Is oxycodone acetaminophen prescription or over the counter?

Oxycodone addiction is a disease that occurs when someone becomes reliant on oxycodone to get through daily activities. It can be completely detrimental to every area of your life and can even be life-threatening. Opioid addictions, like oxycodone addiction, are a widespread issue among Americans. There are many short-term and long-term effects of oxycodone addiction for both individuals and their loved ones. Read on to learn more about oxycodone abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Why Does Oxycodone Lead to Addiction?

Oxycodone is a narcotic analgesic (painkiller) used to treat severe pain that is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Opioids like oxycodone are highly addictive. Oxycodone has brand names such as OxyContin, Oxypro, Longtec, Reltebon, and Zomestine. Slang terms are also used such as oxy and hillbilly heroin.

Addiction is a higher risk with opioids in comparison to other substances because of the way they work. Oxycodone helps block pain signals from your central nervous system and brain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.

Opioids mimic endorphins – natural chemicals in your body that produce pleasurable sensations. This can make the feeling of taking oxycodone very pleasurable, which people become addicted to and may start to rely on to feel “normal.”

While oxycodone addiction is a high risk for anyone using the drug, some people can become addicted faster if they have risk factors for opioid use disorders. We’ll cover more about addiction risk factors later on.

Oxycodone Abuse vs. Oxycodone Addiction

It’s important to understand the difference between oxycodone abuse and oxycodone addiction. Oxycodone is a prescribed drug, so it’s possible to use the medication without abusing it.

Oxycodone abuse refers to any misuse of the drug. This can include taking higher doses than prescribed, taking it more frequently than prescribed, or taking it without a prescription. While opioid abuse is different than addiction, it often leads to addiction.

Oxycodone addiction occurs when someone begins to rely on oxycodone to function. People begin to feel incapable of getting through the day without taking oxycodone.

Some people may abuse oxycodone on occasion or use it recreationally, but this can get out of hand quickly due to increased drug tolerance, and oxycodone dependence (“addiction”) can eventually occur. Recreational use can quickly develop into compulsory drug seeking, which can involve doing anything, even engaging in risky, out-of-character behavior to obtain more oxycodone.

Does Oxycodone Cause Dependence?

Yes, oxycodone does cause dependence. Opioids are well-known for causing physical dependence.

Oxycodone use affects the brain and releases endorphins. Over time, your body builds a tolerance to the medication and needs more to feel the same effects. Physical dependence occurs when your body relies on a substance to properly function.

Once you develop a dependence on oxycodone, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop using the drug. Physical dependence is more likely with prolonged and repeated use.

It’s important to note that physical dependence is not the same as addiction. Addiction is a psychological dependence that causes emotional and mental responses, compelling an individual to keep using oxycodone.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical dependence on oxycodone results in withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to quit. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person and may range in duration.

There are physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Some are more likely to occur in the early stages of withdrawal, while others may occur in the late stages. Again, the duration of withdrawal can vary quite a bit, sometimes lasting several weeks, but it usually peaks around the third day after the last dose of oxycodone.

Physical symptoms of early withdrawal include muscle aches, insomnia, runny nose, excessive sweating, increased pain, and yawning. Late-stage physical withdrawal symptoms often include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, goosebumps, dilated pupils, restlessness, and high temperature.

As far as psychological symptoms, early withdrawal may include agitation and anxiety. In late withdrawal, you may experience depression or panic attacks.

Detoxing from an addictive substance like oxycodone can be very challenging and even dangerous. It’s best to do so under professional medical supervision. There are detox programs designed to make the process as safe and comfortable as possible.