Oxycodone Detox Centers

When Is An Oxycodone Detox Center Recommended?

In short, a detox center will typically be recommended for someone who has been using oxycodone. Detox from oxycodone can be a painful experience, with a long list of risks. It’s important to understand that oxycodone use can result in a host of changes to the body. Over time, oxycodone use can result in the “downregulation” of opioid receptors, which means the body’s natural opioids, and even opioid drugs, have a reduced impact. This not only means that someone would need more and more oxycodone to feel the same effects, it means that when oxycodone is removed from the system, withdrawal symptoms also begin. With drugs like oxycodone, virtually every system is affected; pain response, brain chemistry, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, and gastrointestinal systems will all show the stress of withdrawal.

Although detox centers are often recommended for oxycodone detox, there are situations that will require more observation and delicate care to ensure safety, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Previous Attempt to Quit

Anyone who has attempted to quit using oxycodone in the past, regardless of the situation, should utilize oxycodone detox centers. Oxycodone can have such a powerful hold on the person that quitting can be very difficult. A professional detox center will have the medical and psychiatric staff necessary to start the road to recovery. Oxycodone detox can be really painful, and the fear of quitting will often keep people using. Quality detox centers understand this nuanced aspect of addiction and are prepared to offer solutions.

Co-Occurring Physical Health Issues

Detox from oxycodone, while rarely dangerous on its own, can lead to complications in certain cases. Anyone with a history of heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver troubles, and any immunodeficiency disorder should seek the help of an oxycodone detox center when quitting. When someone stops using the drug, the body’s systems will go into a state of disarray as they seek balance after being accustomed to relying upon the drug to function. This results in a long list of symptoms like increased blood pressure, increased blood glucose levels, and a spate of flu-like symptoms. Left untreated, these symptoms can be dangerous in certain circumstances.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

On top of the physical side-effects of detox from oxycodone, anyone quitting will encounter psychological difficulties like anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings. For someone with any co-occurring mental illness, these symptoms can be greatly increased, and other symptoms like psychosis become a real possibility. Oxycodone detox centers will have psychiatric staff on hand to address mental illness and the psychological side-effects of detox.

The Intake Process

The intake process at a detox center is all about setting the stage for a successful recovery. The time it takes to proceed through the intake process will vary, and individual processes may vary, but the general flow will look like this:

• Paperwork: Nobody likes to complete paperwork but it’s essential to the process. Besides getting information on insurance and emergency contact information, most facilities will collect valuable information about the patient through paperwork including medical history and information on medical providers.
• Interview: A thorough interview will help the staff at a detox center better understand the extent of drug use, past drug use, and underlying or interconnected health issues. This will influence the medical care provided. It will also provide valuable insight into what additional forms of therapy may be beneficial. This will set the stage for long-term recovery.
• Medical Assessment: Staff at an oxycodone detox center will conduct a medical review during intake to assess the current health and body system status of the patient. Vital signs like blood pressure and body temperature will be checked. Blood samples will be taken for toxicology reports. The main objective here to assess the immediate risk of dangerous complications, and establish health baselines.

Medical Monitoring Of Oxycodone Detox Related Risks

Having medical staff including doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, and aides will be an important aspect of detox from oxycodone. It begins with regular visits to assess the progress of detox, monitoring, and treating the physical symptoms. It is extremely important to monitor and address the more dangerous symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea to prevent deadly dehydration. Mental health will also be monitored closely. In addition to medical interventions to treat mental illness, therapy will be introduced. The most prominent symptoms staff members will be observing/treating will be:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood Pressure
• Mental Health (anxiety, depression, mood)
• Sleep Patterns (Insomnia, restlessness)
• Energy Levels
• Nutritional Intake

Taking the time to observe and treat all aspects of a person’s health will dramatically improve the chances of long-lasting recovery. Oxycodone detox centers will be there along the way.

Medications Used By Oxycodone Detox Centers

Medications are an important part of detox from oxycodone. With the help of a doctor, the proper medications can mitigate the symptoms of detox. For example, dangerous symptoms like high blood pressure can be treated easily and effectively. The list of medications used in professional oxycodone detox centers will vary from patient to patient, but here is a list of commonly used medications:

• Buprenorphine, Methadone: These medications are FDA-approved to treat opioid withdrawal. Buprenorphine and methadone are different medications, and they would be prescribed as part of a long-term treatment plan for oxycodone dependency.
• Sleep Aids: Sleep patterns will be severely disrupted during oxycodone detox, and doctors may prescribe medications to help improve both quality and duration of sleep. Some medications, like Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, can be used both as a sleep aid and an anti-anxiety medication.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: Anxiety is a common symptom of oxycodone detox, and medical staff may treat anxiety with medication. There are many options in treating anxiety, and the type of medication and the dosage prescribed will depend on whether the anxiety is acute (situational, short-lived) or chronic (persistent). Other health factors may inform treatment decisions.
• Antidepressants: There are a variety of antidepressants that doctors can prescribe. Although different medications may work in different ways, they all typically act on improving brain chemistry. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) which work by increasing the “feel-good hormone” serotonin. Common brand names include Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac.

Therapy During Oxycodone Detox

Talk therapy can be an overlooked component of effective detox treatment. Medications can treat physical symptoms but can fall short in treating the overall person, body and mind, and the factors that lead to a substance use disorder. Oxycodone detox centers will provide exposure to various forms of therapy that can complement the overall treatment.

Different detoxes may specialize in different forms of therapy, but here are some of the more common forms of therapy offered in oxycodone detox centers:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

One of the most widely used evidence-based forms of talk therapy today, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses the thoughts and beliefs of a person and their associated behaviors. CBT can be used to improve decision-making, critical thinking, and situational awareness and response.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides valuable time and connection for those in oxycodone detox. Group therapy would be lead by a licensed therapist and may be formal or informal in nature. Group therapy can help remove isolation and break down the barriers and stigma that people in addiction face. Better communication increased empathy, self-awareness, and social skills development are all realized benefits of group therapy.

Aftercare Planning

Oxycodone detox centers will help to safely remove drugs from the body and, through medical and talk therapy, help establish a foundation for recovery. But leaving a detox center is only the beginning. The world outside hasn’t changed; family, friends, work, and everyday life are all waiting. Aftercare is all about planning the next phases of recovery. By mapping out what steps need to be taken, and applying rigor into their planning, aftercare planning can help ensure all the necessary pieces in recovery are put in place; living arrangements, ongoing therapy and counseling, career counseling, and ongoing medical maintenance are all parts of aftercare planning. Recovery is always possible, and it can begin today.

Continuing Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Treatment from an oxycodone detox center is really the first step towards a life in recovery. It is beneficial to create a plan for ongoing treatment. For many, this would include a residential treatment or outpatient treatment. Residential treatment typically lasts 30-90 days and offers 24/7 observation and care. Depending on the patient’s needs, outpatient treatment may be a better option. Outpatient treatment will feature intensive therapy and care but has the option of flexibility, making it easier to fit ongoing treatment into daily life.