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The best way to cope with the harsh withdrawal symptoms of Oxycodone is to undergo a detox treatment that is closely supervised by a team of medical experts. As soon as the substance wears off from the body, the impact would strike on the physical, mental, and psychological disposition of a person. Without medical help, conditions could be unbearable.
There are a lot of advantages when it comes to a medically-supervised treatment. One, there is a proper evaluation of one’s overall health before and during detox and this is essential in designing their treatment plan. Two, medical prescriptions and psychological interventions are given to cater to one’s needs, making withdrawal safe and more tolerable.
The pain of the withdrawal can range from being bearable to intensely painful, depending on how much you abused the substance. There are times when the withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, so you need medical supervision for your detox treatment. Also, your doctor will give you medicines that will ease the discomfort from experiencing these withdrawal signs. Here are the main kinds of drugs they can prescribe:
These substances bind to the opioid receptors in your nervous system where they prohibit cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
This works similarly with the above drug, except their effects are just half as effective as the potent opioid receptor agonist.
It works to stop your cravings and feeling high upon using opioids and alcohol. That helps prevent relapse and helps make your detox process more effective.
This substance works on the adrenergic receptors of your brain. Their function is to help ease discomfort from experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone is a highly addictive substance that is why when a person quits cold turkey with the drug, the results could be extremely painful especially when a strong physical dependence has been reached. One can also be most vulnerable to extreme withdrawal discomfort when one has a history of substance abuse.
This painful disposition leads to nothing but making patients return to substance use since that is the only way to relieve their pain on their own. This situation marks a withdrawal that is doomed to fail. The cycle is simply a trap that will make future treatments more complex due to multiple failed attempts.
After a thorough assessment about how much or how long a person has used Oxycodone, physicians would set a particular dosage and carefully monitor their response until an effective taper schedule is formed. In line with this, medications can be given to limit the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Another thing that is likely to happen with an unsupervised treatment is experiencing a tough battle against intense cravings which results in occasions of restlessness and agitation. These conditions can escalate to serious mental health problems which are very difficult to overcome when going detox alone.
Relapse is also another common outcome if a person gives in to the cravings for the drug.
It is a recurring habit of abusing the drug at a more intense level. The body will seek a more extreme dosage than the usual to function normally again. The higher the dose taken, the higher the chances of overdose can occur.
Overdose is a serious case since it can lead to death. This has been the reason for thousands of deaths in the United States. On top of that, more than 100, 000 hospital admissions in the country have been associated with Oxycodone abuse. These are digits that add up to the alarming conditions of the opioid epidemic the country is facing up to now.
Overall, there are three things to keep in mind to attain a safe withdrawal. First, quitting cold turkey must be avoided. Second, medical prescriptions must be followed. And most importantly, one must entrust their treatment to professional care. Anything done otherwise will only expose one to an unending loop of substance abuse.
Medication is a primary option to help a person cope with the symptoms of withdrawal to Oxycodone. The popular ones are those which act the same way as the substance but are long-acting. These are Methadone and Buprenorphine. Clonidine is used to treat hypertension but can also be used off-label to treat withdrawal symptoms of the drug.
Methadone has been known to effectively treat opioid withdrawal symptoms for over 40 years. It is a slow-acting substance that acts similarly to Oxycodone with minimal tendency to produce high. With this, the body continues to function with minor withdrawal symptoms because after all, the element of the drug still seems to be present in the body.
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that still possesses an addictive risk, however; with proper prescription and care, one can certainly benefit from its function. Since it is also known to prevent cravings for the drug, the risk of relapse becomes limited. This is indeed a promising treatment although only qualified clinics are capable of dispensing the drug.
Buprenorphine is equally effective as the previously mentioned drug as it aids in
limiting the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It also cuts off the tendency of cravings without any occasion of feeling high. Unlike Methadone, Buprenorphine is more accessible to any treatment providers, and it is usually paired with Naloxone to achieve recovery.
As a partial opioid agonist, Buprenorphine’s impact on the body is not as strong as that of full agonists such as Oxycodone. Thus, the addictive potential of the drug is pretty weak. This is the reason why it can be safely and effectively administered to anyone who needs it. However, a careful prescription of the dose and length of treatment is still highly required.
Clonidine is originally approved to treat high blood pressure, however; studies have found its high potential to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from Oxycodone since it acts on the brain by blocking the compounds which stimulate its activity. Its benefits include limiting the physical symptoms as well as the psychological ones.
