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. Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has a range of definitions related to disaproval over use or overuse of mood altering substances. These fall into four main categories: Substance abuse may lead to addiction or substance dependence. Medicaly, dependence requires the development of tolerance leading to withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient Treatment is most often residential in that they require that the client live within the facility during treatment. Inpatient treatment centers and programs are a higher level of care than outpatient programs and provide more intensive services and treatment than lower levels of the care continuum.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.
Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam) is a benzodiazepine class of drug. It is primarily used as a hypnotic/sedative type of drug in Europe and South America. It is primarily used for sedation for general anesthesia. Flunitrazepam has similar pharmacological effects to other benzodiazepines but is 10 times more potent than valium. Rohypnol is not manufactured nor has it been approved for clinical use in the United States. It has been widely used in Europe and South America for more than a decade.
The majority of Rohypnol in the USA has been smuggled in from Europe, South America and Mexico. Recent seizures indicate that a significant amount of the drug is smuggled and distributed by the Israelis and Russian drug traffickers. Illicit use of Rohypnol originated in Europe in the 1970s and has increased worldwide since then. However, Rohypnol did not appear in the United States until the early 1990s.
Dose
Flunitrazepam is marketed under the trade name Rohypnol. It is available as a 1- and 2-milligram tablet. In Europe, liquid preparations are available for intravenous use. The effects of flunitrazepam appear approximately 15 to 20 minutes after oral administration, and last for approximately four to six hours. Some residual effects can persist up to 12 hours or more after administration.
Rohypnol Abuse
The drug is frequently available at raves, night clubs, all night parties and bars. The drug has been widely used as a date rape drug. Most users of Rohypnol also abuse other drugs including methamphetamine, alcohol and heroin. In the United States, Rohypnol is used widely in Texas and Florida where it is popular among high school students. All reports indicate that the population which uses Rohypnol is rapidly growing. Numerous seizures of the illegal drug have been made by the DEA.
Rohypnol is abused by individuals especially high school students and college students. In the US, each tablet costs about 2-4$. It is usually ingested with alcohol and frequently mixed with other drugs (cocaine, marijuana). Individuals who take it with alcohol report a euphoric feeling and lightheadedness.
Date Rape
Flunitrazepam is known to induce antegrade amnesia in sufficient doses; individuals are unable to remember certain events that they experienced while under the influence of the drug. This property of flunitrazepam has been used by males to aid in the commission of a sexual assault. Most victims do not remember or recall sexual assault, the assailant, or the events surrounding the event.
If an individual suspects that he or she has been a victim of a flunitrazepam-facilitated sexual assault, laboratory testing for flunitrazepam should be done as soon as possible. Recent technological advances can detect flunitrazepam and related compounds in urine for up to 5 days after administration of a single dose of Rohypnol and up to a month in hair.
In the United Kingdom, the use of flunitrazepam has been connected to robbery from sedated victims. Many individuals are robbed each year after having their drinks spiked with sedatives, making drug-assisted robbery as common as drug-assisted rape.
Side effects
Flunitrazepam is considered to be one of the most addictive of the benzodiazepines. It can produce several side effects including:
Drowsiness, Fatigue
Gait problems
Dizziness, lethargy
Lack of motor coordination
Slurred speech
Amnesia and forgetfulness
Confusion
nausea, vomiting
Respiratory depression
Overdose with rohypnol can lead to coma, respiratory arrest and death. Although the drug is classified as a depressant, Rohypnol can cause paradoxical reactions in some individuals that may include excitability or aggressive behavior.
Rohypnol Addiction
Both short and long term use can lead to physical dependence on Rohypnol. The addictive features are more pronounced in individuals who use Rohypnol in large doses for a long time. Long-term use of flunitrazepam can result in psychological and physical dependence and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.
Flunitrazepam impairs cognitive and psychomotor skills, affects reaction time and driving skills. The use of this drug in combination with alcohol potentiates these side effects, and can lead to toxicity.
Legal status
Flunitrazepam is currently a Schedule III drug under the international Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971; in the United States, it is on Schedule IV. According to FDA Associate Director for Domestic and International Drug Control
Nicholas Reuter:
Flunitrazepam was "temporarily controlled in Schedule IV pursuant to a treaty obligation under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. At the time flunitrazepam was placed temporarily in Schedule IV . . . there was no evidence of abuse or trafficking of the drug in the United States."
Rohypnol is currently under consideration to be rescheduled to Schedule I, and is already considered such in the States of Florida, Idaho, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Most states have introduced legislation that provide for stiff prison terms for the possession of flunitrazepam; penalties for use or distribution include life in prison, should death or serious injury occur.
The drug must be declared to US Customs upon arrival. If a valid prescription cannot be produced, the drug may be subject to Customs search and seizure, and the traveler may face criminal charges or deportation.
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