Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone Addiction Statistics

Of the 11.8 million people abusing opioids in 2016, 3.9 million of them reported misusing oxycodone. Overdose rates for prescription opioids increased 200 percent between the years of 2000 and 2014 and more than 18,000 people died from overdoses involving prescription opioid painkillers in 2015.

• According to the United States Department of Justice, more than 13 million Americans abuse oxycodone, including children as young as 12 years old.

• In 2010, there were nearly 5,500 first time abusers of oxycodone each day.
• Approximately 100,00 people are admitted to hospitals for the misuse of painkillers each year.

Causes of Oxycodone Addiction

Frequently prescribed by doctors in pill form, people who abuse oxycodone may chew the pills, crush them, or dissolve them in water and inject them—all of which change the way they affect the body. Oxycodone is an extremely powerful opioid drug and should only be taken as directed by a doctor. Even when oxycodone is taken as prescribed, the risk for addiction and dependence is much higher than that of other prescription drugs.

Signs and Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction

With the ongoing opioid crisis raging, now more than ever, it’s extremely important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of opioid abuse. In many cases, people start out taking a prescribed dose of oxycodone but as their body develops a tolerance, they find that they need larger doses of the drug to achieve the same pain-relieving effects. This behavior can quickly lead to addiction.

If a person is addicted to oxycodone, he or she will probably show a few common physical and behavioral signs. These may include:

• Taking more oxycodone than prescribed
• Experiencing extreme euphoria when taking oxycodone
• Hiding oxycodone use from friends and family
• Craving oxycodone, especially on difficult days
• Extreme drowsiness
• Developing a tolerance (needing larger doses of oxycodone to feel relief)
• Isolating oneself and avoiding friends and family members
• Uncharacteristic mood swings
• Prioritizing oxycodone use instead of school, work, and family obligations
• Being financially irresponsible in an effort to maintain a supply of oxycodone
• Pawning or stealing valuable items to sell for drug money
• Continuing to abuse oxycodone even when faced with financial, relational, medical, or legal problems

Because it is such a powerful drug, oxycodone addiction is very difficult to overcome without professional assistance. Addicted individuals should seek treatment immediately.

Effects of Oxycodone Addiction

A person may experience some of the following physical effects after taking a prescribed amount of oxycodone, but more severe symptoms may be a sign of abuse. Short-term effects of oxycodone abuse may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Itching

Long-term effects of oxycodone abuse may include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Hallucinations
• Insomnia
• Addiction

A person who has overdosed on oxycodone may show some of the following physical signs:

• Shallow breathing
• Narrowed pupils
• Vomiting
• Unconsciousness
• Slowed pulse
• Bluish lips and/or fingernails
• Seizure
• Coma

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

When the oxycodone leaves an addicted person’s system, he or she may experience uncomfortable or severe withdrawal symptoms. These may include:

• Abdominal cramping and muscle aches
• Goosebumps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Watery eyes
• Sweating
• Yawning
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Agitation

Dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting is especially dangerous and common during opioid withdrawal, so anyone trying to stop using oxycodone should do so under the supervision of a doctor or experienced medical team at a detox center.

Medically-assisted detox is the safest and most effective way to detox from prescription opioid drugs like oxycodone. Not only does a detox center provide a safe and supportive place for addicted individuals to get help, but it also provides the assistance of medical and clinical professionals who are trained to recognize and treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

During detox, clients will be evaluated to determine their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. A detox program is designed based on these issues and the detox protocol is continually updated as the client’s needs change. During this time, the medical treatment team will treat any uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal to gradually bring the client down into a sober state of stability.

Once detox is complete, clinical and medical team members will provide recommendations for ongoing treatment, which may include inpatient or outpatient drug rehab, sober living, and/or aftercare.

Once a person has completed detox for oxycodone addiction, he or she may choose to continue his or her treatment with a long-term rehab program. Although there are many 30-day programs out there that claim to provide lasting results, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug rehab of at least 90 days provides the best opportunity for lasting, long-term sobriety. For many people, 30 days just isn’t long enough to make a lasting change, and a long-term rehab program may provide the best results.

During drug rehab for oxycodone addiction, clients will learn more about the disease of addiction, work through the 12-step (or similar) program, learn relapse prevention strategies, and gain essential life skills that will help them stay sober. 

Inpatient Drug Rehab vs. Outpatient Drug Rehab

Though there are countless rehab facilities around the country, there are two primary types of drug rehab: inpatient rehab and outpatient rehab. When determining which type of treatment is best for you or your loved one, it’s essential that you understand the main differences between the two. This will help you determine which type of treatment will best meet your needs.

Inpatient drug rehab takes place at a facility that is designed to provide a safe and supportive living environment for individuals who are suffering from substance abuse problems. Clients live on-site throughout the duration of their treatment program and all residents must follow a structured daily schedule and code of conduct to remain enrolled. This typically involves maintaining ongoing sobriety, adhering to the requirements of the recovery program, and submitting to random drug testing.

The primary difference between inpatient and outpatient rehab is that outpatient treatment does not require the client to live on-site at a rehab center throughout the duration of his or her program. Instead, the client attends group meetings several times each week at a local clinical location. Sessions are facilitated by experienced treatment staff and involve other individuals who are recovering from addiction.

Outpatient treatment is typically a better option for someone who cannot commit to a 90-day inpatient program or who has to live at home for financial reasons or to care for children. On the other hand, a person who needs more structure to successfully remain sober may do better with an inpatient program.

The overall cost of drug and alcohol rehab programs will vary depending on the type of program, the location, the services offered, and various other factors. Clients typically have several different payment options, which may include utilizing their medical insurance benefits, EAP benefits, taking out a private loan, or making out-of-pocket payments.

Continued Care Options for Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Genuine and lasting recovery from oxycodone addiction is something that will take time, continued effort, and a strong support system. For this reason, many people recovery from opioid addiction continue their treatment with a sober living program and/or aftercare program upon completion of rehab.

Aftercare programs are designed to support individuals who have already completed an inpatient or outpatient program. Continued care is provided in the form of weekly group meetings facilitated by a licensed counselor.

Alumni who enroll in aftercare attend these meetings and use them as regular sobriety check-ins. Meetings also provide additional opportunities to connect with other people in recovery, share personal struggles, and provide support to other people battling addiction.

An addict cannot get through it alone. Oxycodone addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 855-706-9275. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.