Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone abuse often begins with a legitimate prescription for moderate to severe pain management, but the risk of addiction is high. Oxycodone is one of the most misused prescription opioid pain relievers. It was originally intended to treat severe pain, but it’s become synonymous with the opioid crisis plaguing the United States right now. Also known by the brand names Oxycontin and Percocet, oxycodone belongs to the opiate family of drugs. Prescription opioid misuse and addiction is a risk that comes with all drugs in this category. Rising prescription pain medication misuse has led to federal and state programs aimed at addressing opioid abuse as a deadly epidemic. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that opioids were involved in over 50,000 U.S. overdose deaths in 2019.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone comes from opium of the poppy plant and is partially human made. It’s a semi-synthetic opioid. Formulations of oxycodone containing acetaminophen, aspirin, or only oxycodone are all listed as Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This means it has a high potential for abuse and physical and psychological dependence.

Oxycodone abuse dates back to the 1960s, and it’s well-known for euphoria-producing effects. Even though the country was not in the grips of the current opioid epidemic, heroin was a major concern during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, scores of injured and under-insured Vietnam veterans were returning home with heroin dealers waiting to distribute.

It wouldn’t be until the mid-1990s with the release and marketing of an extended-release version of oxycodone (OxyContin®), that the greatest opioid epidemic of our time would begin. Despite claims by the manufacturer that it had a low potential for abuse, extended-release oxycodone could be easily crushed, releasing the full 12-hours’ worth of oxycodone at once.

Opioid Addiction Treatment
With prescribing practices by some doctors who believed the marketing claims that it was not abusable, oxycodone flooded the pharmacies. It played an integral role in kicking off the opioid epidemic we now face. Many heroin users today started with opioid medications like OxyContin. By seeking oxycodone addiction treatment early your risk of transitioning to drugs like heroin is reduced.

Effects of Oxycodone

Like most narcotic opioid pain relievers, oxycodone directly targets and binds to the μ opioid receptor in the brain. This stimulates your reward system as it provides a rush of euphoria. Although oxycodone is a painkiller, it doesn’t address the cause of pain; it just dulls the signals in the brain that send messages that you feel pain.

Oxycodone Side Effects

Oxycodone may cause similar effects as other opioid painkillers. Those can range from mild to serious side effects, like:

Euphoria
Drowsiness
Confusion
Slowed breathing or trouble breathing
Flushing
Low blood pressure
Slurred speech
Dizziness
Nausea / vomiting
Constipation
Dry mouth
Seizures
Heavy limbs
Constricted pupils

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Once you’re addicted to oxycodone, your body will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms include several painful and uncomfortable symptoms that range from mild to severe. Your physical health and the severity of oxycodone abuse are strong factors in the length of time it takes to complete detox. Typically, a medically assisted detox from oxycodone can last between five and 14 days with symptoms significantly easing around the third or fourth day.

Although oxycodone detox usually doesn’t come with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, it can feel excruciating if you have an opioid addiction. You can experience a combination of physical and psychological symptoms such as:

Runny nose
Increased anxiety
Watery eyes
High fever
Restlessness
Muscle aches and spasms
High blood pressure
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Rapid heart rate
Intense cravings
Sweating
Chills
Clammy skin
Excessive yawning
Insomnia
Agitation
Joint pain
Depression
You should never attempt oxycodone detox on your own. Opioid withdrawal requires medical detox in a professional setting. Medical professionals will keep you safe and administer medications that ease uncomfortable or severe withdrawal symptoms.

Although withdrawal symptoms cannot be eliminated. In medical opioid detox, they can be managed so that you’re comfortable enough to sleep and feel more relaxed during the process.

Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms

Excessive oxycodone abuse can cause an opioid overdose, which can be fatal. Naloxone is a safe medication that can be administered by emergency medical workers, trained professionals, and laypeople (in some states) to stop an overdose from becoming fatal. Early intervention is critical.

Opioid overdose symptoms include:

Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
Slow breathing
Choking or gurgling sounds
Limp body
Pale, blue, or cold skin
If you suspect someone is overdosing on opioids, call 911 immediately.