Of the various opiate addictions that exist - for example heroin, tramadol and oxycodone - it is precisely Oxycontin addiction that is by far the most common at the addiction clinic in Karlskrona.
A total of 40-50 patients are currently treated at the reception for Oxycontin abuse.
- The kick effect in Oxycontin is stronger.
That is why more people are applying for it, says Per Lindholm, doctor in the department.
"Worst there is"
Patients who apply to the clinic receive care according to a program called LARO, drug-assisted treatment for opioid dependence.
First, patients receive inpatient care during the first ignition, then they are treated with other strong drugs in combination with therapy, to get rid of the addiction.
- Abstinence is described as the worst thing there is.
There is diarrhea, sweating, vomiting and anxiety.
You can compare it with a severe winter vomiting disease, but the patients probably think it is far too mildly expressed, says Ditte Andreasen Nilsson, nurse.
But who is granted LARO is strictly regulated by the National Board of Health and Welfare - in principle it is required that all other possibilities are exhausted.
And for some, the treatment can be lifelong.
- I do not share the police's or the municipality's view that no one is free from an Oxycontin addiction.
Recurrence is admittedly very common, but we see it as part of the recovery process.
Voluntary care
The reception has been criticized by relatives and addicts that SVT has spoken to, because they do not provide sufficient help or motivation for patients to stay.
- We have no opportunity to force a patient, because it is a voluntary care.
We try to motivate in every way we can, but sometimes the drug craving becomes too strong, says Per Lindholm.