Technically speaking, prescription drug abuse is the use of the prescription drug in any way other than what has been prescribed by a medical practitioner. The CDC has declared prescription drug abuse as an epidemic. It is gripping people of all ages, but young individuals are badly affected. The commonly abused prescription drugs are Xanax, Vicodin, Roxicodone, OxyContin, and Ritalin, among a few others.
Roxicodone is a trading name of a drug, which goes by the generic name of Oxycodone Hydrochloride. It is an opioid analgesic, which in general terms means that it is a pain-relieving prescribed medication. It is derived from opium alkaloid “thebaine” and is dispensed in tablet form. It is water-soluble and may minimally dissolve in alcohol.
Oxycodone is used orally for providing analgesia in cases having moderate to severe pain. Patients with extensive limb injuries and severe back injuries are prescribed this drug, and therein lurks the danger of its addiction.
Usually, oxycodone addiction starts very innocently. The patient has been prescribed a course of oxycodone for his or her painful condition, and because of its rapid action, the patient feels better in a matter of a few minutes. Most people benefit from the analgesia that the drug provides, but many people fall prey to an addiction to the drug. The body adapts itself to the drug, thus forcing the individual to increase the dose of Roxicodone to have meaningful analgesia. Many find its euphoria-inducing effects extremely pleasurable, thus forming a habit of consuming the drug when medically it may no longer be needed. Addiction to Xanax Vicodin, OxyContin, and Ritalin also starts very innocently following a prescription for sleep problems or panic attacks.
As for the treatment, prevention, as they say, is always better than cure. It should be the endeavor of society and the medical fraternity, in particular, to recognize the signs and symptoms at the earliest among individuals before they get into the rut of its addiction.
An affected person by oxycodone addiction should be immediately placed in the institutionalized care of a professional drug rehab center, and his or her progress should be closely monitored even when he or she is discharged from the center. Generally, detox is the first step, which is done under medical supervision where gradual withdrawal of the oxycodone drug is made. Pharmaceutical agents can be used to help the process and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Among other approaches, the therapies usually rendered at addiction treatment centers, which are a combination of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, support groups, equine therapy, music therapy, and aversive therapy. These psychosocial and behavioral approaches focus on the negative thoughts and behavior of the oxycodone addict. These approaches:
- Convert them into positive thinking
- Develop coping and adaptive mechanisms
- Teach life skills
- Develop resolve and resisting abilities to say no to drugs
The fusion of pharmaceutical therapy with psychosocial techniques works wonders for addiction patients. Whatever mode of treatment is performed, it is imperative that the near and dear ones of the patient are sensitized and motivated for his or her rehabilitation before and especially post the treatment.
