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Oxycodone Addiction

Learn about the signs, effects, and risks of oxycodone addiction and how to receive effective treatment.

What Is Oxycodone?

In 2020, 9.3 million U.S. residents aged twelve and above reported misusing prescription pain medication. Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, are the most prescribed pain medications despite their high addiction potential.1

Oxycodone, typically sold under the brand names Oxycontin and Roxicodone, is one of the more commonly abused opioids. According to a study evaluating the risk of abuse for prescription opioids, hydrocodone ranked first, immediate-release (IR) oxycodone ranked second, and extended-release (ER) oxycodone ranked third.2

Oxycodone Overview

Oxycodone is usually prescribed to alleviate severe pain, such as after surgery, pain caused by cancer, or a serious injury. Street names for oxycodone include Roxy, OC, Oxy cotton, Oxy, and Percs.

What Is the Difference Between Oxycodone-IR and Oxycodone-CR?

Oxycodone comes in immediate-release (IR) and controlled-release (CR), also known as extended-release (ER), variations. These two types of oxycodone serve different situations. While the immediate release version (under the brand name Roxicodone) treats moderate to severe pain, the controlled release version (OxyContin) is a long-term treatment solution for severe pain. Thus, oxycodone CR should not be taken for mild pain. 

Oxycodone IR is available in tablets, oral capsules, and solutions and is usually taken every four to six hours. Oxycodone CR is only available in tablet form and can be taken every twelve hours.

Why Is it Addictive?

Anyone is susceptible to addiction. Aside from its ability to relieve pain, oxycodone can produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure. The positive effects may encourage increased frequency of use or dosage, resulting in drug craving. With prolonged oxycodone abuse, dependence and tolerance can develop, leading to addiction.

Signs of an Oxycodone Addiction

In 2020, opioid-related deaths were 8.5 times higher than in 1999, reaching more than 68,000. Opioid addiction is a serious condition with severe consequences, which is why it is crucial to learn the signs.3

Indications of Addiction

There are certain behaviors that signal oxycodone abuse and addiction. If you notice these signs of oxycodone dependency and addiction in yourself or a loved one, we recommend searching for an efficient oxycodone drug rehab center.

  • Unexplained absences from school or work
  • A secretive and sudden demand for privacy
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Sudden loss of weight and change of appearance
  • Incoherent and confusing speech
  • Immediate and urgent need for money
  • Criminal activities

Short-Term Effects of Oxycodone Use

Certain effects accompany oxycodone use, whether following the doctor’s prescription or abusing the drug. These short-term effects are:

  • Increased drowsiness
  • Changes in mood
  • Stomach pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Use

Extended use of oxycodone can result in long-term consequences, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cold and clammy skin

Learn More About Ripple Ranch Recovery Center

Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.

Risks for Oxycodone Addiction

As earlier mentioned, there is a substantial tendency for oxycodone addiction. As the body continues to crave the pleasurable feeling of the drug, oxycodone dependence creeps in.

Prescription opioids like OxyContin are available by prescription only; however, they have become more easily accessible by being sold illegally. A national survey found that over one million people in the U.S. reported misusing OxyContin at least once in their life.4

Oxycodone Addiction Risk Factors

The following factors influence the level of risk of oxycodone addiction or oxycodone use disorder:

  • Family history of substance use or addiction
  • Family history of mental illness
  • History of trauma or mental illness
  • Prior substance use
  • Having a prescription for oxycodone
  • Early exposure to substance use

Can You Overdose on Oxycodone?

It is possible to overdose on oxycodone. Oxycodone overdose involves taking too much of the medication at one time, preventing the body from being able to metabolize the drug fast enough.

The body’s oxycodone tolerance level varies from person to person, so it is crucial always to stick to the doctor’s prescription and abstain from non-medical use of the drug. The following includes symptoms of oxycodone overdose:

  • Nodding out
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Unconsciousness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Disorientation or confusion

What Are the Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawal?

Prolonged oxycodone use results in the body adjusting to the drug and relying on it to function normally. When oxycodone use stops, the body will begin to react to the absence of the drug. These reactions are called withdrawal symptoms. The most common oxycodone withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose
  • Tremors
  • Tics
  • Shaking
  • Intense cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Painful cramping
  • Diarrhea

Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, painful, and distressing. Many people recovering from oxycodone can get overwhelmed by the withdrawal symptoms and return to the drug to alleviate these effects. Therefore, it is essential to receive help from medical professionals who can provide safe and effective treatment.

