Residents of Pennsylvania who are addicted to Oxycontin can find oxycontin detox available in the detox programs. Oxycontin is a highly addictive prescription drug that was brought onto the medical market in 1995. Almost as soon as it was released, patients became addicted and some crush the pills to bypass the twelve hour release function. Oxycontin is very similar to morphine as it blocks pain messages traveling to the brain. It also increases the dopamine level in the brain which causes addicts to feel pleasure. Continued abuse of the drug builds tolerance forcing the addict to increase their intake of the drug. Overdose can result in death from respiratory failure. Detox programs for this type of addiction include  detox programs and then a residential program to assist in the addiction recovery.

Detox from any drug can potentially harm the addict. Symptoms from withdrawal during detox, especially if an addict returns to detox many times from relapses to drug abuse can become stronger each time. Serious changes in the body and brain function of an individual can stem from drug and alcohol abuse. Removing the toxins and their byproducts from the body is a very important step on the road to addiction recovery. Pennsylvania has detox programs such as outpatient detox and rapid detox programs available for residents with drug addiction or alcohol addiction issues. Medical strides have opened the doorway to procedures to allow the addict to experience a lessened painful or pain free withdrawal period during detox. Pennsylvania offers resident programs and outpatient programs with twenty four hour medical and nursing support. Addiction treatment centers have staff available twenty fours hours as well in case of emergency counseling needs. Counseling is offered because withdrawal may not only by physical, but mental in nature as well.

While researching an alcohol detox center or other drug detox program, it is important for the addict to remember that each program is designed to help in different ways. Procedures at one treatment center may differ from another. Carefully choosing a program and making sure that the program meets the needs of the individual is imperative to a successful addiction recovery.  In some treatment centers alternative treatments  such as sweating toxins out of the body via a sauna, acupuncture to reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms, and herbal detoxification are available.

There is no perfect drug detox program for every single person, but an addict and their stay in a program is the first healthy step to a better life and is the key step in addiction recovery. Recovering addicts should also understand that detox is not drug or alcohol rehab. Detox removes the toxins from the body, while rehabilitation services seek to maintain the level of gains made in detox. Continued counseling in the form of aftercare programs are beneficial to the individual in addiction recovery. Addiction recovery through the Pennsylvania detox programs and treatment centers can provide the essential step to overcoming drug abuse and addiction. Counseling and continued support through the programs can improve the quality of life and decrease relapse rates.