Prevent Future Oxymetazoline Abuse
After youve successfully weaned yourself from oxymetazoline, you should take preventative measures to avoid relapse. Research has shown that some clients are able to fully recover from addiction immediately following a structured treatment. Other clients experience a few relapses before they finally achieve permanent abstinence. And others may undergo repeated relapses that lead to severe health conditions or even death.
Because so many addicts go through a relapse, its important to have a prevention strategy in place. The key is to assess and stay on top of warning signs before you have an episode of relapse. You can learn to become aware of the symptoms and causes that tempt you back to nasal sprays by following a relapse-prevention strategy. Here are a few tips:
- Do not succumb to sprays when you have a stuffy nose. Our body has ways to handle many common health conditions including a stuffy nose, but you have to be patient. Taking shortcuts in the form of nasal sprays could be detrimental.
- Try to fight the infection naturally. Only switch to oral decongestants or alternative drugs if necessary. If you do use a nasal spray, only use it within dosage limits and do not use the past two or three days.
- Ask your friends and family for support. Your loved ones can help you stay on the right path.
Here are a few activities that can help you stay on a positive path:
Learn To Live Without Oxymetazoline
A good nasal spray addiction treatment center will position you for success, but staying off nasal sprays can be a lifelong process. You should stick to the proven 12-step program or test other established recovery programs.
Leverage your friends and family for support and continue to participate in local support groups. Positive reinforcement in a group setting can be very powerful, and it will help you sustain your recovery. Also, consider finding health services or rehab centers that provide post-recovery guidance and counseling.
What Do I Do For My Nasal Congestion Issues If I Cant Use Afrin
People get started on Afrin initially because they have structural issues in their nose and sinuses.; A comprehensive evaluation at our office can confirm this.; Contact us today at to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.; ;We can help you get off Afrin and see if you have a structural issue.; We can do simple in-office procedures, such as a , to correct the structural issues permanently, and also manage your allergies with allergy drops.
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What Is The Clinical Definition Of A Substance Or Behavioral Addiction
According to the;American Society of Addiction Medicine, Substance addiction is a chronic, treatable medical disease that involves complex interactions among genetics, chemicals in the brain, a persons environment and a persons life experiences. People with a drug addiction engage in compulsive behaviors that continue despite the person suffering harmful consequences as a result of their drug-seeking behaviors.
The;ASAM;further states that treatment approaches and prevention efforts put forth by local and federal agencies are typically as successful as approaches and efforts used to treat chronic medical diseases.
The rebound effect caused by;Afrin;overuse is not an addiction to nasal sprays. Rebound congestion that occurs when you stop using;Afrin;doesnt require professional intervention by experienced addiction counselors. Nor does it require medical detoxification to rid the body of harmful drugs. Also, rebound congestion is not a medical disease involving the brain. Finally, people compelled to use;Afrin;on a daily basis dont engage in behaviors that severely compromise their jobs, relationships and general health.
How To Stop Nasal Spray Addiction
Admitting there is a problem is the first step. Next, you should seek proper guidance, detoxify your body and commit to a nasal spray addiction treatment center. But it doesnt stop there. You should also make a dedication to your overall well-being and sobriety, and then stay fully committed to a recovery program.
Here are the possible steps you should take if youre seeking recovery from oxymetazoline abuse:
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Issue #: Is The Convenience Of A Nasal Spray A Truly Added Benefit
People would love to have a convenient and rapid acting treatment for depression. Up to now, intravenous ketamine has met these requirements by being rapid acting, and somewhat convenient as it is offered seemingly everywhere. Now, as a nasal spray, ketamine will be very portable abut must be administered in the office of the physician. Will this translate to more convenience, or more burden? After someone completes 6 sessions of IV ketamine, most people only need once a month IV ketamine. Thats only one visit to a clinic a month for 45 min, or the time it would take you to have your teeth cleaned. Some would argue this is more convenient than using a nasal spray in office.
How Does Naloxone Help Addiction Treatment
Naloxone should only be used to help a person recover from an Opioid overdose. It is not meant to be treat an addiction to Opioids. Addiction treatment requires a comprehensive program of specific therapies, counseling and psychological support, and more, especially in the case of Heroin treatment and rehab.
Individuals who may benefit from Naloxone include those who:
- ;;;;;Take high doses of Opioids long-term.
- ;;;;;Consume Opioids regularly to manage chronic pain.
- ;;;;;Are in or have recently completed an Opioid detoxification program.
- ;;;;;Experienced an Opioid overdose previously.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Naloxone reversed more than 10,000 overdoses between 1996 and 2010.
If you have an Opioid addiction, dont wait to get help.
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How To Break Dependency And Reduce Risk For Rebounding
If youve been using a decongestant nasal spray for an extended period of time, it can be difficult to stop. You can quit cold turkey and expect to experience severe congestion and discomfort until your nasal passages have time to heal. Recovery typically takes less than a week and withdrawal symptoms are easy to manage.