How to Treat an Addiction to Oxycodone

Recovery from oxycodone addiction is possible with the right mindset and treatment center. An effective oxycodone drug rehab center should recognize that not every oxycodone addiction treatment will be effective for everyone. Thus, treatment centers should offer a wide range of treatment solutions for oxycodone abuse, addiction, and withdrawal.

Oxycodone Addiction

Detox

Detoxification is usually the first oxycodone treatment procedure. This process involves ridding the body of the drug and eliminating withdrawal symptoms.

Many treatment facilities offer detox agents that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as clonidine, methadone, and buprenorphine. These medications will expel oxycodone, relieve symptoms, and reduce the withdrawal time.

Group and Individual Counseling

Counseling is an effective treatment method for oxycodone abuse and addiction. Depending on the specific need of the person with oxycodone use disorder, the addiction treatment center can recommend either group or individual counseling.

Individual counseling provides more privacy and one-on-one therapy, while group counseling helps patients draw strength and support from others.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapists help patients alter negative behaviors that worsen or perpetuate oxycodone dependence. They will monitor progress and provide the motivation required to recover.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment involves using certain drugs to repair the effects of oxycodone use. The drugs include methadone, naltrexone, clonidine, and buprenorphine. Methadone is the most common medication prescribed during opioid addiction treatment. Research shows that inpatient methadone treatment has an 80% retention rate and allows patients to taper off opioids within five to seven days. 5

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab requires staying in a treatment facility until the patient recovers from their addiction. Inpatient rehab provides close observation and thorough care.

Get Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction at Ripple Ranch

Everyone deserves an addiction treatment center that offers the complete treatment package. At Ripple Ranch, we provide compassionate and effective care and offer a variety of treatment options. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the proper treatment they need.

Begin Healing Today

At Ripple Ranch, we are well trained, experienced, and equipped to make your oxycodone addiction experience a thing of the past. We handle each case individually and ensure that no one is left behind.

Give us a call to begin a comprehensive and effective oxycodone addiction treatment.

Oxycodone Addiction

Learn about the signs, effects, and risks of oxycodone addiction and how to receive effective treatment.

What Is Oxycodone?

In 2020, 9.3 million U.S. residents aged twelve and above reported misusing prescription pain medication. Opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, are the most prescribed pain medications despite their high addiction potential.1

Oxycodone, typically sold under the brand names Oxycontin and Roxicodone, is one of the more commonly abused opioids. According to a study evaluating the risk of abuse for prescription opioids, hydrocodone ranked first, immediate-release (IR) oxycodone ranked second, and extended-release (ER) oxycodone ranked third.2

Oxycodone Overview

Oxycodone is usually prescribed to alleviate severe pain, such as after surgery, pain caused by cancer, or a serious injury. Street names for oxycodone include Roxy, OC, Oxy cotton, Oxy, and Percs.

What Is the Difference Between Oxycodone-IR and Oxycodone-CR?

Oxycodone comes in immediate-release (IR) and controlled-release (CR), also known as extended-release (ER), variations. These two types of oxycodone serve different situations. While the immediate release version (under the brand name Roxicodone) treats moderate to severe pain, the controlled release version (OxyContin) is a long-term treatment solution for severe pain. Thus, oxycodone CR should not be taken for mild pain.

Oxycodone IR is available in tablets, oral capsules, and solutions and is usually taken every four to six hours. Oxycodone CR is only available in tablet form and can be taken every twelve hours.

Why Is it Addictive?

Anyone is susceptible to addiction. Aside from its ability to relieve pain, oxycodone can produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure. The positive effects may encourage increased frequency of use or dosage, resulting in drug craving. With prolonged oxycodone abuse, dependence and tolerance can develop, leading to addiction.

Signs of an Oxycodone Addiction

In 2020, opioid-related deaths were 8.5 times higher than in 1999, reaching more than 68,000. Opioid addiction is a serious condition with severe consequences, which is why it is crucial to learn the signs.3

Indications of Addiction

There are certain behaviors that signal oxycodone abuse and addiction. If you notice these signs of oxycodone dependency and addiction in yourself or a loved one, we recommend searching for an efficient oxycodone drug rehab center.

  • Unexplained absences from school or work
  • A secretive and sudden demand for privacy
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Sudden loss of weight and change of appearance
  • Incoherent and confusing speech
  • Immediate and urgent need for money
  • Criminal activities

Short-Term Effects of Oxycodone Use

Certain effects accompany oxycodone use, whether following the doctor’s prescription or abusing the drug. These short-term effects are:

  • Increased drowsiness
  • Changes in mood
  • Stomach pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache

Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Use

Extended use of oxycodone can result in long-term consequences, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Cold and clammy skin

Learn More About Ripple Ranch Recovery Center

Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.

