Detox from OxyContin
Ready to detox from OxyContin?
Detox is a process by which you can rid your central nervous system of oxycodone. In effect, when you withdraw from OxyContin, your brain rebounds or “speeds up”. But, what can you expect from the process? Keep reading to know more. And we invite your questions about OxyContin detox at the end.
Detoxing from OxyContin time
Detoxing from OxyContin time depends on method of detox. However, symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal usually peak 72 hours after last dose and resolve within 7-10 days. For medically assisted detox, the time frame for detox is rather quick as it aims to address the initial acute symptoms of withdrawal. Detoxing from OxyContin usually occurs over a 24 to 48 hour process as the body is flushed of opiates. After this period, you may be recommended for follow up treatment.
However, if you detox using a taper calendar, this can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the amount and frequency of dosing. While initial detox may be short, there are symptoms that occur in the weeks to months later. Referred to as Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS), trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression can persist for a long time.
Detox from OxyContin symptoms
Once you have taken your last dose of OxyContin, detox from OxyContin symptoms appear about when you expect your next dose. Detox from OxyContin symptoms include:
- aches and pain
- accelerated breathing
- fast heart beat
- loss of appetite
- runny nose
- watering eyes
As these symptoms occur, clinicians can address withdrawal symptoms using pharmaceutical and over-the-counter aids. If psychological symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal occur, doctors may address these with short acting antidepressants.
OxyContin detox treatment
While not all cases of OxyContin dependence require 24/7 medical supervision, you do need to check in with your doctor before you go off OxyContin. In severe cases of OxyContin dependence or addiction, there are three primary ways clinicians help you detox from OxyContin.
1. Medically assisted detox
A clinical OxyContin detox is usually performed in a hospital or medical facility where you are monitored over a 24 to 48 hour period. Doctors can address symptoms of detox which may arise. During a medical detox for OxyContin, you may be administered either naloxone, methadone, or buprenorphine treatment. These medications help to disrupt the opioid receptors to either clean them out or stop OxyContin cravings. Doctors may keep you on medications while they suggest follow up treatment. Drug-free housing can help after detox as it gives you an environment to recover from detox as well as place to live without the worry of drugs being in your surroundings.
2. Detox with behavioral therapy
Another way you can detox from OxyContin is to combine both a medical assisted approach with one that incorporates behavioral and relapse therapy. This process can be a little longer but while you are observed and are detoxing professionals can refer and put you in contact with addiction facilities and mental health professionals. Behavioral therapy during detox teaches you tools for avoiding relapse and provides you with insight into OxyContin use.
3. Tapering doses of OxyContin
Work with a doctor to slowly lower doses of OxyContin over the period of a few weeks (or more) to decrease the severity and intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Tapering slowly gets rid of the oxycodone from the central nervous system. Unlike a cold turkey OxyContin withdrawal, tapering down gives the brain time to adjust to lower levels of oxycodone without a strong “rebound effect”. While tapering, you can address and minimize symptoms that occur. If necessary slow the taper so you don’t have to experience pain or discomfort.
Detox from OxyContin at home
Can you detox from OxyContin at home? It depends. You’ll need to consult your prescribing physician for an evaluation. Generally, people in good health with minimal oxycodone dependency can detox through tapering with outpatient supervision. Individuals who are pretty motivated to quit using OxyContin and have less of a severe dependence are candidates for detox from OxyContin at home.
On the other hand, cases of heavy OxyContin dependence, abuse or addiction should consider a medical detox. OxyContin relapse is more likely without the help of a facility or follow up treatment. Plus, doctors can help support the discomfort of OxyContin withdrawal in a medical OxyContin detox.
OxyContin detox questions
Do you still have questions about OxyContin detox? Do you know more about OxyContin detox and what to expect? Do you have experience detoxing from OxyContin? If so, please ask any questions or share any experience you may have with detox below. We would love to hear from you. And we will answer questions you may have personally and promptly.
Reference Sources: Health Finder: Drug-free housing helps Heroin and OxyContin Addicts
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