Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone is a prescription pain reliever in the opioid family that can be illicitly used, leading to oxycodone addiction. As part of the narcotic analgesic classification, the substance is medically prescribed for mild to heightened pain. As such, it creates pleasurable effects like relaxation and euphoria that can make people want to take more than they should.
Also known by the brand name OxyContin, prescription oxycodone is a commonly abused pain killer. Percocet is another pain medication containing a mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen that is abused for its euphoric effects.
What Is Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone, or its marketed name, OxyContin, is a potent analgesic that can be used for extreme pain. People may gain a prescription for cancer, arthritis, chronic pain, or injuries, among other issues. Because it’s so powerful, it’s no surprise addiction can happen fast. Oxycodone can cause great damage when used outside its intended purposes.
Simply put, people develop oxycodone addiction like they do any other opioid. Oxy produces relaxing and enjoyable feelings while blocking pain receptors throughout the brain and body. Often, people form a physical and psychological dependence on the drug, which means they have to continue abusing oxycodone, or else painful withdrawal symptoms will set in.
What Causes Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone addiction develops when someone uses the drug in an inappropriate manner, such as taking higher doses or more frequent doses than prescribed. For this reason, people can develop an oxycodone addiction from misusing their prescription. Those who abuse oxycodone recreationally can also develop a dependence on the addictive opioid. Whether someone has obtained the drug through a prescription or illegally purchased it from a drug dealer, they are equally at risk of developing oxycodone addiction.
When taken for an extended period, people can become increasingly tolerant to oxycodone’s effects and require increasing amounts of it to achieve the same desired effect. This is a sign that they are developing a tolerance and potentially an addiction.
The psychological effects of oxycodone can be very powerful, leading people to continue using the drug despite physical signs of harm or psychiatric distress due to long-term use. As people continue to abuse oxycodone, they are at a greater risk of developing an addiction as their bodies become physically dependent on the drug.
If you or someone you know is struggling with oxycodone abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of
Oxycodone Abuse?
Each individual undergoing treatment will have a unique encounter with addiction, even when grappling with the same substance. This is because the symptoms of OxyContin addiction will vary depending on a variety of factors.
In general, signs of oxycodone abuse including physical symptoms such as:
- Shallow breathing
- Fatigue
- Heaviness of the body
- Constipation
- Fainting
- Exhaustion
Behavioral symptoms of oxycodone abuse include:
- Taking more oxycodone than prescribed or for longer than prescribed.
- Using oxycodone in a way not prescribed, such as injecting or snorting them.
- Needing to use oxycodone to get through the day.
- Continuing to use oxycodone despite negative consequences, such as legal trouble, relationship issues, or job loss.
- Fixating on oxycodone, such as spending a lot of time thinking about obtaining and using them.
- Hiding oxycodone use from others.
Psychological symptoms of oxycodone abuse include:
- Short-lived euphoria
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Lack of motivation
- Inability to feel enjoyment (anhedonia)
Depending on certain factors like genetics, health, and polysubstance abuse, a person may be more or less impacted by each symptom. Long-term effects can continue far past the time that a person expects. Even once they remove the drug from their body and reach sobriety, symptoms may stick around.
The psychological effects of oxycodone addiction, especially, may continue after detox. Subsequently, withdrawal symptoms are big deterrents keeping people from becoming sober. It’s hard to recover from oxycodone addiction on your own because the withdrawal symptoms that occur while quitting are intense.
Why Is Oxycodone Dangerous?
Oxycodone abuse can be a serious problem that affects every aspect of a person’s life. This is because oxycodone is a strong semi-synthetic drug that alters the brain’s ability to function. Routine use or abuse of opioids like oxy can result in tolerance. During this process, the brain adjusts to the drug and requires more and more of the drug to experience the same effects. As a person continues to abuse oxycodone and their tolerance builds, they are likely to develop a psychological dependence on the drug. This means that they believe they need the drug to function.
