Opioids are narcotic drugs that can be highly addictive. They are derived from the opium poppy. Oxycodone is the most abused type of pharmaceutical opioids available for consumption. It is common to become addicted to Oxycodone due to the mental changes and addiction to the euphoria one feels after using it. However, overdosing or being addicted to it can be extremely harmful, and the patient must get immediate help.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a prescription medicine; it is used to control pain in the user’s body. It is mostly used to treat pain that occurs post-surgery or during recovery of a broken bone. Oxycodone is made from thebaine that is a chemical found in opium. Thebaine works as a stimulant and slows down the central nervous system. Once the system slows down, a person does not feel that pain anymore and feels better. It is due to this feeling of relief that people start abusing Oxycodone.
The best way to take Oxycodone is in a tablet form; this is also how it is often prescribed. People who aim to use it without prescription crush, chew and snort it. In some cases, it is also injected by making a solution. The users of this drug often become highly addicted to it and develop a tolerance. Once the tolerance is built, the person has to consume the drug in large quantities to feel relieved. The fastest method of ingesting is by smoking Oxycodone. However, the effects quickly wear off, and the person is likely to smoke again.
Signs of Oxycodone Use
Most people consume Oxycodone to treat chronic pain that has hindered them from working or functioning properly. Once they realize how effective the drug is, they tend to become addicted. This happens because the brain tends to register Oxycodone with its positive benefits and a person starts to believe that they need the opioid to recover. Once this cycle begins, common signs regarding substance abuse can easily be seen. These include; drowsiness, itching, constipation, euphoria, lightheadedness, nausea, coordination problems, shallow breathing, etc. The signs are not limited to these only.
These are some of the common signs that a person can easily identify. However, if you are confused about whether someone is taking opioids, it is best to consult a professional.
Withdrawal symptoms
A person who becomes addicted to Oxycodone often buys it from the streets as the drugs cannot be obtained without a prescription. The street names for this drug are; Blue, 512s, OC, Hillbilly heroin, Percs, and Kicker
When a person’s body becomes used to Oxycodone, the person can no longer function without it. If the person suddenly stops using it, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms differ from person to person as they depend on the severity of the addiction. These symptoms also depend on how long the person has been taking these drugs. The symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Irritability
- Sweating
- Runny nose
- Depression
- Lack of concentration
- Body pain
- High blood pressure
- Thoughts of suicide
- Irregular heartbeat
Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction
Other than the physical withdrawal symptoms, a user also goes through mental ones as well. These mental withdrawal symptoms can hinder the person’s progress from living a clean and healthy life.
In order to seek proper treatment for an Oxycodone addiction, one needs to follow a monitored detox plan that is decided by a professional. Both the inpatient and outpatient facilities to can take proper care of the person.
If the person opts for an inpatient care facility, they stay there for 30-45 days. Some patients tend to stay there for more extended periods as well. In an outpatient facility, the person is only required to spend a few hours every day. This allows them to keep up with their other responsibilities.
Behavioral therapy is another part of the treatment process. It helps the addict understand how their addiction started and what caused it. These sessions can take place in a group or on an individual basis.
If you are going through an addiction, help is just around the corner. Please feel free to give us a call and we will guide you about how to proceed and what sort of treatment options are available to you. Our experts will answer all your queries and make sure you get answers to your questions. Addiction may be strong, but you are stronger, and with a little help, you can overcome it. If you are willing to receive help, our center is here to provide you with a home where you will feel safe and welcomed.
