New Orleans Oxycontin Addiction Rehab

Best Oxycontin Addiction Rehab Center in New Orleans, LA

OxyContin is a popular brand name for the drug oxycodone, a narcotic opiate painkiller. Oxycodone is often referred to as oxy for short. This strong prescription-strength painkiller is prescribed to help people manage chronic pain associated with ongoing conditions. Unfortunately, oxycodone is highly addictive, making it one of the most abused prescription drugs on the market.

Misuse of OxyContin can lead to dangerous and potentially fatal symptoms. At Longbranch Recovery, we understand how difficult it is to detox from oxy. We offer compassionate and individualized addiction treatment plans to make getting clean a reality. Call us now if you or a loved one needs oxycontin addiction treatment. Please don’t wait until it’s too late. Our recovery specialists can help you find the best substance abuse treatment program for your unique needs.

What is Oxycontin and What Makes it Addictive?

Oxycontin produces powerful effects on the brain and body, posing a high risk for addiction. While oxycontin users may initially feel calm and euphoric in response to the drug, the brain quickly adapts to the drug’s presence. In turn, patients require a higher dose in order to feel pain relief. Many individuals who develop an oxycontin addiction find they develop it after being prescribed the medication to manage pain.

After the release of the brand name OxyContin (made by Purdue Pharma), doctors were made to believe it was not addictive in nature. However, the potential for drug abuse was quickly discovered after its release. Those who were addicted to other drugs, such as Heroin, began to crush and snort OxyContin after soliciting fake prescriptions. Ultimately, this leads to a dangerous epidemic surrounding prescription opioid drugs like OxyContin.

What is the Difference Between Oxycontin and Oxycodone?

OxyContin and oxycodone are the same drugs. However, they have a few differences in strength and duration. OxyContin is the original brand name produced in 1996, which contains a long-lasting form of the drug oxycodone. OxyContin is a time-released form, which is slowly released in the bloodstream to provide pain relief over several hours. Initially, the purpose of this form of oxycodone was to make it so that individuals in need of pain relief do not need to take the drug as often. 

Oxycodone is sometimes prescribed by itself or as a combination pill with Percocet. Oxycodone is usually prescribed in tablets ranging from 5mg to 30mg. In contrast, OxyContin produces stronger effects as it is pure oxycodone in a time-release capsule. Furthermore, it is available in higher doses ranging from 10mg to 80mg.

Common Side Effects of Oxycontin Use

OxyContin may initially produce euphoric feelings, pain relief, and relaxation. However, OxyContin also can cause a person’s central nervous system activity to slow, leading to unpleasant side effects. In the short term, OxyContin may cause:

  • Decreased pain 
  • Sleepiness
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Constipation
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Temporary loss of consciousness 
  • Lack of focus or concentration
  • Slurred speech 
  • Stomach pain
  • Dry mouth

When OxyContin is misused over a long period of time, it can also lead to serious long-term effects, which may include:

  • Risk for addiction and overdose
  • Heart failure
  • Seizure disorders
  • Impaired mental and physical abilities
  • Migraines or headaches
  • Inflamed nasal passages
  • Coma
  • Death from cardiac arrest or slowed respirations

Long-term use of OxyContin can also worsen existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorders. Our recovery center offers physical and psychological treatment options to address all aspects of addiction treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Oxycontin Abuse

When taken in high doses, OxyContin can cause respiratory depression, which can be a fatal event. The drug works on the body’s central nervous system, producing euphoric and pain-relieving effects. 

Individuals struggling with an oxy addiction may exhibit both physical and behavioral changes. Physically, users may suffer from weight loss, nausea, or other digestive problems. 

Oxycontin addicts may exhibit the following behavioral symptoms:

  • Lie about pain in order to get OxyContin prescriptions
  • Have trouble with performance or attendance at work
  • Steal medications from others
  • Isolate oneself from family or friends
  • Suddenly have too many doctors appointments
  • Exhibit anger or aggression

Abuse of OxyContin can also cause difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment, impaired problem-solving, and slowed thinking. People often report noticing more emotional mood swings or outbursts when using OxyContin.

Oxycontin Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping OxyContin abruptly can lead to more severe withdrawal side effects than a slow, tapered approach. Within 6 to 30 hours after drug use, people may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. OxyContin withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but they may include:

  • Panic attacks, depression, or anxiety
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Shaking or chills
  • Weak muscles
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Seizures
  • Restlessness
  • General discomfort

The Oxycontin Addiction Treatment Program at Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center

Withdrawing from oxy abuse can be extremely difficult due to its highly addictive nature. Many who attempt to stop using the drug on their own find themselves dealing with difficult withdrawal symptoms. Those who attempt to quit using oxy may experience worsened detox symptoms. At Longbranch Recovery, we offer a medically supervised detox process that helps safely taper you off oxycodone, minimizing pain and discomfort. The physicians at our treatment centers create a customized plan tailored to your detox symptoms from opioid use.

After medical detox, we offer a residential treatment program and an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at our rehab center. These next steps in addiction treatment provide a strong foundation and access to a myriad of treatment options to help individuals on their path to recovery. Longbranch Recovery’s treatment center allows individuals to focus solely on their recovery on a beautiful, secluded campus in the Greater New Orleans Area.

Once detox is complete, some clients may need to return to their busy school, work, and family lives. We recommend entering our flexible outpatient program, which includes a minimum of 10 hours per week of supportive interventions. This program allows recovering addicts access to essential therapies to help prevent relapse and support their healing journey. 

Once clients have completed residential treatment services or an outpatient program, we offer continuing support through our aftercare services. Continued support can go a long way in preventing recurrent relapses. Each case manager provides tools and resources needed to stay sober.

Get Help Overcoming Your Addiction at Our New Orleans Oxycontin Rehab Facility

Overcoming oxycodone addiction or other prescription drug addictions is never easy. However, with the help of Longbranch Recovery and Wellness Center programs, you’re not alone. If you or a loved one are struggling with a serious oxy addiction, don’t wait to get help. Call the addictions specialists at Longbranch Recovery Center today to schedule an evaluation to get started.