We suggest seeing a doctor, who can examine your nose to check for damage or excessive swelling. A doctor will likely recommend a steroid nasal spray solution in addition to discontinuing the use of the decongestant nasal spray. This process will help alleviate discomfort as you break your dependency.
What To Expect At A Nasal Spray Addiction Rehab Facility
Depending on the severity of your addiction, you should consider a nasal spray addiction rehab that specializes in your addiction. A rehab center is your best bet for successful recovery because it allows you to be away from your normal surroundings, and stay focused on your treatment.
Besides a fresh environment, you will also surround yourself with people who are overcoming a challenge like yours. You also have access to knowledgeable medical practitioners and mentors with experience in helping clients. Some rehabs provide a setting where you can have a balance of therapy and recreation time, which boosts your recovery process.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Decongestants
- Confusion
Remember to keep your physician in the loop when you begin to take any new medications. Healthcare has become much more complex with many of us getting care at a variety of urgent care centers because they are convenient. Please remember that even though urgent cares are helpful, you must keep your personal physicians updated because they act as the gatekeeper to your healthcare.; Someone needs to know your entire healthcare story and oversee its management.
Dependency Vs Addiction: The Rebound Effect
The rebound effect occurs when you use nasal sprays, specifically decongestant sprays, regularly. After a few days of using this type of spray, your nose will become less responsive to the effects of the medication. You may have problems with your nasal congestion returning, or rebounding, once the medication is stopped. As a result, you may need to use more and more to combat the congestion.
Some people confuse the rebound effect with addiction, but Dr. Erdos said nasal spray addiction isnt a true addiction. Addiction is defined as a severe substance disorder;that results in continuous and compulsive use of a substance despite that substance causing harm, she said. Over-the-counter nasal sprays, however, dont cause the same physiological cravings.
While the rebound effect of some nasal sprays isnt a true addiction, they can lead to negative consequences such as rhinitis medicamentosa , chronic sinusitis;and other long-term problems.
To better understand the different kinds of nasal sprays and how to use them safely, heres a breakdown of the four different types.
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Dangers Of Afrin Nasal Spray
by Xylitol.org | Xylitol Nasal |
Afrin is one of the most popular nasal sprays on the market. Afrin and other similar nasal sprays work by stimulating the receptors in the smooth muscle of the blood vessels of the nose. It causes these blood vessels to constrict, which reduces nasal congestion. These types of nasal decongestant sprays are called vasoconstrictors.
While Afrin can be very effective, it comes with quite a few side effects. It can cause temporary burning, stinging, dryness, runny nose, and sneezing. However, one of the main side effects is rebound congestion, also commonly referred to as nasal spray addiction. Since this is such a common side effect in nasal decongestant sprays, the FDA and health care professionals recommend only using them only as directed. Unfortunately, many dont read the box or skim over the instructions and warnings.
Rebound congestion is common with many nasal sprays and they are recommended for only 3-4 days of use in a row. With continuous use, Afrin can actually start to create the problems its used to relieve. Rebound congestion happens when the nasal linings swell up, creating congestion. This leads individuals to using the spray more frequently to relieve the congestion, resulting in a vicious cycle and nasal spray reliance.
What Happens If You Take Too Much Nasal Decongestant
Long-term use of decongestants or other topical vasoconstrictor medications could cause rebound congestion, which is a direct result of developing a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa. Once the medication wears off, the blood vessels swell right up again and in order to control congestion, people start to dose more frequently to achieve the desired effects. Research shows that you can begin to build a tolerance to the medication, so as you continue dosing at larger quantities to combat the rebound congestion, youre perpetuating a vicious cycle. This physical dependence on the medication is much different than addiction. Over-the-counter nasal sprays dont create physiological cravings for the medication, which would be necessary to classify this phenomenon as an addiction. Beyond developing rebound congestion, there are other side effects that arise from overuse to be aware of like headaches and increased blood pressure. Additionally, the longer you use nasal decongestants, the likelihood of developing more serious issues like chronic sinusitis increases.
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How Can I Avoid Severe Afrin Addiction
Steps to avoid severe Afrin addiction or dependence:
- never use it for more than 3 days.
- consult your primary care physician to learn about the underlying nasal problem
- consider using nasal steroid which are long term anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling
- See an ENT surgeon to determine if there is a structural problem like enlarged adenoid, deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or chronic sinus infection
There Is One Type Of Nasal Spray That Is Addictive
These are nasal decongestant sprays such as OXYMETAZOLINE or NEOSYNEPHRINE!
This medication is marketed as a nasal decongestant spray and is found under many different names. These medications all work by constricting blood flow through the nasal tissues, thereby shrinking them and allowing more airflow. They cannot be used for more than 3 days! If used for too long, then the tissues of the nose become used to the medication being there, and the blood vessels begin to swell more easily. This causes a condition known as Rhinitis Medicamentosa where nasal congestion actually worsens despite the use of these sprays. IT IS SAFE TO ASSUME THAT ANY SPRAY LABELED AS A “NASAL DECONGESTANT SPRAY” IS POTENTIALLY ADDICTIVE – MAKE SURE TO READ THE LABEL SINCE THESE SPRAYS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR MORE THAN 3 DAYS.
