Drug Rehabilitation Drug Rehabilitation
is an umbrella term for a variety of processes by which a person addicted to a
drug stops using that drug. These processes can vary from cold turkey to the use
of substitute drugs which do not have the same action upon the state of consciousness
as the original drug to which the person was addicted. Binge Drinking: According to a rent study conducted by Kathryn Graham, et al of the University of Western Ontario psychology department "Depression is most strongly related to a pattern of binge drinking,"
Binge Drinking is defined in the study as consuming at least 5 alcoholic beverages at one sitting.
Whether Binge Drinking resulted in the development depression or whether depression contributed to a persons binge drinking was unclear in this study.
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. 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.
MS Contin is a formulation of morphine that is made in time released tablets. The tablets are prescribed for chronic pain, typically for cancer patients, and are usually taken every twelve hours. MS Contin was designed specifically for individuals that need constant pain medication. It is different than the usual dosing of morphine which is usually administered every four to six hours for pain. Morphine is the principal active agent in opium and acts directly on the central nervous system. Morphine is very addictive, especially when it is compared to other substances as it causes physical and psychological dependences very quickly. MS Contin is considered a Schedule II substance in the United States as it is very addictive.
How is MS Contin administered?
MS Contin is usually administered every twelve hours and is taken by mouth.
How does MS Contin work?
Since MS Contin is essentially morphine in another type of pill casing, therefore it effects a persons physiology in the same way. Morphine is an opiate which binds to the opiate receptors in the brain and brings on feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It basically distracts both the mind and the body from any pain that may be felt, both real and imaginary. In the case of MS Contin, morphine is released from the tablets every twelve hours. This occurs because there is a time release mechanism that is a wax inside of the pill. This invention, though wonderful when used properly, can be very dangerous not only because of the many side effects associated with morphine use but also because of the structure of the pill. In order to convert the pill into a legitimate intravenous drug, drug abusers heat up the pills. What many dont know is the wax inside the pill, when heated then expands and encases the morphine. If an individual then injects the melted MS Contin, he or she will essential be injecting wax into his or her vein which can lead to very serious complications.
What are side effects of MS Contin?
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to MS Contin. Signs of this include: difficulty breathing, hives, as well as swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat. If one is experiencing such side effects, a physician needs to be notified immediately. Other common side effects include:
cold, clammy skin;
shallow breathing, slow heartbeat
feeling light-headed, fainting
confusion
severe weakness or dizziness
seizure (convulsions)
Less serious side effects include:
sleep problems (insomnia)
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite
constipation
warmth, tingling, or redness under your skin
dizziness, headache, anxiety
memory problems
What are risks associated with MS Contin abuse?
As with any drug, there is always the risk of addiction and dependence resulting from prolonged use. Since MS Contin is in a time release form, it is very easy to overdose. Abuse of MS Contin, can cause both liver and renal failure. Psychological and physiological dependence are both very likely to occur, which make stopping drug use difficult. Stopping MS Contin abuse is a very dangerous part of using MS Contin. Detoxing from MS Contin and other morphine derivates is not only difficult for obvious reasons. Stopping MS Contin use can lead to an extensive list of withdrawal symptoms including: strong drug craving, insomnia, watery eyes, diarrhea, and runny nose, yawning, and sweating. As the withdrawal continues other symptoms that may be displayed are restlessness, irritability, body aches, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tremors and stronger drug cravings. Depression and vomiting are also very common. In addition, individuals may experience heart palpitation, raised blood pressure, chills, or cold flashes. Pain in the bones, muscles, back and extremities are also very common. During this process, it is possible to administer a narcotic that will in turn alleviate the symptoms associated with withdrawal from the drug. Having said this, withdrawal should occur under the supervision of a trained professional just in case more serious symptoms occur. Though withdrawal from morphine is considered to be less dangerous than alcohol or barbiturates, if an individual is in poor health withdrawal could be fatal.
Treatment for MS Contin abuse is very feasible, especially when caught early. As stated prior, treatment should take place under supervision because of the risks associated and there are many different types of treatments available for individuals truly wishing to reform.
This article was last modified on 10/12/2007.
References
Ault, A. (2006). Chronic pain, addiction behavior are different: giving shorter-acting opioids to those already taking long-acting formulations might create tolerance.
Clinical Psychiatry News. January.
Brookoff D. (1993). Abuse potential of various opioid medications. Journal of General Internal Medicine 8:688-90.
Grau LE, Dasgupta N, Harvey AP, Irwin K, Givens A, Kinzly ML, Heimer R. (2007). Illicit use of opioids: is OxyContin a "gateway drug"? American Journal of Addiction. May-Jun;16(3):166-73
Longo, L. P., Parran, T., Johnson, B. Kinsey, W. (2000). Addiction: Part II. Identification and Management of the Drug-Seeking Patient. American Family Physicians.
Loguinov A, Anderson L, Crosby G, Yukhananov R (2001). "Gene expression following acute morphine administration". Physiol Genomics 6 (3): 169-81
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