Oxycodone Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller used in several prescribed medications across the UK – including OxyContin, Oxypro, Longtec, Reltebon, and Zomestine. Despite the drug improving the quality of life for millions of people, it is also one of the most abused prescription medications in the UK and this can quickly lead to oxycodone addiction. Recognising when your (or your loved one’s) oxycodone use has spiralled out of control and developed into an addiction could help save a life. Read more to learn about warning signs for oxycodone addiction and what next steps need to be taken to start the journey towards recovery.
Oxycodone Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects
Oxycodone is a potent semisynthetic opioid with agonistic properties on mu-, kappa-, and delta-type opioid receptors. This drug is beneficial when used judiciously for pain management, yet it carries the risk of inducing physical dependence and addiction.

What is oxycodone addictionOxycodone addiction

is a form of opiate addiction when you compulsively need to take oxycodone regardless of the damage it is doing to your health, life or relationships. It is a myth that oxycodone addiction is due to someone being weak-willed or that addiction is a choice. Oxycodone addiction is extremely powerful and can happen to anyone but once it has developed, it can take over every part of your life and hurt all of those around you.

How does oxycodone addiction develop?

Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors around the brain and body to block pain signals and create a feeling of calmness and cause a rush of dopamine to be released. The human brain is hardwired to seek out anything that supplies us with dopamine and the large surges that oxycodone triggers are more intense than anything we can naturally create.However, your brain quickly develops a tolerance to oxycodone, even when taking the drug as prescribed. This results in the user needing higher doses to achieve the same pain-relieving effects and dopamine rush. The brain then redirects thoughts and behaviours towards taking the drug repeatedly over everything else. This can happen extremely quickly as oxycodone is a highly potent drug meaning addiction can develop after just a few uses.

What are OxyContin addiction symptoms?

It can be difficult to accept that you have an addiction to OxyContin or to spot it in your loved one as the brain tries to do everything it can to keep receiving dopamine hits, leading to denial or deception.However, here are some general OxyContin abuse signs to look out for: