In The News: New York Legislatures Passes the “I Stop” Bill

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The bill has good intentions – to stop drug dealers and addicts from doctor shopping, eradicate fraud prescriptions made from stolen prescription pads and ultimately crack down on prescription drug abuse. Those on the opposition fear that the bill is premature and will cause delays in patients in chronic pain from receiving their medication. Another fear is the increase of heroin use which we’re already seeing in the heroin epidemic in Ohio.

It seems like many patients who truly need these meds and are not abusing them will be the ones to suffer more. Many New York clinics have already halted the sale of OxyContin because of fear of robberies leaving thousands of patients in pain and agony. Prescription drug abuse is a serious crisis America is currently facing. We hope this bill ends up doing more good than harm.

If you or a loved one needs help with prescription drug abuse or OxyContin drug abuse give our 24/7 crisis counselors a call at 1-877-711-4673.

Source: http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/06/regulation-of-prescription-drugs-could-spell-trouble-for-patients/

Dealing with Chronic Pain without Narcotic Painkillers

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Dealing with Chronic Pain without Narcotic Painkillers

Today there are more Americans struggling with chronic pain than ever before.  A recent Institute of Medicine report says, “116 million American adults have chronic pain,” which is a number far larger than any previous study.

Physicians tend to respond to patient complaints of chronic pain by prescribing narcotic painkillers.  Prescription drugs like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet act on the opioid receptors in the brain to relieve pain.  The problem lies in the fact that these narcotic painkillers are highly addictive and cause serious risk for dependence.

With so many individuals struggling with chronic pain, the question arises as to whether they should take these narcotic painkillers at all and for some, should they take prescription pain pills long-term.  For those recovering from addiction, taking narcotic painkillers is an option that many are not willing to risk.

How people cope with pain is unique to each individual.  We all have varying tolerances to dealing with physical pain and none of us handle pain in the same way.  Its important to understand that there are numerous alternatives to dealing with chronic pain with out the use of prescription narcotic painkillers.

The following list contains intuitive ways to cope with pain without the use of narcotic painkillers.

1.   Alternative Therapies

There are a number of effective alternative therapies for treating chronic pain with out narcotic painkillers. Mind body therapies, including hypnosis, imagery, meditation and biofeedback can help alleviate the discomfort associated with chronic pain. Acupuncture is also believed to decrease pain by increasing endorphins, which are the chemicals that block pain.   Chiropractic treatment is beneficial for certain types of back pain, and massage therapy keeps pain away with out the use of narcotic painkillers. Massage also reduces stress and relieves tension by enhancing blood flow.

2. Heat and ice

Doctors recommend ice for the first few days and then switch to heat. Treatments with heat for chronic pain help relax and loosen tissues.  Heat also stimulates blood flow in the area. Always use heat treatments after activity, especially exercise and do not use heat treatments for too long to avoid burning.

3. Exercise

Although it may seem counterproductive to exercise while experiencing physical pain, physicians say mild exercise will help in the long run.  Be sure to check with your doctor for the appropriate exercise techniques for your specific injury.

4. Sleep

Sleep deficiency generally makes you more receptive to pain.  With out sleep the same injury may seem more intense than hurting yourself or dealing with chronic pain when you’ve had sufficient sleep.  Make sure you get enough REM sleep, because this is the type that directly affects your tolerance to pain.

5. Supplements

Recent studies show that taking supplements like Vitamin B, fish oil, chondroitin and glucosamine work tremendously against fighting chronic pain.  Remember, supplements cannot do all the work on their own. Pain management with out the use of narcotic painkillers is most effective when combined with alternative therapies, exercise, a regular sleep cycle and a healthy diet.

If you need help with narcotic painkiller addiction, a drug rehab center is your best option. Call Palm Partners Recovery Center at 1-877-711-HOPE (4673).

www.palmpartners.com

Oxycodone Addiction: An Infectious Disease

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A Close Look At Oxycodone

When the central nervous system of person experiences pain due to ailments like arthritis, fractures, or even during labor, doctors prescribe certain prescription drugs to help minimize the pain. In many cases, prescription painkillers are also prescribed to those suffering from serious diseases like Cancer.

These prescription drugs are narcotic in nature: for example, drugs like Vicodin, Morphine, etc. Similarly, Oxycodone, which is a Schedule II drug, is prescribed in cases where patients suffer from severe pain disorders. Oxycodone depresses the central nervous system of a patient which helps lower his or her pain.

A prescription drug, which is actually used as a powerful painkiller, Oxycodone can alter moods in a person who uses the drug. Although it is a prescribed drug, possessing Oxycodone by illegal means is a criminal offence that leads to prosecution. However, in the last ten years its popularity among drug addicts has increased significantly and so has Oxycodone’s illegal use and subsequent abuse.

