Oxycodone abuse is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), in 2017, about 1.4 percent of people ages 12 and over stated that they had abused oxycodone. Oxycodone abuse can lead to several negative outcomes, including the onset of an addiction. Oxycodone addiction, known as opioid use disorder, can position a person in significant danger both in the present and the future, leading to long-term damage.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a painkiller in the opioid family that is found in both OxyContin and Percocet. It is considered to be one of the most addictive prescription drugs.
Oxycodone can have a beneficial impact when used as directed and under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Like other opioids, oxycodone alleviates pain while also offering a sense of mild euphoria. It also can reduce anxiety, induce extreme relaxation and put a person into sedation.
Like other drugs, oxycodone does come with a list of unwanted potential side effects, that can even require immediate medical care. These side effects include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Dangerous changes in heart rate
- Mood changes
- Hives or rash
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Sweating or shivering
Unfortunately, the pleasurable effects elicited by the drug are more appealing to most and can lead people to abuse it, whether by taking more than their doctor said or by taking it for recreational purposes only.
The use of oxycodone without a prescription or overuse is linked with grave risk. Oxycodone interacts with the body’s central nervous system, impacting parts that control respiration and heart rate, which means that overdose can prove to be fatal.
Many who abuse oxycodone quickly transition into dangerous oxycodone addiction. When a person enters into active oxycodone addiction, attempting to significantly reduce or stop the use of the drug can bring about many painful and potentially dangerous psychological and physical symptoms. This can put a person into distress and many people are quickly pushed back into abusing oxycodone, only complicating further efforts to escape oxycodone addiction.
Signs of an Oxycodone Addiction
Learning to recognize the signs that someone has an oxycodone addiction could help save their life. Oxycodone abuse or addiction may be revealed via a variety of signs and symptoms, including both behavioral and physical symptoms.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Extreme mood swings
- Memory problems
- Financial problems, including attempting to borrow or steal money to purchase oxycodone
- Lying or being deceptive
- Visiting multiple doctors in attempt to fraudulently obtain a new prescription for oxycodone
- Trying to stop using the drug without success
- Sacrificing obligations on a personal or professional level in order to acquire and use the drug
- Outbursts of anger
- Social withdrawal
- Impaired judgment
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Outbursts of anger or violence
Knowing When It’s Time to Go to Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
The most important decision anyone with oxycodone addiction can make is to seek treatment.
Recovering from addiction is difficult but seeking help at an oxycodone addiction treatment program can make the process both easier and safer.
Oxycodone treatment typically begins with medically supervised detoxification, followed by rehab, which may be inpatient, outpatient, or both. From there, a patient can expect to receive ongoing mental health support and counseling.
At Altitude Recovery, we are not your typical substance abuse treatment program. We strive to offer the best in addiction treatment and support, offering high-quality, personalized treatment with evidence-based therapies and holistic remedies for all our patients.
If you or your loved one are ready to start the journey to freedom from substance abuse and addiction, reach out to our caring professionals today. Our admissions team is waiting to help you no matter the time of day or day of the week.
