Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone treatment is one of the most common forms of opioid rehabilitation undergone by people in the United States today. The prescription painkiller is frequently abused, like many other opioid medications, because of the euphoric high that can occur in tandem with pain relief. But that euphoria is short-lived — and comes at a high cost.

Learn the signs and symptoms associated with oxycodone addiction, and the necessity of supervised treatment. It could save your life or someone else’s.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a pain-relieving drug, known as an analgesic, that falls into the opiate and narcotic drug classifications. It can be derived either from the poppy plant or synthetically created opium.

Many people also refer to oxycodone as OxyContin, or use the terms interchangeably, because they are essentially the same thing. The defining factor between the two is that OxyContin is a brand name, extended-release oxycodone medication; it is frequently prescribed to those with long-term, late-stage illnesses, such as cancer. Since the only difference between oxycodone and OxyContin is how quickly the medicine is released, methods for oxycodone abuse treatment and OxyContin abuse treatment will be the same.

Street Names for Oxycodone

Oxy
Oxycottons
Oxy 80s
Kickers
Killers
Blue
Hillbilly Heroin

While there are likely several other terms used for this drug, these are the most common. In a more general sense, they could be referred to as “pain pills” or “painkillers.” Brand name medications containing oxycodone, meant for short-term pain after surgery or severe injuries, are Percocet and Percodan.

Physical Symptoms and Signs of Addiction or Abuse

Symptoms and signs of oxycodone addiction are not always the same thing. A sign of abuse is a change that another person notices in the addict. These could include:

Consistent drowsy behavior
A significant dip in work quality, or the inability to complete tasks that require extensive concentration
Withdrawal from activities
Changes in appearance, such as looking unusually disheveled or unclean
Development of secretive behavior

Symptoms are what the drug user experiences. These can include:

A feeling of sedation
Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, cramps, vomiting, and constipation
Dry mouth
Dizziness and headaches

More severe symptoms include:

Trouble breathing
Faintness or lightheadedness, especially when standing after long periods of sitting or lying down
Changes in urination
Allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, hives, or facial swelling
Seizures, in rare cases

The Importance of Oxycodone Abuse Treatment

Like other opioids, oxycodone alters the brain’s ability to produce endorphins naturally, leading to a dependence on the artificial endorphins from the drug. Dependency occurs when a user builds up a tolerance for the drug, requiring them to use more and more to achieve the desired effect. This greatly increases the risk of overdose, which can potentially be fatal.

Aside from the risk of overdose, long-term oxycodone use can lead to liver and even brain damage. If you or a loved one are unable to restrict oxycodone use to the recommended amount, seek professional help from an oxycodone treatment center.

What to Expect at Our Oxycodone Treatment Program

You or your loved one will be given a personalized recovery plan from our expert treatment staff. Like our other forms of opioid treatment, oxycodone rehab (and OxyContin rehab) starts with inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment provides the client with 24-hour care at a live-in facility. After the detoxification process is complete, days will consist of professional counseling and other services, such as:

Mindfulness meditation
Trauma therapy
Custom-tailored case management
Sound healing
Reiki
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Time to use our other amenities

After the completion of inpatient drug rehab, clients will begin intensive outpatient drug rehab that involves several hours of treatment per day for several days per week. Intensive outpatient treatment allows individuals to start transitioning back to life outside of rehab while staying on track for long-term recovery.

Start the Admissions Process Now for Effective Oxycodone Abuse Treatment

If you or a loved one are addicted to oxycodone drugs, you can find your first step toward sobriety with us. Our oxycodone treatment center admission staff are available 24/7 to take your call. Reach out today to start the path toward full recovery.