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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. 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.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.
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organizations |
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| drug
policy | harm reduction programs |
Drug
Policy
- American
Civil Liberties Union
Civil liberties news and resources related to drug policy
- Common
Sense For Drug Policy
Organization advocating for "common sense" rather than drug
war approach, numerous links to harm reduction organizations and resources
about various drugs
- Drug
Policy Foundation
Independent, nonprofit organization favoring alternatives to the "drug
war," including public health strategies
- Drug
Reform Coordination Network
Drug reform organization seeking reasoned alternatives to current
policies, including harm reduction, reform of sentencing laws, and
consideration of legalization; also links to enormous drug policy
library
- Drug
Peace Campaign Organization that encourages Internet-based
activism to bring about change in current drug policies, includes
updated news archive
- Harm
Reduction Coalition
Fosters harm reduction solutions to drug problems, site includes Straight
Dope Education Series
- International
Harm Reduction Association
UK-based organization with message board, links, and chat room
- Lindesmith
Center
The most comprehensive harm reduction site around, includes extensive
library, research briefs, e-mail newsletter, news items, and searchable
database
- National
Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws
Principal national organization advocating for legalization of marijuana;
site includes information about marijuana and current legislation
being considered at state and national level
Harm
Reduction Programs
- DanceSafe
Organization devoted to harm reduction with club drugs, particularly
Ecstasy
- DrinkWise
A drinking moderation program for those with mild to moderate alcohol
problems
- Guided
Self-Change Clinic
Clinic based on the idea that problem drinkers not dependent on alcohol
can self-guide treatment and pursue moderation goals, based at Nova
Southeastern University
- Injecting
Rooms
Australian Drug Foundation report reviews the evidence for injecting
rooms, which are facilities that offer health worker supervision in
safe needle practices
- Rock
Medicine
Mobile medical emergency facility that provides medical and counseling
services for those attending large events like rock concerts
- Safe
Works Needle Exchange
Harm reduction organization that promotes HIV prevention through safer
injection practices

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