Apart from pain, Oxycodone also acts as a cough suppressant and helps arrest anxiety. Oxycodone leads to euphoria and assists in mental relaxation. Patients who have taken this drug for these purposes have reported suffering from constipation. Oxycodone is highly potent and people suffer from serious side effects, if addicted to it. Medically and legally every effort is made to monitor the prescription of this painkiller through qualified practitioners.

Patients who are prescribed Oxycodone are assessed continuously for side effects as well as relief from pain. Based on assessments and clinical judgment, necessary adjustments are made by the doctor regarding continuity with the drug. Being a prescribed and controlled drug, Oxycodone can only be legally obtained through a prescription. In our country most doctors frequently prescribe Oxycodone to patients who seek painkillers to get relief from severe pain.

There are several side effects associated with Oxycodone usage in its prescribed form. Many patients have reported side effects like sweating profusely, nausea and headache, dry mouth, etc. Some have even experienced other symptoms that are severe in nature like labored breathing, coma, feeling dizzy, and even seizures.

Oxycodone is available under different brand names like Oxycontin, which is the most common name, Percocet, Tylox, and Percodan. Today, because of its highly addictive properties many blatantly abuse Oxycodone. Repeated intake of Oxycodone leads to Oxycodone tolerances.  In such cases people who are addicted to this drug require higher doses. Drug addicts who take this drug more commonly refer to it as ‘Oxy’ and sometimes as ‘hillbilly heroin.’ These are the popular names of Oxycodone in alleys frequented by addicts.

Oxycodone Abuse

It is a matter of concern that in the last ten years there has been a dramatic increase in Oxycodone addiction. Statistics state that within the US its usage has increased up to 300%. Equally alarming is the number of Oxycodone addicts seeking emergency treatment, which has shot up to 500%.

It has been observed that people who have been actually prescribed with it have abused Oxycodone. Normally they start with the prescribed dosage, but since this drug is highly addictive its usage goes out of control.

Oxycodone Abuse

It is a matter of concern that in the last ten years there has been a dramatic increase in Oxycodone addiction. Statistics state that within the US its usage has increased up to 300%. Equally alarming is the number of Oxycodone addicts seeking emergency treatment, which has shot up to 500%.

It has been observed that people who have been actually prescribed with it have abused Oxycodone. Normally they start with the prescribed dosage, but since this drug is highly addictive its usage goes out of control.

Gradually, they become tolerant to the prescribed dosage and fail to get the same effects, and because of this they start taking higher doses. Taking higher doses not only gives pain relief but also enhances the feeling of euphoria and also helps prevent the withdrawal symptoms that they have been experiencing.

Using Oxycodone in a way that is different from its prescribed form leads to addiction. Once this Oxycodone is abused, it leads to dependence and the person continues to abuse Oxys despite knowing that the consequences would be fatal or irreversible. If at this stage usage is stopped the body experiences severe withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, restlessness, and cramping of the muscles in the legs.

Oxycodone abusers take the drug in the pill form or snort it after crushing the pill. Some abusers even melt this drug in water and then inject themselves. Oxycodone in its pill form acts as a slow time-released pain reliever. However, when higher doses are taken through snorting or injections, an equally large amount enters the system instantly providing an intense high. This also puts the abuser at a risk of an Oxycodone overdose.

Addicts find this drug attractive as well as convenient, since it can be taken in oral form also. Being a time-released drug, it is considered to be safer than other drugs. Once people become addicts they can go to any length to have it. Some even produce phony prescriptions while there are others who wouldn’t even hesitate to steal from medicine stores even at the risk of getting caught.

People from all age groups are getting afflicted with Oxycodone addiction. Till a few years back it was those white-collared professionals who were popping pills but today Oxycodone addiction

has touched people irrespective of age, gender, or profession. However, to our surprise it is mostly men in the age group of 10 to 40 years who are addicted to Oxycodone.

Oxycodone addiction leads to severe side effects and it is very difficult to recover from this addiction. This is because an Oxycodone addict becomes both mentally and physically addicted. Oxycodone acts as a central nervous system depressant, it stimulates the brain and the person experiences intense pleasure. It starts with an intense high and then goes on to provide relaxation and satisfaction which lasts for many hours. This affects the respiratory system and leads to labored breathing, forcing the person to slow down. This can turn out to be really fatal.

Oxycodone Treatment

Treatment for Oxycodone addiction usually focuses on its psychological aspect and the withdrawal symptoms. However, in most cases this form of treatment had not been that effective. As such nowadays the Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR) method is applied to help people recover from Oxycodone addiction. This is a new way of treating this addiction or rather an infectious disease, and medical techniques are used for the purpose. Oxycodone addicts who have been treated through this method have shown a marked improvement in their condition.

The Importance of Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

The importance of Oxycodone addiction treatment is understandable for a person who is an Oxycodone addict. However, it is his/her realization of the fact that he or she needs to get help at the earliest which is more important. Every type of addiction carries with it the risk of death or an irreversible disease, and Oxycodone addiction is no exception.

If your loved one is in need of Oxycodone Addiction Treatment, please give us a call at 800-951-6135.