After abusing oxy for an extended timeframe, people often become physically dependent, or addicted. This means that, without taking oxycodone, the person will experience physical symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms range from mild to severe and make it difficult to stop abusing oxycodone. The longer a person abuses oxycodone, the more likely is it that they will take too much of the drug. This can lead to serious, life-threatening complications such as respiratory depression, coma, overdose, and even death.
People struggling with oxycodone addiction may also engage in risky behaviors, such as using dirty needles or buying from unreliable sources. This puts them at risk for further health issues related to their use of oxycodone. On top of this, oxycodone is a common gateway drug because it produces similar effects to heroin. Unfortunately, people who misuse this medication are more likely to abuse heroin once their prescription runs out or they develop a tolerance to oxycodone. Considering that both drugs are lethally strong, mixing substances is especially risky.
It is important for anyone who is misusing oxycodone to seek help for their addiction. With the right support, it is possible to safely and effectively overcome an addiction to oxycodone.
Oxycodone Addiction Facts & Statistics
Oxycodone, also known by the brand name Oxycotin, can be taken via extended-release (XR) or immediate-release (IR) tablets. Extended-release oxycodone is the most potent form of the drug because they are intended to treat the symptoms of chronic pain throughout an entire day. Both forms of oxycodone can be abused but Oxycontin XR is especially appealing to individuals who abuse the drug.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the introduction of OxyContin in 1996 led to a significant increase in reports of oxycodone abuse by treatment centers, law enforcement, and healthcare providers. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that an average of 44 people died per day from prescription opioid overdose. The following year, reports found that over 16,700 people died from prescription opioid abuse.
Regardless of their age, race, or gender, oxycodone abuse can devastate a person’s life. The earlier a person begins abusing oxy, the worse the outcome will be, because long-term effects build over time.
The Consequences of Oxycodone Addiction
Often, oxycodone cravings can be so strong that they may impair the person’s decision-making abilities. In these cases, the person’s sole focus is dedicated to finding and using more oxycodone. People often lose sight of their goals and let their financial, professional, physical, mental, and social responsibilities fall by the wayside. Sadly, relationships between families and loved ones can be broken, trust can be damaged, and of course, health can deteriorate.
The consequences of oxycodone addiction can be severe, leading to legal, financial, emotional, and physical problems. For example, individuals may spend large amounts of money on the drug, resulting in financial hardships. Additionally, these individuals can become capable of acts that are out of character and criminal in nature – such as robbery or fraud- to get more of the drug.
At Spokane Heights Detox, we understand how difficult it is to overcome an addiction, especially when oxycodone cravings are so strong. Our team will provide you with individualized care and guidance through our Oxycodone Addiction Program. Through a combination of personalized treatment and recovery resources, we can help you work towards long-term sobriety. Reach out today for your free consultation and begin your journey toward lasting recovery.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
Oxycodone Addiction and Mental Health
Research shows that oxycodone addiction and poor mental health are linked. This is because oxycodone abuse can take a toll on individuals’ mental health by triggering an array of adverse psychological effects.
While oxy abuse is proven to alter a person’s brain chemistry, it’s hard to anticipate how it will impact any particular person. Many symptoms of oxycodone abuse impact one’s mental state, including feelings of anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and paranoia. In addition, oxycodone addiction has been linked to an increased risk of developing suicidal thoughts.
Unfortunately, these are also the effects that are known to continue for longer, even after the physical symptoms of withdrawal have subsided. While the lingering psychological effects of oxycodone can temporarily disrupt a person’s quality of life, they are far less severe than the emotional and physical dangers of continued abuse. Seeking professional help from an addiction treatment provider is the best way to begin healing from oxycodone addiction.
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When Do You Need Oxycodone Addiction Treatment?
Those who correctly use OxyContin or other variations for legitimate pain-relieving purposes are unlikely to become addicted. In part, the significance of their pain is believed to counteract some of the euphoric effects. Due to the current opioid crisis, medical professionals are careful when issuing prescriptions. However, there are ways around the protective rules in place. Those who use oxycodone recreationally put themselves in danger. People who misuse OxyContin after healing from an injury or illness are also at risk of addiction.
