Oxycontin Withdrawal and Detox

Medical detox from Oxycontin is typically done in an inpatient setting. When a patient first arrives at the clinic, detox is usually the first part of an inpatient rehabilitation program. Patients receive round-the-clock care from doctors and nurses and are continually checked on during the process.

Being located in a medical facility, patients undergoing medical detox can receive immediate medical intervention for serious and potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. This makes medical detox by far the safest option for Oxycontin withdrawal. People who are in poor health or who were on very high doses of Oxycontin especially should consider going through medical detox.

Outpatient detox from Oxycontin still involves medical supervision, but patients are not checked into a hospital or other treatment center. Instead, they attend a clinic periodically but don’t stay overnight. These patients are at home for most of the withdrawal process. Outpatient Oxycontin detox typically takes longer than inpatient detox.

During clinic visits for outpatient detox, patients receive advice and are evaluated. They are also given any medications they need to taper off of Oxycontin or manage withdrawal symptoms. They can return to the clinic as needed if symptoms become severe.

When detoxing from Oxycontin from home, patients stay at their own residence or another safe, non-clinical setting for the duration of their withdrawal. The lack of continuous medical care makes self-detox from Oxycontin more dangerous than other detox options. People should only attempt home detox if they are otherwise in good health overall and expect only mild or moderate symptoms. They should also have another person available to help them at all times, such as a spouse, family member or close friend.

Home detox from Oxycontin should last longer than clinical detox because patients should taper off of Oxycontin more slowly. They also need to be prepared to manage the withdrawal symptoms on their own.

To help with the unpleasant effects, here are a few detox home remedies and pieces of advice:

Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing made of absorbent materials

Drink plenty of fluids

Eat plenty of healthy foods

Drink fizzy drinks like sparkling water to help settle the stomach

Use cool compresses or take a cool bath to help with fever (but don’t place ice directly on skin)

Drink tea with relaxing herbs, such as lavender, chamomile or St. John’s Wort

Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin

If nauseous, eat bland foods such as rice, bananas, apples, crackers or toast, and avoid foods that are greasy or high in fat

Take Imodium to help with diarrhea

Stick to a regular sleep schedule

Try taking melatonin to help sleep easier

Use distraction techniques, such as reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching TV, or simply holding a heavy object to distract from negative thoughts, unpleasant feelings or Oxycontin cravings

The symptoms of Oxycontin withdrawal become much more severe if the drug is quit cold turkey. In extreme cases, sudden Oxycontin withdrawal can cause dangerous cardiovascular problems. This is why tapering off Oxycontin gradually is important — the symptoms will be much less severe at any one time.