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How Often Will Severe Afrin Addiction Recur
As I have said a million times, you need to understand why you have nasal congestion and work with your physician to determine a long term treatment plan.
There are people who have been misusing/abusing Afrin nose spray or other nasal decongestants for months or even years.; Nevertheless,; everyone can be successfully treated.; Recovery typically takes less than one week and withdrawal symptoms can be relatively easily managed.
Research suggests that the best way to stop overusing nasal decongestant spray is to switch to a nasal steroid spray. About six months after stopping a medication like Afrin nose spray, most people no longer have a tolerance to it. Studies show;that relapse is very rare.
As always, much love for supporting my work. I will be adding many more posts to highlight parenting and healthcare tips, so be sure to consider subscribing to my podcast or to my blog;to avoid missing a post!
How Can I Break My Dependency To Nasal Spray
Medications are used to treat health problems and make you feel better so it can be difficult to know the difference between having a medication work and being dependent on it. If you are using a nasal decongestant spray for more than 5 to 7 days and are unable to stop using it, whats likely happening to you is a rebound phenomenon.
When stopping a nasal spray, you may notice a return to your baseline of nasal congestion and return of other symptoms like sneezing and a runny or itchy nose, Dr. Erdos said. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how best to cut back on the medication to help with withdrawal.
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How Do I Stop Rebound Congestion
If youve been using a decongestant nasal spray for longer than directed, first consult your doctor in order to best treat your symptoms. To address the initial cause of your congestion, they might prescribe an alternative saline or steroid nasal spray that doesnt cause rebound congestion. During recovery, you should expect to deal with a runny nose or sinus pressure, as congestion is the main symptom of DNS withdrawal. The good news is, recovery could take less than a week and there are plenty of other therapies that can effectively flush out stuffy nasal passages.
If youre concerned that you may be dealing with rebound decongestion, or would like to speak with a specialist on how to get relief from inflammation, contact us at Michigan Avenue Ear, Nose & Throat.
How To Wean Yourself Off Nasal Spray
Afrin, Oxymetazoline, Neo-Synephrine, Phenylephrine, and other over-the-counter decongestant sprays are common short-term remedies against nasal blockages, colds, sinusitis, and allergies. Afrin and other related decongestant nasal sprays These are popular over-the-counter nasal sprays that treat nasal congestion and nasal blockages caused by sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, or allergies. Sources: 3, 7
Nasal spray types Nasal spray is a type of drug that is inhaled through the nose. Nasal sprays containing phenylephrine, neo-synephrine, oxymetazoline, or xylometazoline are considered decongestant nasal sprays. These sprays contain an effective vasoconstricting agent that essentially reduces blood flow to a persons nose when the spray is used, resulting in a reduction in edema of the nasal mucosa. Sources: 7, 8
Nasal sprays contain corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Saline sprays act like mucus to flush out irritating substances before they cause inflammation. If the nose is irritated by dry winter air, salt sprays can add healing moisture.;Sources: 8
Whenever they use the spray, the blood vessels narrow in the nose, causing the nasal tissue to shrink. As the duration of action of the nasal spray decreases, it can be used again and again to achieve the same effect. Patients with such a nose become essentially addicted to the spray to get temporary relief from the worst.;Sources: 3, 7, 11
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Can You Become Addicted To Nasal Spray
When symptoms dont seem to improve, people tend to continue dosing for weeks or even months past their recommended use. This common occurrence begs the question, can you get addicted to nasal spray? Lets explore the difference between having an addiction and having a physical drug dependence on this particular type of nasal spray.
Who Should Not Take Afrin
Children under six years, women who are pregnant or nursing, and people who have had an allergic reaction to Afrin shouldn’t use it. This medication should be used with caution in individuals who have kidney or liver disease. It is recommended that individuals with diabetes, thyroid disease, heart problems, and a history of stroke or high blood pressure discuss the use of this medication with their doctor. It is important to clear all medications with your doctor and pharmacist to make sure that you are not taking a medicine that could result in an adverse reaction when used with Afrin.
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What Are Decongestants
Nasal decongestant sprays contain such ingredients as;oxymetazoline;, phenylephrine but many liquid and pill medications also include these ingredients.
Some people choose decongestants on purpose while others do not realize they are using them. Zytec D, Claritin D, and Allegra D are often surprising decongestant medication to many people since they are often labeled as allergy medications.
But just know that D is a decongestant, so it is meant for only short term use. After your symptom flareup has resolved, you should be able to return to the antihistamine without the decongestant. If not, you may consider a trip to your physician to discuss the best allergy treatment for your particular symptoms.