- Unable to control your oxycodone use, including taking more opioids than you intended, using opioids in ways that are not prescribed, or continuing to use opioids even though they are causing problems in your life.
- Oxycodone use is causing problems in your life, whether this be with your job, your relationships, or your health.
- Experiencing symptoms of oxycodone addiction and dependence.
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop taking oxycodone.
- Overdosed on oxycodone after taking too much of the drug.
If you recognize any of the oxycodone addiction signs, be real with yourself and accept that you put yourself at risk if you don’t get help. Trying to stop abusing an opioid like oxycodone is very difficult on your own. Fortunately, addiction treatment was created with you in mind. You can free your body and mind from oxycodone by starting recovery today.
How Long Is Oxycodone Addiction Treatment?
In general, oxycodone addiction treatment starts as a week-long detoxification. Once the drug has been fully removed from the body, the next levels of care begin. Inpatient treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the individual’s custom needs.
After completing inpatient treatment, aftercare programs can last upwards of 12 weeks to provide continuing care services for guests working through the early stages of recovery. All in all, the length of treatment can differ because guests can choose the amount of time spent healing in treatment. Depending on the level of care, people can also continue treatment from home while participating in outpatient appointments or telehealth sessions.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options
Oxycodone addiction treatment includes different levels of care designed for each stage of your recovery. Typically, these treatment programs begin with detoxification, where you can receive 24/7 medical care and guidance as the toxins are safely removed from your body.
Within the inpatient levels of care, treatment for oxycodone addiction often includes:
- Detox: Detox programs provide 24/7 medical supervision and care to ensure the safely withdrawal from oxycodone.
- Medication-assisted treatment: Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, can help to reduce painful withdrawal symptoms
- Intensive therapies: Therapy can help you to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your oxycodone addiction.
- Recovery support meetings: Recovery meetings can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to shareand connect with other who are in recovery from oxycodone addiction.
During inpatient and outpatient treatment for oxycodone addiction, you can participate in therapy sessions to help you uncover the reasons behind your addiction and learn new coping skills. We understand that recovery is a journey, and we are here to provide support in every way possible. Our experienced staff will assist you with making positive lifestyle changes so that you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
At Spokane Heights, we believe in healing the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. We strive to create an atmosphere of care, compassion, and understanding for each of our guests and their families. With our personalized approach to treatment, we aim to guide you on the path to recovery and help you take back control of your life.
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
at Royal Life Centers
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
at Royal Life Centers
Recovery from oxy abuse at Royal Life Centers looks like having a knowledgeable clinical team supporting you 24/7. It looks like working through a personalized care plan designed for your ultimate success. Additionally, it looks like belonging to an encouraging network of people who want only the best for you.
We work with guests to treat whatever addictions they battle, in addition to any co-occurring mental health disorders. Likewise, we understand addiction has roots in trauma and personal circumstances, which is why our programs incorporate intensive therapy services within each guest’s individualized treatment plan. Through group and individual therapies, guests develop valuable coping skills. Through our comprehensive programming, you’ll learn more about your addiction and develop relapse prevention techniques to manage any cravings and triggers that may occur following your time in treatment.
As a result, you will leave our treatment programs fully equipped with a repertoire of skills you can use in challenging life situations. You are welcome to spend as much time with us as you need! Yet, we share the ultimate goal of helping you reenter your life as a strong, sober individual.
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment in Washington
As a part of Royal Life Centers’ network of addiction treatment centers, Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment facility in Spokane, Washington. After completing treatment in detox and residential inpatient programs, we also invite you to explore the array of other exceptional options available nearby.
Our oxycodone addiction treatment centers in Washington include:
- Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
Our full continuum of care allows our guests to transition seamlessly between centers, ensuring a smooth and effective recovery journey toward lasting sobriety. During your time in treatment with us, our experienced staff will assist you with making positive lifestyle changes. In doing so, you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling life in recovery from oxycodone addiction.
We understand that recovery is a journey, and we are here to provide support in every way possible. For more information on our treatment centers and how you can get help today, call our 24/7 admissions team at 888-907-0898.
Looking for Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with oxycodone addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our opioid detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
