Many people believe that prescription medications are always safe to use. But some prescription drugs, including oxycodone, carry the risk of addiction. People who use oxycodone and other opioids must understand the risk factors for addiction and how to recognize the signs of oxycodone abuse.

If you or someone you love needs treatment for oxycodone abuse or addiction, reach out to the team at Arise Treatment Center to discuss your treatment options. Don’t wait another day for the help you need and deserve.

 

 

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid analgesic medication that interferes with pain signals between the brain and body. The drug suppresses pain sensations and activates the body’s natural pain management system.

Oxycodone is available under several names, including:

• Oxyfast
• Oxaydo
• OxyContin
• Xtampza ER

Doctors often prescribe oxycodone to treat moderate to severe pain. Because of its potential for addiction, doctors generally prescribe oxycodone for short periods, such as after surgery or to manage pain related to an injury.

Common side effects of oxycodone include:

• Sleepiness
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Itching
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Mood changes
• Small, constricted pupils

If you have received a prescription for this drug, you must understand the risk of oxycodone abuse and addiction and how to take it safely.

Signs of Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction

Oxycodone is an effective pain reliever that works when others fall short. Because it is an opioid medication, many users experience a sense of calm or euphoria when taking oxycodone. These pleasant effects may make some users want to take it in higher doses, more frequently than prescribed, or beyond the end of their prescription.

When someone takes medication without a prescription for its pleasurable effects, it’s known as recreational use. Recreational oxycodone use can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening consequences, including addiction.

Some of the signs of oxycodone abuse include:

• Attempting to borrow or steal oxycodone from others
• Doctor shopping–having multiple prescriptions for oxycodone from different doctors
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work to focus on getting and using oxycodone
• Taking risks while under the influence of oxycodone, such as driving
• Wanting to stop but feeling out of control
• Lying about your substance use
• Engaging in illegal activities to obtain oxycodone
• Lying or covering up your oxycodone use
• Problems with memory, focus, and concentration
• Poor judgment
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Anger or aggression

Opioid use disorders are becoming more common in the United States and are challenging to treat. An estimated 1.8% (or about 5.0 million people) had a prescription opioid use disorder in 2021.

When someone attempts to stop using opioids independently, they may experience severely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which can make them start using opioids again. It can be to get stuck in an oxycodone abuse cycle that ultimately leads to a deadly addiction.

Risk Factors for Oxycodone Abuse

A person’s oxycodone abuse risk may be affected by several factors. While these risk factors can’t perfectly predict who will and will not develop oxycodone addiction, they are worth considering if someone is considering taking the medication.

Genetics

The American Psychiatric Association’s research shows that your genetics may heavily influence opioid abuse. If a close relative–a sibling or parent–has an opioid use disorder, you are at increased risk of developing the condition. Certain inheritable traits may also contribute to this increase in risk.

Environment

Many people who develop an opioid use disorder first use the drug as a prescription to treat pain. Engaging in work or hobbies that are physically demanding may put people at risk for painful injuries or chronic pain.

Environments where injuries and accidents are common may increase the need for medical care, which can affect a person’s risk of developing oxycodone abuse.

Mental and physical illness

Having a family or personal history of mental illness or chronic disease can increase your risk of developing an opioid use disorder. Living with chronic pain or other medical conditions that are treated with opioids can also significantly raise your risk.

While these and other risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing oxycodone addiction, anyone can succumb to the condition.

Understanding the Dangers of Oxycodone Abuse

Oxycodone use can lead to a range of physical and psychological symptoms that usually do not require immediate medical intervention. These include:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Sweating
• Dry mouth

An overdose can be a deadly medical event. When someone takes more oxycodone than their body can process, life-threatening complications can occur. Symptoms of an oxycodone overdose include:

• Slurred speech
• Confusion and disorientation
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Cold, clammy skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Blue lips and fingertips
• Seizures

If someone who has taken oxycodone has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

One of the most significant risks of oxycodone abuse is the likelihood of developing an addiction to opioids. Opioid addiction makes it impossible to live a full, healthy life. It threatens your immediate safety and causes severe, long-term harm to your mental and physical health. If you abuse oxycodone or believe you need treatment for oxycodone addiction, get help as soon as possible.

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone addiction treatment begins with detox. Opioid detox centers monitor your symptoms all day and night to ensure your safety. Doctors can prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and reduce your drug cravings so you can be as comfortable as possible. Detox usually lasts 3-5 days.

After detox, you will transition to an inpatient or outpatient treatment program. During treatment, you may participate in a variety of group and individual therapies, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Contingency Management (CM)
• Trauma therapy
• Relapse prevention therapy
• Family behavior therapy

In addition to group and individual therapy sessions, many rehab centers offer support groups, mental health counseling, 12-step meetings, and other holistic treatment services to help you heal from the effects of addiction and reduce your risk of relapse.

Oxycodone addiction treatment usually lasts 30-90 days depending on your needs. Before leaving rehab, you will work with your counselor and case manager to create a personalized aftercare plan that sets you up for success after rehab.

Find Help for Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction

Treatment for oxycodone addiction can give you a fresh start toward the healthy life you choose to live. For more information about our holistic, supportive oxycodone rehab program in Southern California, contact the caring addiction specialists at Arise Treatment Center today.