One great element about Clonidine is that it does not contain an addictive factor, and it can make withdrawal less uncomfortable, increasing the chances of a successful detox treatment. Its dosage is carefully based on the withdrawal symptoms one is experiencing and this must be directed by a physician. Typically, symptoms will improve within 7 days.
Anti-opioid antagonists function by preventing the stimulation of the body’s natural opioid receptors. As a result, when a person intends to use the substance again, it will have no impact on the body. This function is very much ideal in preventing relapse. In addition, it also helps in reducing cravings for the drug.
Examples of anti-opioid antagonists are Naloxone and Naltrexone. These can be used long-term under the supervision of a physician to shield a person throughout the treatment until they reach sobriety. This has been proven to be a safe and effective medication for withdrawing this substance.
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Treatment of depressive disorders is the most expensive among all mental illnesses including substance addiction. With more than 70 billion dollars spent by the United States for depression treatment, it ranks close to the most popular health conditions worldwide such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
However, the cost of being left untreated ultimately outweighs the cost of getting treatment in the long run. With the ability to work effectively at stake, it is best to consider treatment and take back one’s life rather than to continue wallowing in a depressive state which only leads to impairment and worse, death.
The treatment includes medication, therapy, and self-care and the cost varies depending on many factors. Insurance companies act as a great partner in limiting the amount that comes out of one’s pocket upon treatment, yet the personal choice of self-care is also another factor that adds up to the price.
However, several studies have shown that the great benefit of getting into treatment is the ability of the person diagnosed with depression to optimize oneself in working effectively and eventually earn enough to sustain into treatment. A lot of testimonials suggest that treatment is worth all the sum invested into it.
The first phase of the treatment once clinically diagnosed with a depressive disorder is the prescription of antidepressants. The effectiveness of antidepressants varies significantly among individuals. Some may need to switch brands during treatment while some may even require more than one medicine. Others may also be given higher doses over time.
Considering these factors, the amount spent on medication will not always be the same among patients. But having insurance certainly makes one enjoy the benefit of significantly cutting the cost. The price of branded antidepressants may range from $200 to $2000 a month while generic names range from $4 to $130 a month.
Looking at these figures may be overwhelming but it is important to note that there are plenty of options available to reduce the cost of treatment. Seeking the guidance of a health professional is the first step to removing your apprehensions. You may discuss with your physician how to avail of Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) to get the medicines you need.
Psychotherapy sessions are as essential as taking medications. It helps an individual understand triggers to personal battles and eventually be able to combat oneself on occasions when these triggers arise. A session can be with a psychiatrist or a psychologist and this can run from weeks to months or years, depending on the needs of the patient.
The average cost of therapists would be $100 per hour and this could vary depending on the expertise and reputation of the chosen therapist. All procedures required by a therapist must be followed through for the treatment to be effective. It would be a total waste of the cost if scheduled sessions would be missed.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers referrals to local health departments that cater to low-cost therapies of low-income households. This could be an option for those who have no insurance coverage. There are also virtual therapies available nowadays which are more affordable.
There are instances when medications can be substituted by exercise and this is what self-care is all about. It is a way of nourishing the body and mind by engaging in a healthy lifestyle. Physical activities such as going to the gym and enrolling in yoga classes are one of the means. Others also resort to meditations, avoiding isolation, and eating healthy.
Contrary to medication and therapy, self-care is no longer covered by any insurance at all. It is a product of personal choice which comes with an added cost. Some individuals spend a great amount to achieve a healthy diet by maintaining herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals, and even spending daily on fruits and vegetables.
Going to the gym and enrolling in yoga classes also comes with a price. Some individuals purchase books while others purchase devices that help treat their condition. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator is one example of a technology that can be worn and treats anxiety and depression by sending electric pulses to the brain.
Self-care does come with an extra amount yet individuals enjoy its benefits as it allows them to overcome their condition naturally and empowers them by gaining a sense of control in their treatment. A lot of people can attest how treatment with self-care has improved their quality of life and it is worth all the spending.
Depression left untreated can negatively impact a person’s life. It affects productivity at work as well as relationships with others. It poses a great threat to life as it can lead a person to substance abuse and suicidal attempts. On top of that, it affects sleep patterns which result in drastic weight gain or loss as well as difficulty focusing and making sound decisions.
This is the reason why a lot of individuals diagnosed with depression resort to getting treated right away despite the extent of the cost. The advantage of treatment surpasses the disadvantage of the cost. Depression, no matter how grave the condition, is treatable and there are multiple options to get into treatment.
