Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Dangers of Cocaine Addiction

There are many problematic drugs on the street today that are destroying lives and families. One of the most harmful is cocaine. Processed from a natural plant, by the time it reaches the public, it has been turned into a white substance that can be inhaled, eaten, smoked, or injected. All methods are addictive and should be avoided.

Once a person has begun using cocaine, sometimes known as "blow," they are likely to want more. As the cycle of use continues, the person may begin to put the purchase and use of cocaine ahead of other activities, including work and family matters. This dependence and focus on the drug can leave the addict feeling alienated from friends and family. Often, they will begin to surround themselves with other cocaine addicts so their behavior seems more normal.

Often, the cocaine addict will end up losing their job. This is either due to missed work or showing up under the influence of cocaine. Some employers will offer employees a second chance if the person agrees to go to drug rehabilitation. This is the ideal situation for the addict because it allows them to get clean from the substance while knowing they still have a job to return to.

While in a rehabilitation program, the addict will receive medical support for the withdrawal symptoms that are likely to appear. Additionally, they will learn about addiction and recovery. A development of a relapse prevention plan is often done prior to discharge.

If someone is in the grips of cocaine addiction, their entire life is suffering the effects. The best way for the situation to be handled is through the use of professional help. It is better to get the services of a rehabilitation specialist than allow this addictive substance to destroy your life.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Addiction To Pain Medication Such As Oxycodone HCL

 

Oxycodone HCL is used for several types of pain, for acute post surgical situations, chronic cancer pain, and pain relief that is ongoing and severe. It has been found that a person's quality of life can be improved by taking the medication.

Oxycodone HCL falls into a category called opioids which has the potential for a dependent state, and withdrawal issues, and the induction of pain sensitivity when the drug is withdrawn, which causes the very pain in which it was used to treat.

It has been found that the side effects of oxycodone HCL are less that those that morphine has, so the oxycodone HCL is an appropriate alternative. Side effects include fatigue, dizziness, constipation, itching, sweating, dry mouth, and anxiety.

If high doses are taken, or overdoses, or a patient is not tolerant to opiates, a person can experience shallow breathing, bradycardia (slow heartbeat), apnea, hypotension, clammy skin, circulatory collapse, respiratory arrest, and death.

It is relatively easy to fall into a dependency state with opiates when a person has been taking the drug for awhile, and gets better. If a person is not being supervised adequately, and there is medication left over, a dependency can develop and the urge to continue is great.  This is where illegal means are used to obtain the drug, which can lead to serious health problems.

Withdrawal from the drug creates serious symptoms so it is advised to withdraw on a gradual basis under medical supervision. The repercussions of a sudden withdrawal can be catastrophic, so this is a very important matter. If the drug is used on a recreational basis the risks are very great, because the person is not usually aware of dosages and can easily get into trouble.

Drugs like Oxycodone HCL should only be taken under the supervision of a medical doctor so proper dosages and withdrawal timing is maintained under all circumstances.