Oxycodone Rehab

Oxycodone, a generic opioid medication used to treat individuals experiencing moderate to severe pain, is one of the most commonly abused drugs in the United States, either legal or illegal. The drug can be found in OxyContin, Percocet, and a number of other brand name, prescription medications where it is also often abused. According to the US Department of Justice, “Oxycodone is a schedule II substance under the Controlled Substances Act,” but this does not stop its widespread abuse. In many cases, professional rehabilitation is the only way through which an individual can stop abusing the drug and gain control over a full-blown oxycodone addiction.

Oxycodone Overview

Holistic rehab programs can help you heal from the effects of oxycodone addiction and overcome addiction for good.

As stated by the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “Oxycodone… has many similarities to other drugs of abuse including alcohol, heroin, and marijuana, in that they elevate levels of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked with pleasurable experiences.” For this reason, the drug can cause addiction, especially after an individual abuses it for longer than three months. The drug can be taken legally under the care of a doctor, but “when used illicitly, the chances of [the individual] becoming addicted to it increase exponentially.”

Oxycodone addiction can cause a person to lose their job, friends and family members, financial security, and even their life. Because the drug causes severe respiratory depression when taken in high doses, it can be deadly in the event of an overdose. This is why many individuals must attend rehab in order to safely and successfully end their abuse of oxycodone.

Types of Treatment

Initially, an individual must choose the correct type of facility in which to go through their oxycodone rehabilitation program.

• Inpatient Treatment: Inpatient facilities are designed for individuals who need to be monitored around-the-clock and are often beneficial to those who do not have a strong support system at home. A patient struggling with dual diagnosis, or another mental disorder in addition to their addiction, may also benefit from inpatient treatment.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment allows individuals more freedom while also providing any necessary treatments for their addiction to oxycodone. Patients visit the facility, usually once a day at first, and are able to still fully live their lives while attending treatment and recovering from their addiction.

At each of these types of facilities, a number of beneficial methods will be implemented into a personalized treatment program for each individual patient. These methods may include:

• Medication to treat and minimize withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and help regulate brain functions
• Therapy to teach patients ways to cope with their addiction and better behavioral techniques
• Holistic methods to round out an individual’s treatment with methods that speak to their other needs or can possibly replace traditional treatments that are not effective for a particular individual

Most treatment programs will implement several different methods, each of which should work together for the health and wellness of the patient. In addition, as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “An individual’s treatment and services plan must be assessed continually and modified as necessary to ensure that it meets his or her changing needs.”

Benefits of Holistic Treatment

Many programs also offer holistic methods to patients who are hoping for a more natural and relaxing rehabilitation experience. Some possible holistic treatments involved in oxycodone rehab may include:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Exercise therapy
• Herbal therapy
• Spirituality and prayer
• Art therapy
• Nutrition classes

These methods are often beneficial to patients for a number of reasons. First, they are largely free of side effects, unlike the medications often given to patients recovering from addiction to help treat withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and other issues associated with oxycodone rehab. These methods can also be very helpful to the patient by allowing them to express themselves in new and different ways, something traditional medicine often lacks. For example, a patient is likely to find relaxation, tranquility, and even a new way to view their addiction through methods like art therapy and spiritual guidance.

Other holistic treatments, like nutrition classes and exercise therapy, help patients reestablish their physical health after their constant oxycodone abuse has likely caused it to deteriorate. Finally, a rehab facility that provides holistic treatments like those listed above is also more likely to provide legal and financial help from experts as well as resume building workshops, vocational counseling, and other beneficial programs to help patients get back on their feet after the program ends.

Should I Choose Holistic Treatment?

According to the NIDA, “Several options are available for effectively treating prescription opioid addiction.” These include the use of medications, like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, and behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational enhancement. Still, holistic treatments can be incredibly helpful in the treatment of oxycodone addiction as well, and it may be important for you to consider attending rehab at a facility that utilizes both.

Most rehab centers that provide treatments like yoga, holistic therapies, and/or spiritual guidance also provide traditional treatments such as the ones advocated by the NIDA. In addition, these methods teach patients new activities to replace their former bad habits and often help them learn to better channel their stress, frustrations, and other negative feelings into positive actions. For these reasons, it can often be advantageous for an oxycodone addict to attend holistic rehab.

In most cases, outpatient programs are often the proper choice for oxycodone addicts. Because the drug does not cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, patients can usually attend outpatient treatment until their dependence on the drug is finally gone. However, for someone with a severe mental disorder in addition to their addiction or a poor support system at home, inpatient treatment may be a better choice.

Holistic programs focus on treating the whole individual, not just a number of symptoms they may be experiencing. This can often help someone grow and fight their addiction in many ways that traditional treatment does not provide.

How Long Will Oxycodone Rehab Take?