Risks for Oxycodone Addiction

As earlier mentioned, there is a substantial tendency for oxycodone addiction. As the body continues to crave the pleasurable feeling of the drug, oxycodone dependence creeps in.

Prescription opioids like OxyContin are available by prescription only; however, they have become more easily accessible by being sold illegally. A national survey found that over one million people in the U.S. reported misusing OxyContin at least once in their life.4

Oxycodone Addiction Risk Factors

The following factors influence the level of risk of oxycodone addiction or oxycodone use disorder:

  • Family history of substance use or addiction
  • Family history of mental illness
  • History of trauma or mental illness
  • Prior substance use
  • Having a prescription for oxycodone
  • Early exposure to substance use

Can You Overdose on Oxycodone?

It is possible to overdose on oxycodone. Oxycodone overdose involves taking too much of the medication at one time, preventing the body from being able to metabolize the drug fast enough.

The body’s oxycodone tolerance level varies from person to person, so it is crucial always to stick to the doctor’s prescription and abstain from non-medical use of the drug. The following includes symptoms of oxycodone overdose:

  • Nodding out
  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Unconsciousness
  • Slow heart rate
  • Disorientation or confusion

What Are the Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawal?

Prolonged oxycodone use results in the body adjusting to the drug and relying on it to function normally. When oxycodone use stops, the body will begin to react to the absence of the drug. These reactions are called withdrawal symptoms. The most common oxycodone withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Watery eyes
  • Nausea
  • Runny nose
  • Tremors
  • Tics
  • Shaking
  • Intense cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
  • Painful cramping
  • Diarrhea

Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, painful, and distressing. Many people recovering from oxycodone can get overwhelmed by the withdrawal symptoms and return to the drug to alleviate these effects. Therefore, it is essential to receive help from medical professionals who can provide safe and effective treatment.

How to Treat an Addiction to Oxycodone

Recovery from oxycodone addiction is possible with the right mindset and treatment center. An effective oxycodone drug rehab center should recognize that not every oxycodone addiction treatment will be effective for everyone. Thus, treatment centers should offer a wide range of treatment solutions for oxycodone abuse, addiction, and withdrawal.

Oxycodone Addiction

Detox

Detoxification is usually the first oxycodone treatment procedure. This process involves ridding the body of the drug and eliminating withdrawal symptoms.

Many treatment facilities offer detox agents that help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as clonidine, methadone, and buprenorphine. These medications will expel oxycodone, relieve symptoms, and reduce the withdrawal time.

Group and Individual Counseling

Counseling is an effective treatment method for oxycodone abuse and addiction. Depending on the specific need of the person with oxycodone use disorder, the addiction treatment center can recommend either group or individual counseling.

Individual counseling provides more privacy and one-on-one therapy, while group counseling helps patients draw strength and support from others.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapists help patients alter negative behaviors that worsen or perpetuate oxycodone dependence. They will monitor progress and provide the motivation required to recover.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment involves using certain drugs to repair the effects of oxycodone use. The drugs include methadone, naltrexone, clonidine, and buprenorphine. Methadone is the most common medication prescribed during opioid addiction treatment. Research shows that inpatient methadone treatment has an 80% retention rate and allows patients to taper off opioids within five to seven days. 5

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient rehab requires staying in a treatment facility until the patient recovers from their addiction. Inpatient rehab provides close observation and thorough care.

Get Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction at Ripple Ranch

Everyone deserves an addiction treatment center that offers the complete treatment package. At Ripple Ranch, we provide compassionate and effective care and offer a variety of treatment options. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans to ensure each patient receives the proper treatment they need.

Begin Healing Today

At Ripple Ranch, we are well trained, experienced, and equipped to make your oxycodone addiction experience a thing of the past. We handle each case individually and ensure that no one is left behind.

Give us a call to begin a comprehensive and effective oxycodone addiction treatment.

Resources

  1. 1https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/what-scope-prescription-drug-misuse
  2. 2https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1477-7517-8-29#Sec9
  3. 3https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/data/analysis-resources.html
  4. 4https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs6/6025/6025p.pdf
  5. 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202507/#__sec1title

Are You Ready to Regain Control Over Your Life?

Don’t let mental health challenges, addiction, or co-occurring disorders keep you from living the happy and fulfilled life you were made for. Contact Ripple Ranch Recovery Center today and begin the path toward sustainable healing.

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