How to Reduce Oxycodone Dependence

Oxycodone is the primary ingredient in the drug OxyContin. OxyContin is a prescription drug used to treat pain. Since it was first prescribed in 1995, addiction to OxyContin has become a large-scale problem, mainly due to it being highly addictive. It has become one of the most frequently abused prescription drugs. OxyContin is an opioid narcotic, like heroin, that causes feelings of euphoria and well-being.

Reducing OxyContin dependence is difficult since medical doctors tend to over-prescribe it. Treatment can help eliminate dependence on OxyContin and put addicts on the path to recovery.

Instructions

• 1

  Enroll in a medical detoxification program. Withdrawal symptoms for someone with an addiction to OxyContin can include insomnia, nausea, vomiting and muscle and bone pain, as well as seizures and convulsions. If left untreated, withdrawal can result in death. Medical detoxification provides medical supervision to monitor and treat symptoms of withdrawal -- although it is impossible to treat all symptoms, it is important that withdrawal is monitored. It usually takes five to seven days to detoxify from OxyContin.

• 2

  Seek out residential rehabilitation treatment. Due to the severity of OxyContin addiction, a residential program can offer the support needed to get through the initial stages of rehabilitation, which include become medically stable. These programs also offer psycho-education, or information about the nature of addiction and recovery, as well as group, individual and family therapy. This type of treatment usually lasts about three weeks.

• 3

  Find an outpatient support group for people in recovery from narcotics. Outpatient support groups vary and offer peer and therapeutic support for people in recovery. These groups focus on the tools needed to maintain long-term recovery. Support groups are places where people can gain support and learn about their addiction in a safe environment.