The NIDA states, “Generally, for residential or outpatient treatment, participation for less than 90 days is of limited effectiveness, and treatment lasting significantly longer is recommended for maintaining positive outcomes.” Detox itself will often last about a week, especially if it is managed with the use of prescription medication, and the rest of the individual’s time will be focused on learning better coping skills, stress management techniques, tips on identifying and dealing with triggers and cravings, and other treatments that help center the individual. Afterwards, an aftercare program is often set up by the medical professionals at the facility to help the individual transition into post-treatment life.

In most cases, oxycodone rehab will last between 30 and 90 days. Some programs, like methadone maintenance treatment, can often last much longer, especially if an individual is in need of long-term maintenance on medication. In general, it is important to find out what a particular facility offers before agreeing to be treated there.

What to Expect in Oxycodone Rehab?

“Effective treatment attends to multiple needs of the individual, not just his or her drug abuse” (NIDA 1). Therefore, your oxycodone rehab program must attend to any important needs you have, including:

• Physical and mental issues associated with your drug abuse
• The reasons why you began abusing drugs in the first place
• Any needs associated with your culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, etc.
• Any needs associated with your financial, legal, and/or employment situation

As previously stated, the best rehabilitation programs treat the patient as a whole instead of just the symptoms they experience. If you decide to attend an inpatient facility, you will need to feel comfortable staying there for a prolonged amount of time as well as with your personal accommodations. At an outpatient facility, you will need to be assured that your needs are all being met and that the program provides you with any necessary treatments or can refer you to a place that offers them.

Oxycodone rehab is not painful, although the symptoms of withdrawal may cause some discomfort during detox. Patients should expect to be in a comfortable atmosphere that promotes healing and a program that prepares them to live without oxycodone abuse after treatment has ended. A team of doctors, nurses, therapists, carers, and other practitioners will likely be available to tend to your needs and ensure that you are progressing through your treatment.

What Does Oxycodone Rehab Cost?

Different rehabilitation programs have different costs. In some instances, oxycodone rehab can be very inexpensive, especially if you choose a government-funded program or a facility that provides low-cost or even free treatment to certain individuals who have proof of low income and other factors highlighting their need. These programs often offer the more traditional treatments, but some use holistic methods as well. There are also a number of privately owned facilities that provide specialized accommodations, gourmet meals, and other luxury treatments like acupuncture for a more high-end experience.

Most oxycodone rehab facilities will accept insurance as a form of payment, but it depends on the individual program and a patient’s specific insurance policy as to how much of the total cost will be covered. When you find a particular program that promises the necessities you require, as well as the treatments you believe will be most beneficial to you, call and ask a series of questions:

• What does the program’s payment plan entail?
• Are there are any specific factors and/or information they require from aspiring patients?
• Will your insurance help cover a portion of the program’s cost?
• If so, how much?

Where Should I Go for Help?

It is important to seek help for oxycodone addiction because people who do not are more likely to continue abusing the drug, often leading to overdose and even eventual heroin abuse. But many individuals are confused about where they can find help. If you are under the age of eighteen, it is important that you discuss the issue with your parents so that, together, you may all find an appropriate program for your needs. In addition, you can also ask help from a teacher or a guidance counselor who may be able to put you in touch with a particular rehabilitation program that will fit your needs as a young adult.

If you are of age, a number of places exist where you can talk to a professional who can help you find oxycodone rehabilitation treatment, including:

• An outreach center
• A community center
• A government office such as your local city hall
• A free clinic

In addition, your personal physician is likely to be able to help you find the right facility in your local area because they will know your needs as well as your medical history, making it easier for them to find the right facility for you. You can also call our helpline anytime in order to immediately speak with an individual who can help you find rehab programs for oxycodone addiction in your area.

Oxycodone Recovery- What Happens Next?

After your treatment program is over, you will likely be recommended an aftercare program in order to make your transition out of rehab smoother. Popular aftercare options include sober living facilities, where residents pay for rent, meals, etc. but are able to live in a drug- and alcohol-free environment, essentially preparing them for a more stable life after treatment, and support groups, where individuals recovering from the same addiction can meet with one another and discuss their challenges and milestones, forming a bond and strengthening one another’s recoveries. Sober living houses are often independent facilities whereas support groups can be nation-wide programs, like Narcotics Anonymous.

Even after your treatment program has ended, oxycodone recovery will not be easy. But by surrounding yourself with friends and family who want to help you succeed and continuing to attend an aftercare program, you can better avoid the issue of relapse and continue the process you started in oxycodone rehab.

Are You Ready for Help?

Have you been abusing oxycodone for a prolonged amount of time and now realize that you are in need of help? If you cannot stop taking the drug on your own, you will need oxycodone rehab in order to stop, and a program that utilizes both holistic and traditional treatments could be extremely beneficial to you. Change your life by learning more about your local rehab facilities and choosing a program that fits your needs––today.