Can you Get Addicted to Concentrated Oxygen?

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Concentrated oxygen can be prescribed as a form of medication to help expedite healing processes. This is called hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), or hyperbaric chamber therapy. It is possible to become physiologically dependent on concentrated oxygen, but it is not considered an addiction in the traditional sense. Medical professionals administer HBOT to patients with a variety of conditions, and the benefits can be life-changing.

Will HBOT Make Me Dependent on Concentrated Oxygen?

People who require medical oxygen due to a chronic respiratory condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may develop a physical dependence on oxygen therapy. This dependence is due to the body becoming accustomed to a higher level of oxygen than it would normally receive from the air.

This is not the same as addiction in the sense of psychological dependence or craving for a substance. Oxygen dependence is a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment and management. Addiction is a behavioral disorder that often requires specialized treatment to overcome. Medical providers will make sure that your HBOT treatment is as long as you need it to be based on your individual condition.

Concentrated oxygen is a prescription medication and should only be used as directed by a healthcare professional. Misusing or abusing concentrated oxygen can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Do I Need HBOT?

Concentrated oxygen is typically prescribed to people who have respiratory conditions that cause low blood oxygen levels. These may include COPD, emphysema, asthma, and other lung diseases. These conditions can make it difficult for the lungs to take in enough oxygen from the air. This can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Medical oxygen is typically prescribed in a concentrated form, meaning that it is at a much higher concentration than the oxygen that is normally found in the air. This allows people with respiratory conditions to get enough oxygen to meet their needs. HBOT can be an effective long-term treatment for people struggling with such conditions. 

Over time, the body can become dependent on this higher concentration of oxygen. This means that if the person stops using oxygen therapy, their body may have trouble functioning properly without it.

This physiological dependence can be managed with ongoing oxygen therapy and monitoring by a healthcare professional. Your doctor will help you ease off of HBOT, rather than ending treatment abruptly. The benefits of this treatment make it a favorable, successful option for many patients.

How Do I Avoid Developing a Dependence?

Concentrated oxygen is considered a prescription medication and should only be used as directed by a healthcare professional. Misusing or abusing concentrated oxygen can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

It is also important for people who use oxygen therapy to follow their treatment plan and attend regular medical appointments to monitor their condition and adjust their treatment as needed. With the guidance of a medical professional, you can rest assured that the treatment will be administered safely and correctly.

How Does Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric chamber therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen while in a chamber that is pressurized higher than sea level atmospheric pressure. This therapy can be delivered in a single or multi-person chamber, and the pressure can be adjusted depending on the condition being treated.

During HBOT, the increased pressure allows the body to take in more oxygen than it would at normal atmospheric pressure. This extra oxygen can help heal damaged tissues, fight infections, and improve blood flow to areas that have a reduced supply of oxygen.

HBOT has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including decompression sickness (the bends), carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, radiation injury, and some types of infections. It is also effective in some cases to support healing after surgery.

Getting HBOT

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally considered a safe treatment, but there are some risks associated with it. This can include ear pain or injury, sinus problems, and changes in vision. People with certain medical conditions, such as severe lung disease, may not be able to undergo HBOT.

If you are interested in this form of treatment, speak with your medical provider. HBOT is typically prescribed and administered by trained medical professionals in a hospital or clinic setting. The number and duration of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to the therapy. Talk to your doctor today to learn more about this treatment.

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