How to Wean off Oxycodone in Tampa
What Does it Mean to Wean Off Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a potent prescription opioid medication prescribed to those who suffer from moderate to severe discomfort and pain. The drug is highly addictive and can be easily abused, creating an intense high for the user while introducing them into the world of dependency and addiction. One of the more dangerous and lethal forms of drug abuse “speedballing,” where users combine opioids like Oxycodone with stimulants like cocaine to experience an intensified euphoria. This deadly cocktail not only compounds the risks of each drug but also introduces new dangers due to the contrasting effects on the central nervous system. Oxycodone has a high dependency rate, putting those who take the drug at risk of developing addiction with prolonged use. Unfortunately, many individuals who take Oxycodone, especially when combined in practices like speedballing, become physically dependent on the drug and will experience severe withdrawal symptoms if they do not maintain a steady dose.
Individuals who struggle with opioid addiction will require Oxycodone addiction treatment through a drug rehab such as WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab in Tampa. The weaning process is essential for someone who has been abusing Oxycodone, as abruptly seizing the use of the drug can have life-threatening health ramifications.
Many people wonder how to wean off Oxycodone. The safest, most effective, and most comfortable method on how to wean off Oxycodone is through a tapering process. During tapering, the individual will gradually be weaned (or tapered) off the drug, first being administered a higher dose of a detox medication then slowly lessening this dose over a few days/weeks.
Why Wean Off Oxycodone?
When individuals wean themselves off of Oxycodone via medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), they lessen the withdrawal symptoms associated with the process. When individuals struggle with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), they will experience physical withdrawal because they are physically dependent on the substance.
You must be monitored on an around-the-clock basis during the weaning process to ensure the efficacy of the process. This process will also ensure that you respond well to the process and are not exhibiting any adverse effects. Monitoring will also allow the dosage to be adjusted to the patient’s needs as they gradually are weaned off the opioid.
Some of the common withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience if they do not wean off of Oxycodone include:
- Emotional duress
- A higher risk of suicidal thoughts
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Relapse as a result of unbearable withdrawal symptoms
How to Wean Off Oxycodone
The best way to wean off of Oxycodone is through an Oxycodone addiction treatment drug rehab. Without the proper support, weaning medications, and a constructive environment that fosters recovery, tapering, and weaning will be ineffective.
Before weaning, patients will work with a registered nurse, doctor, or clinical professional to explain the process. Based on the severity and gravity of the addiction, a weaning plan will be made, determining the length of time the individual will be weaning off Oxycodone for.
Some of the factors that play into the length of the weaning process include:
- The length of time the individual has been taking opioids
- The dosage the individual has been taking
- Which opioid medication they have been taking
- If the individual is abusing other substances while on opioids
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
The medications prescribed during the weaning and tapering process are designed to mitigate the withdrawal symptoms experienced. Withdrawal management allows for effective weaning while lessening the side effects of withdrawal.
Some of the common withdrawal symptoms that patients may experience are:
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Treatment through a qualified rehab center that provides comprehensive weaning in a controlled environment is the best way to taper off Oxycodone.
Medical Detox for Oxycodone
Medical detox involves tapering the individual off of Oxycodone using tapering medications. During medical detox for Oxycodone, patients will reside at the facility during the process. The process occurs in a very closely monitored and controlled environment facilitated by a registered nurse, medical staff members, and clinicians.
WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers all levels of care, including medical detox and comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs for those who struggle with opioid addiction. If you or someone close to you is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, or you need more information on how to wean off Oxycodone, contact our intake team today.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.