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.

A New Generation Of Heroin Users

When heroin started becoming exceedingly popular, it was the early 1970's. People who did heroin generally lived in urban communities, spending $30 on a bag of 28% pure heroin. Today, almost anywhere in America, heroin can be found for as little as $4 for a bag of 80-90% pure heroin. That is cheaper than a six-pack of beer and stronger than it has ever been before. Exceedingly cheap and exceedingly pure, heroin is causing an addiction epidemic throughout America. In the 70's, an average heroin user was from 28 to 30 years old and lived in inter-city locations. Now, the average user is a middle-class teenager.

Massachusetts is an extreme example of what America is dealing with. More than 4% of the state's high school boys have reported their use of heroin. In Boston alone, the number of 18 and 19 year olds that have received emergency room treatment related to heroin use has doubled between 2000 and 2002. In 2003, Massachusetts saw 36,000 admissions into treatment programs regarding heroin abuse and addiction.

The most common “cause” of heroin addiction is reported to be work-related injuries. An individual may have gotten injured, and received a prescription for painkillers from a doctor. They then got hooked on these painkillers such as vicodin, oxycontin, and morphine, but these medications are expensive and have a time frame. When they couldn't afford these prescriptions, or weren't permitted to get them renewed, they turned to the cheaper, more available illicit drug – heroin.

There are many different treatment options available for those addicted to heroin. Most commonly opted for is the methadone or Suboxone treatment, which requires the supervised administration of a specific amount of a synthetic opiate into the addict's system. This allows them to function normally in society, while coping with their heroin addiction. However, in rural areas, this option is somewhat unrealistic. Methadone clinics are few and far between out in the country. Many recovering addicts are forced to commute hours just to receive their medication. Thankfully, there are treatment centers available in most areas that promote a 90+ day residential treatment option that allows for a complete stop of substance use and abuse. Holistic treatment is highly promoted for heroin addicts.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the seemingly never-ending battle with heroin, don't forget that there are options out there. Although the heroin epidemic is rising, that is no reason for you to lose yourself among the numbers. Get treatment, get therapy, and get out of that life. You still possess the power to define who you are. Don't let a substance take that power away from you. Call Ambrosia Treatment Center or any treatment center and start your path towards recovery.