Drug Rehabilitation Drug Rehabilitation
is an umbrella term for a variety of processes by which a person addicted to a
drug stops using that drug. These processes can vary from cold turkey to the use
of substitute drugs which do not have the same action upon the state of consciousness
as the original drug to which the person was addicted. Addiction Addiction implies that a drug dependency has developed to such an extent that it has serious detrimental effects on the user (referred to as an addict). They may be chronically intoxicated, have great difficulty stopping the drug use, and be determined to obtain the drug by almost any means. The term addiction is inextricably linked to society's reaction to the user, and so medical experts try to avoid using it, preferring dependence instead.Oxycodone Addiction Oxycodone works by stimulating certain opoid receptors that are located throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the spinal cord. When the oxycodone binds to the opoid receptors, a variety of physiologic responses can occur ranging from pain relief, to slowed breathing to euphoria. Withdrawal reactions include anxiety, irritability, sweating, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. 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.
Chronic Relapse and Relapse Prevention - Is There More Than One Component?
Someone goes in for substance abuse treatment, convinced that this time will be the time they kick their habit, whatever that might be. Six months later they’ve gone through treatment and are out on their own. They’ve changed jobs, friends, made amends…and then that day, the one they hoped would never come…the alcohol, marijuana, cocaine (insert your drug of choice here) gets picked up again. Failure. But does it mean that drug use will be the story of this person’s life? Will the habit be the end of them? No, not at all.
Diabetes and Cocaine Addiction- what’s the connection?
A large number of individuals who seek treatment for alcoholism or substance abuse will relapse shortly afterwards. The wrong influences, a disappointment as well as a lack of resolution can cause someone to take on previous bad habits. Relapse following treatment for drug and alcohol addiction is common, predictable and preventable. With the help and guidance of a program as well as motivation on the part of the participant, these relapses can be avoided. Most therapists will say that relapse is part of the learning process. The individual learns what he or she can and cannot do, and that learning eventually leads to recovery.
Studies show that relapse rates for addictive disease are similar to rates for other chronic diseases. Relapsing is part of chronic illness, whether it be physiological or like diabetes or addictive like cocaine use. The theme these two seemingly different problems have is that maintenance of both requires commitment on the part of the individual. Treatments have to be followed, behaviors have to be changed, and responsibility has to be taken. When these guidelines are not followed relapse occurs.
Men vs Women: Is there a difference in Relapse?
It seems that in addiction as when driving, men refuse to stop for directions and often get lost. Yes, that is a light approach to this topic. Research has found that women are more likely to seek assistance, go to support groups, and talk about whatever problems or issues they may be experiencing. Doing so often keeps them from relapsing.
Does age make a difference?
In a study recently conducted by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) which is part of the National Institute of Health (NIH), research shows that individuals who become alcohol dependent before the age of 25 are less likely to seek treatment than those individuals who become dependent at age 30 or older. More frequent multiple dependence episodes, of longer duration have also been found with an earlier onset of dependence (September 1, 2006 issue of Pediatrics). Dependence on any substance usually leads to more episodes of relapse.
Researchers speculate that the reasons why younger individuals may have chronic drinking problems are because first of all, they are in a place in their lives’ where binge drinking is considered an acceptable mode of behavior. Furthermore, it has been found that dependency is usually under diagnosed in this population, again because of binge drinking being part of the culture.
In a recent study researchers from the Youth Alcohol Prevention Center at Boston University School of Public Health, analyzed data from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). This is a representative survey of the U.S. adult population involving face-to-face interviewing. More than 43,000 U.S. civilians over the age of 18 were interviewed. The survey asked many questions related to alcohol abuse and dependence. Respondents were asked about any treatment or help they may have asked for to help with drinking problems. Out of the participants, 4,778 which represent 12.5 percent of the U.S. population indicated that they had been alcohol dependant at some point in their lives.
When analyzing the data, researchers found that about half of these individuals became dependent before the age of 21 and 33 percent became dependent before 25. Only twenty percent became dependent at 30 years or older. Irregardless of demographic and behavioral characteristics becoming dependent before the age of 25, meant less of a chance of seeking help. Researchers speculate that fewer commitments, both relationship wise and in the working world may contribute to becoming dependent at an earlier age and not seeking treatment.
The end result of these findings: utilize better screening tools for adolescent and child drinking patterns. Under-diagnosis is dangerous for the community at large. Like chronic illness, the sooner a problem is identified and acknowledged the sooner it can be dealt with. This is a goal healthcare providers need to have for the future.
Dr. Hingson and colleagues call for systematically counseling adolescent patients about their drinking, noting that a recent study found that pediatric medical care providers under-diagnose alcohol use, abuse, and dependence among patients 14 to 18.
Rachel Hayon, BSN, MPH
This article was last modified on 7/17/2007.
References:
Alcohol and Development in Youth—A Multidisciplinary Overview Volume 28, Number 3, 2004/2005. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh283/toc28-3.htm. Accessed 15 July 2007
Bernstein, E., & Bernstein, J. (2005). Preventing alcohol misuse among adolescents. Ann Emerg Med, 45(4), 430-432.
Hingson, R. (2004). Sex differences in adolescent exposure to alcohol advertising in magazines. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 158(7), 702-704.
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