Oxycontin is best described as an opioid analgesic. Oxycontin addiction has escalated remarkably since its inception in 1995. This drug was developed to alleviate chronic pain and is known to be highly addictive. Similar in structure to that of heroin, morphine and percodan, oxycontin has become one of the most highly abused prescription drugs on the market.

Oxycontin, which contains an ingredient called oxycodone, is actually synthetic morphine. Physically addicting and emotionally crippling, oxycontin was designed to be a 12 hour time release pill. To increase the "high" produced by the Oxycontin, people crush the pill, bypassing the time release element of the medication. This leads to an even greater risk of addiction and overdose.

Similar to other prescription medications such as Vicodin, Percodan or Dilaudid, Oxycontin is prescribed by a licensed physician. Because this drug is prescribed by a physician, many people tend to live in denial about their addiction to the drug. They will compare their situation to people who are buying Oxycontin on the street. What they fail to realize is that they are no longer taking the Oxycontin as prescribed. The amount they are taking has increased, the frequency has increased and a tolerance for the drug oxycontin has developed. When the initial prescription is no longer adequate, due to the amount of the Oxycontin one is consuming, people find themselves forging prescriptions, attending to multiple pain clinics, regardless of the severity of the pain. They find they can not live without the Oxycontin.

Due to the physical dependence created by abusing Vicodin, addiction treatment begins in a residential treatment center. The initial phase of treatment is detoxification. It is here, under medical supervision, that the person is helped to safely withdraw from the Vicodin and reduce the symptoms associated with withdrawal. The average length of time spent in detox is approximately 7 days. During this time, the person will be monitored medically and any psychiatric issues addressed.

After the person is stable from a medical perspective, they are generally referred on to rehab, to complete their treatment stay. By the time most people enter treatment for Vicodin addiction, they have created quite a bit of unmanageability in their life and the lives of those that love them. Emotional recovery from shame, depression, guilt and low self esteem takes time. The reason continued residential rehab is often recommended, is that continuing recovery in a supportive therapeutic environment, which is designed to eliminate any outside distractions allows the person to focus on their recovery. The length of stay is approximately 20 days.

Vicodin, like all opiates, are physically addictive. To abruptly discontinue Vicodin, could create a situation where seizures or convulsions might occur. It is for this reason, that withdrawal from Vicodin should be gradual and under medical supervision. This is best accomplished in a residential treatment facility to guard against any medical complications.

The discomfort associated with Vicodin withdrawal is contingent upon the amount of pills the person is taking and the length of time they have been abusing them. Some people take upwards of 20 and 40 Vicodin pills daily.

In addition to the physical addiction created by Vicodin abuse, people also experience deterioration in personal relationships, financial, employment, legal and psychological difficulties. Most of the people found addicted to Vicodin will eventually experience most, if not all of the above.