With the US government supporting the mental welfare of the people by providing federal policies that make treatment more accessible and affordable, there is no reason to endure the struggle of depression for a long time. Talk to a professional healthcare provider for several options for treating your depression disorder immediately.
Apart from acting as a personal battle, depression also causes a strain on the country’s economy since government spending has reached more than $40 billion to cope with productivity loss and direct treatments. When left untreated, depression causes a rippling effect on the community.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from depressive disorder, call for professional help now!
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If this question has been lingering in your mind these days, that only shows you are concerned about your health and that is a great thing. However, it is important to look at this matter from a medical perspective to determine the necessary steps that should be taken next.
Let us delve deeper into the root of the addiction to this substance and understand what could be done about it.
Hydrocodone is a highly addictive substance that physicians prescribe to patients to treat severe pain. As an opiate, it can demand the brain to release a great amount of happy hormones scientifically called dopamine.
This ability makes it vulnerable to the risk of abuse and misuse. Users experience a strong sense of relief from pain and an extremely pleasurable feeling that makes them crave more for the drug as time progresses. This becomes a habit that can only be treated with professional care.
The potential of this drug is so powerful that it establishes physical dependence in less than a week. Psychological dependence is also likely to occur within the first dose. This is the reason why physicians must only prescribe this drug once there are no other options left.
Another notable quality of the substance is its tendency to kill the natural ability of the brain to produce positive feelings. As a result, when the substance declines in the body, the user may experience mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This will only feed their need to crave more for the drug. Some people also tend to fear the withdrawal symptoms that come along with moving away from the medication which makes them apprehensive to let go of it.
It is important to understand that addiction may possibly occur to anyone who is taking the drug, whether under a prescription of a physician or not. The drug is strongly capable of making its user easily build tolerance towards its effects which can eventually lead to addiction.
Manifestations of substance addiction can be spotted in three ways. They can be evident in physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects. The following are signs to watch out for to determine if the user is experiencing substance addiction:
The most prominent sign of substance addiction can be spotted in the eyes. They usually appear smaller even in the presence of normal light.
You will also notice that the person tends to be extremely tired and weak. They will usually feel sleepy and can also feel nauseous.
Other physical conditions that could be fatal would be the changes in breathing. If the heartbeat slows down or the person has difficulty breathing, this indicates an immediate call for medical help. These tendencies are signs of overdose and can lead to death.
Take note also of swelling in the face. It can be the eyes or the lips and even the throat. This is a sign of an allergic reaction and this is highly dangerous too. If this happens, call your doctor right away.
The substance can also manipulate the way a person thinks. The confusion begins to set in once the person is under substance abuse. It could be accompanied by forgetfulness as well restlessness.
Mental disorders are also likely to occur. If the person feels anxiety most of the time or tends to feel extremely lonely, this could be brought on by the body’s tolerance of the substance. A sudden shift of mood can also be evident.
Closely take a look at how a person behaves. If you notice signs of apprehension and disturbance without relevant cause, this might relate to substance addiction. Here are a few things to set your eyes on:
Substance addiction may lead people to resort to hopping from one doctor to another just to get a prescription. They make up stories and even try to get early refills far from their prescribed date. The obsession to have more leads them to become restless and even confused.
You will also notice that the user tends to take the drug even without the presence of pain. Patients under this substance medication must be carefully monitored to ensure that their prescribed dosage is strictly followed.
This is the most common behavioral outcome of addiction. The person tends to neglect responsibilities at work, at home, or even to oneself. Poor personal hygiene is likely to become evident. And most of the time, all these bring about multiple problems towards their lifestyle.
Users are also most commonly observed to take risks without proper judgment. They seem to care less about putting themselves in danger so they engage in reckless activities such as violence and intoxicated driving.
Substance addiction influences users to isolate themselves even from people close to them such as their family and friends. They tend to socialize less and prefer to spend more time by themselves. This behavior could arise to other major problems if left unattended.
Professional help is necessary to cope with hydrocodone addiction. It is never a good idea to wallow in emotional pain all by yourself in case you notice signs of substance addiction.
Keep in mind that addiction is also considered a common side-effect of using this drug as a medical treatment. That’s why doctors only prescribe this medicine for a short period.
If you sense substance addiction in yourself or from anyone you care most about, seek help from a treatment provider that can medically assist in detox as well as offer effective therapies. Do not hesitate to ask for help because addiction is a battle that needs extra support.
Never resort to taking steps on your own such as reducing your dosage or abruptly quitting substance use. Again, consult a doctor or addiction specialist to ask for professional help in overcoming your abuse of this opioid.
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