Oxycontin Addiction: Oxycontin is a prescription painkiller used for moderate to high
pain relief associated with injuries, bursitis, dislocations, fractures, neuralgia,
arthritis, lower back pain and pain associated with cancer. It contains oxycodone,
an opium derivative and is produced in a time released tablet. Oxycontin commonly
referred to as OC, OX, Oxy, Oxycotton and kicker, was introduced in 1996 and has
had a rapid escalation of abuse. The tablets can be chewed, crushed and snorted
like cocaine, crushed and dissolved in water and then injected like heroin. The
most serious side effect is respiratory depression, particularly dangerous for
the elderly. Oxycontin
addiction and demand has resulted in pharmacy robberies and forged
prescriptions. The estimated number of people aged 12 or older with an oxycontin
addiction has increased from 1.9 million in 2002, to 3.1 million in 2004.
The largest increase occurred among young adults aged 18 to 25. Heroin Rapid Detox As an Opioid heroin use escalates as the body’s tolerance for the drug increases. The increased tolerance is the cause of many overdose deaths given that the heroin user may be injecting 3 to 5 times the lethal dose in order to maintain their high. Rapid detoxification from high tolerance heroin use is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Relapse for a heroin user after some period of absence can also be fatal as their tolerance level is no longer present and the same amount used during their last episode prior to a period abstinence will often kill the user.
The Experiences of Addiction » May 10th 2007
The experiences of addiction.
While current research shows that genetics (see the mu-opioid blog entry) and brain physiology (see the amygdala blog entry) play an important role in addiction neither of these third order factors are experienced by the individual who is addicted. The persons...tags: Addiction Models comments: 2
Genetic Predisposition » May 8th 2007
Genetic Predisposition
One of the promising emerging models of addiction comes form the burgeoning field of genetic research. One of the more recent finings for example has clearly linked to the mu-opioid gene to alcohol, smoking and drug addiction. Researchers at University of South...tags: Addiction Models comments: 2
Addiction Models » May 7th 2007
Addiction is often defined as continuing the same negative behaviors despite the consequences or the risks involved. The question is why?
Why do people continue their addictions in spite of negative consequences?
The answers are not simple. One of the purposes of this blog is to explore the...tags: Addiction Models comments: 2
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