As the abuse of Oxycontin has declined across the nation as a result of a change in the Oxycontin processing process which has caused it to be more difficult for opiate addicts to abuse, a brand new type of opiate with double the strength of Oxycontin has started to take its place. The newer type is called Opana, or oxymorphone hydrochloride, and it can be snorted, crushed and chewed, and even injected. As a result, admissions for Opana addiction treatment are going up at the same time addiction treatment for Oxycontin abuse is declining. This trend means that addiction treatment professionals need to be educated about this new form of opiate, if they have not already done so.
Slang names for Opana include Blue Heaven, Blues, Pink, Pink Heaven, Oranges, Pink Lady, Stops Signs, and The O Bomb. The color references in these street terms refer to the dosage of the Opana pill. For the old form, round Opana pills five mg pills are blue and 10 milligram pills are pink. The new, extended relief versions of Opana are 8 sided in shape like a stop sign and can be found in a variety of colors and higher dosages that can include the following:
• Pink octagonal Opana pills are fivemilligram
• Orange octagonal Opana pills are tenmg
• White octagonal Opana pills are 15milligram
• Green octagonal Opana pills are 20mg
• Red octagonal Opana pills are thirtymilligram
• Yellow octagonal Opana pills are 40mg
With the stronger doses on the street for the extended relief versions, Opana addiction treatment admissions have accelerated lately at addiction treatment facilities throughout the United States. Just like Oxycontin, Opana addiction happens rapidly especially when the individual has been misusing Oxycontin or other opiates like Vicodin, heroin, or Norco. Even if the Opana is legally provided by a doctor for pain, however, those using Opana can accidentally become addicted very fast as well, causing the need for Opana addiction treatment for people with no record of drug abuse.
Opana addiction treatment is just like drug treatment for other forms of opiates. A well run Opana addiction treatment starts with a detox in either a residential detox treatment program or possibly a hospital setting. The withdrawal symptoms during the detox stage of the Opana addiction treatment are very similar to other opiate withdrawals. These symptoms include bone pain, muscle cramping, emotional distress, and nausea and vomiting. Because of the difficulties that go along with with the detox phase of the Opana addiction treatment, it is important for the addict to experience the detox process in a controlled environment where addiction treatment professional can help them through the hardest parts of the withdrawal process.
After the detox process is complete, it is always certain that further Opana addiction treatment will be required, especially for those individuals with a long history of opiate addiction or additional types of substance abuse. After detox, Opana addiction treatment could include a longer term visit in a residential treatment facility (AKA rehab), intensive outpatient counseling, or pychosocial activities like attendance at12 step meetings.