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Oxycodone Addiction: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Treatment
Common Street Names: O.C., Oxycet, Oxycotton, Oxy, Hillbilly Heroin, Percs
Oxycodone is known for two things – the first is a highly effective painkiller to help people get pain relief and the second is a seductive substance of abuse. Misusing oxycodone can swiftly lead to addiction.
One of the most fundamental facts of pharmacology is that genetic medicine, such as oxycodone, can be a significant constituent in a variety of branded drugs.
Typically, generic medicine and a branded drug do not have similar names, and as a result, oxycodone and OxyContin may be confused. Vicodin, Percodan, and Percocet are examples of branded medicines that include oxycodone.
However, in this article – we are specifically talking about Oxycodone. Continue reading to learn about the signs and symptoms of oxycodone addiction, as well as how to obtain assistance for yourself or a loved one.
What Is Oxycodone, And What Does It Do to You?
Oxycodone is a prescription pain reliever mainly prescribed by a doctor to treat moderate to severe pain. However, it also contains addictive qualities which may cause physiological adverse effects. It is the powerful primary ingredient in painkillers, and one of the most commonly abused.
The drug is made by modifying thebaine which is an organic chemical present in opium. Oxycodone shares a classification with heroin, hydrocodone, and oxymorphone.
Oxycodone is prescribed for pain, but with prolonged use, the pain-relieving effects may lessen, and pain becomes worse. It was developed during World War 1 as part of efforts to find non-addictive alternatives to medical treatment drugs such as morphine. Many users of oxycodone start by taking a prescribed amount, but as the body develops tolerance, a high dosage will be required to maintain the same high or relief. This is where things go bad, and users become abusers.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction?
Although oxycodone provides comfort for many people suffering from catastrophic pain, the drug’s risks are becoming clearer than ever. Many people abuse oxycodone despite the hazards mainly due to its euphoric effects.
Oxycodone attaches itself to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, like the brain and spinal cord, preventing them from receiving pain messages. The risk is higher when prescribed opioids like oxycodone are taken with substances like alcohol, alprazolam, Valium, antihistamines, and CNS depressants. This also increases the risk of developing breathing problems or death. Abusing prescription drugs can change how the brain works.
Depending on the treatment required, this drug is sometimes prescribed with other medicines such as Aspirin, Acetaminophen, and Ibuprofen.
Risk factors that make you more likely to abuse prescription drugs may include:
- Age
- Mental health
- Knowledge about prescription drugs and the aftermath of their addiction
- Genetic makeup
- Peer pressure
The primary reason why users (or patients in most cases) begin abusing a drug is to have the same experience and feeling even though their body has become immune to the initial effects. Indicators are often the same regardless of the mode of addiction, and common signs will include
- Slowed or laboured breathing
- Confusion
- Appearing more lethargic and lacking any motivation
- Problems with motor coordination
- Pinpoint pupils
Opioid abuse triggers a cascade of molecular events, including the release of dopamine, a kind of neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable sensations, memory, motor system function, and more.
As a result, it culminates in decreased pain perception, decreased physical tension, increased sense of relaxation, and euphoric effects.
Common symptoms include:
- Insatiable want for the drug
- Mood swings
- Strong flood of good feeling known as tolerance
- Hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
- Drugged driving
- Constipation
- Abnormal thoughts
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Depersonalization
How to Recognize Oxycodone Addiction?
Even when people are prescribed opioid medicines, chronic use can lead to addiction. Those who abuse oxycodone might build up a tolerance to it, leading to further usage and eventually addiction. When you or someone you care about has an oxycodone addiction, it’s critical to recognise it.
There are 11 criteria for diagnosing oxycodone addiction according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The more symptoms you have, the more serious the condition is. The following are the requirements.
- Use with no caution: You or someone you know have abused oxycodone in ways that put you and/or others in danger.
- Interpersonal or social issues: Relationship issues or disagreements have arisen because of your oxycodone use.
- Overlooked major roles: You have neglected to fulfil obligations at work, school, or at home.
- Withdrawal symptoms: You are unable to cut back or stop using due to withdrawal symptoms.
- Higher tolerance level: To achieve the same impact, you will need to take more than prescribed oxycodone.
- Intaking more than prescribed dosage: You use oxycodone in greater dosages for longer lengths of time.
- Unable to go clean: You have attempted and tried hard but failed to reduce or eliminate your consumption.
- Spending more time while being intoxicated: You are an oxycodone addict who spends a lot of time on the drug.
- Physical or mental health issues: You have had physical or mental health issues as a result of your oxycodone use.
- Prioritizing Oxycodone over activities: You will make time to use oxycodone but skip or stop doing things you used to like.
- Increased craving: The increasing want to have the drug at regular intervals.
What Are the Treatments for Oxycodone Addiction?
Depending on the amount of oxycodone you use and the level of addiction, both medicine and behavioural therapy can be used as a treatment. Let’s briefly learn about different methods to treat addiction.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT): The receptors in the brain are targeted by medication-assisted therapy. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and extended-release naltrexone are effective opioid addiction treatments. They are combined with behavioural counselling for a whole-patient approach.
Detox: Detox facilities are a good option to get off of prescription drugs. Detox centres, which are staffed by skilled medical and clinical professionals, are a safe and supportive environment to assess and address your needs.
Inpatient Rehabilitation: Behavioural therapy is used in inpatient rehab to change how people with substance use disorders act and interpret their relationship with the substances.
To prevent addiction, it is advisable to:
- Follow strictly, the doctor’s instructions
- Keep all appointments with your doctor
- Make note of all side effects resulting from the usage of the drug
- Keep information your pharmacist gives you about any drug and note them
- Decrease or increase of dosage should be by your doctor’s order
- Avoid using someone else’s prescription, even if it’s for the same drug, and prevent anyone from using yours
Final Remarks
Opioids, such as oxycodone, are typically required to fulfil a medical need: chronic pain. However, because of their addictive properties, there is debate and ambiguity about what role they should play in pain management.
Opioids should only be used under the guidance of a doctor. They will keep track of your dosage and reaction to the drug, as well as the possibility of abuse and addiction.
You can also track and record your pain levels to evaluate how you’re doing and inform your doctor if your pain is getting better.
Speak with one of our healthcare experts at Australia Drug Testing if you believe you or a loved one has an oxycodone addiction. Call us today at 1800 187 238 to learn more.
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