe chronic pain. In addition to its pain-killing properties, it also gives users feelings of euphoria. Hydrocodone is an opioid derived from the poppy plant, and is sold by prescription as OxyContin, Vicodin, and other brand names. Prescription painkillers can be extremely habit-forming, and millions of people have painkiller addictions to drugs such as OxyContin. Although hydrocodone can be effective in treating patients who have undergone surgery or suffer from some other physical trauma, many people develop drug addictions to these potent painkillers and abuse them on a regular basis.

In December of 2012, an FDA panel of government health experts voted against the approval of a stronger version of hydrocodone. They determined that even though the more potent form of the painkiller could effectively reduce pain in patients that were prescribed the drug, it could also worsen the nationwide epidemic of painkiller addiction. It is estimated that roughly 10% of the US population is addicted to painkillers such as hydrocodone. In 2008, more than 15,000 Americans died from opioid overdose. Drug addicts that use painkillers often mix them with alcohol or other drugs as well, which can be a deadly combination of substances.

The FDA panel voted almost unanimously against Zohydro, the newer and stronger form of hydrocodone manufactured by Zogenix, Inc. Drug addiction and drug abuse were among the main reasons in the decision against the painkiller, based on studies and research conducted by medical professionals. It is estimated that 25% of individuals that are placed on opioid medication will eventually develop an addiction. Even when patients are prescribed painkillers such as Vicodin, Codeine or OxyContin legally, they can easily become addicted to the painkillers. Once their prescription runs out, they may be forced to buy the drugs illicitly in order to support their habit.

Prescription painkiller addiction has been referred to as a national epidemic, and it often stems from legal use with a prescription from a doctor. When drug users cannot get a proper prescription, they will buy drugs illegally on the street, forge prescriptions or even resort to theft in order to procure the drugs. Prescription painkiller abuse often leads to heroin addiction, since it can be easier to buy heroin illegally than obtain a prescription and buy painkillers legally through a doctor.

The science of prescription medications is always advancing, and new drugs are constantly flooding the market. It is important to have panels of health experts vote on the validity of such drugs in order to protect the overall well-being of the general population. OxyContin is basically synthetic heroin, and to develop a drug even more potent could be dangerous. Medical companies are already working on creating a timed released form of hydrocodone in order to curb the rampant abuse of the drug. Currently, drug addicts can simply crush up pills and snort, smoke or inject them in order to get a big high all at once. With a time-release mechanism, this could be prevented and keep the drugs as their intended use of medication for pain.

Drug treatment and drug rehab are very effective for individuals that suffer from addiction, and going to a treatment center can sometimes make the difference between life and death for some addicts. Recovery and sober living are attainable for anyone out there with real intentions to turn their lives around and get clean. Painkiller addiction affects millions of lives, and with drug treatment there is a way to get past it and lead a healthy life.