Oxycodone Information & Statistics
Medications containing the ingredient oxycodone are considered highly addictive. Even individuals who are taking them according to the prescribed method can find themselves struggling over time with dependence. Treatment is available to help people who are addicted, but it is a process to get oneself or a loved one into care.
What is oxycodone? Oxycodone is a level II narcotic, and is a highly addictive opiate-based medication. It is normally prescribed as a cough suppressant or pain reliever, and is often compounded with other ingredients like aspirin, Percocet, or Ibuprofen because of potency. When properly used, as short-term treatment, oxycodone is highly effective.
Oxycodone is a synthetic opioid and has direct effects on the central nervous system. It attaches itself to the opioid receptors in the brain increasing dopamine and the sensation of euphoria. Because of oxycodone’s euphoric effects it is highly addictive.
The high cost of oxycodone often leads users to seeking out the cheaper alternative, heroin. Heroin use can lead to greater problems with dependence and health risks associated with intravenous injection.
Some slang terms for oxycodone are:
- Blue
- Kicker
- Percs
- 512s
- Hillbilly heroin
- OC
Brand name prescription medications containing oxycodone include:
- OxyContin®
- Percocet®
- Percodan®
- Perloxx®
- Roxicet®
- Roxicodone®
- Taxadone®
- Tylox®
The American Society of Addiction Medicine reports these statistics about opioid addiction in the United States:
- Of the 20.5 million Americans 12 or older that had a substance use disorder in 2015, 2 million had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers and 591,000 had a substance use disorder involving heroin.
- Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the US, with 52,404 lethal drug overdoses in 2015.
- Four in five new heroin users started out misusing prescription painkillers.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Oxycodone Abuse?
The following are common symptoms that someone is abusing oxycodone:
- Fatigue: The person will appear tired or drowsy outside of normal sleep or nap times
- Inability to perform regular tasks: Missing work, not showing up, drop in performance
- Lifestyle and/or personality changes: Hard time maintaining relationships with family and friends and withdrawal activities once enjoyed
- Change in appearance: Drowsy, disheveled or dirty clothing, poor grooming habits
- Being secretive or living a double life
- Paraphernalia: Prescription pill bottles with overlapping dates, syringes, heat source, ropes or belts
Short-Term Effects of Oxycodone Abuse
- Euphoria
- Extreme relaxation
- Reduced anxiety
- Pain relief
- Sedation
Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Abuse
What are the long term effects of taking oxycodone? Long-term effects include:
- Dependency
- Developing tolerance
- Severe constipation
- Kidney and liver failure
- Seizures
- Heart and respiratory failure
- Reduced brain function leading to compulsive use
- Increased dosage and increased risk of overdose
Over time, the initial euphoria experienced from using oxycodone cannot be matched. Building tolerance to this drug has taxing effects on opioid receptors, requiring more of the drug to experience a high.
Because some of these pills are created to be slow-release for pain management, users often times crush, snort, or inject these pills to speed up the effects.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
What are the symptoms associated with oxycodone withdrawal? The withdrawal from oxycodone can be very difficult and uncomfortable, however, it is not considered life threatening.
The increased risk comes from increasing doses to avoid withdrawal. Increase in doses increases the risk of overdose. Specifically, withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Minor aches and pains in muscles
- Insomnia
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Goose flesh
What Is the Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction?
Every individual facing oxycodone addiction is different. Treating an individual for their specific addiction needs can help to clarify the struggles and provide proper therapies in this process.
Personalized treatment plans can help individuals address and overcome underlying issues and preexisting health concerns.
We hope to invoke personal and vital spiritual experiences to those recovering from addiction to prescription drugs.
For those seeking a private and exclusive rehabilitation facility that deals with oxycodone addiction and abuse, we encourage your to call us. We are a nationally recognized, health care accredited drug rehab facility. The focus of treatment is on the individual, with therapy and programs that address their personal struggles with addiction. This is coupled with a long-term plan of action to continue care when treatment is completed.
Treatment is available to help people who are addicted, but it is a process to get oneself or a loved one into care. We encourage you to call today for an assessment for yourself or a loved one. Call us at 1-800-582-0709.
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