Oxycodone Addiction Symptoms

Oxycodone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in America and is an ingredient in popular prescription medications like Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin. It is a powerful opiate that treats severe, traumatic, and chronic pain. Unfortunately, its potency has led to a high level of abuse and addiction. Thankfully, help is available for those experiencing oxycodone addiction symptoms. These addiction treatment programs guide individuals towards recovery by offering thorough detox services and extensive therapy in both residential and outpatient settings.  

Oxycodone Addiction Statistics

For years, our nation has been in an opioid epidemic. In fact, a 2017 report shows that over 47,000 people in the United States died that year from opioid overdoses. In the same year, it is estimated that almost two million Americans struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD) that involves some form of prescription pain reliever. Oxycodone is one of these as the United States consumes more than 80% of the available oxycodone worldwide—this includes prescriptions and illegal distribution.

What Is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone was first developed in 1916 in Germany and is derived from thebaine, which is the main ingredient extracted from the Iranian poppy. Thebaine creates drugs like oxycodone, morphine, and oxymorphone.

Additionally, oxycodone releases excessive dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter linked to happiness, resulting in euphoric effects. Oxycodone is produced in a time-released pill form, which is meant to last for 12 hours. Unfortunately, abusing or taking too much oxycodone can create similar effects as other opiates like heroin and fentanyl.

In order to increase euphoric effects, users may crush and inhale oxycodone pills, which deactivates time-release features. Copious amounts of oxycodone can result in a fatal or non-fatal overdose as it can decrease respiratory functions.

Oxycodone Addiction Symptoms

For those who become addicted to oxycodone, many unpleasant symptoms may arise. Additionally, there are ways to identify when somebody has an oxycodone addiction, that can be helpful for family and friends who are worried for a loved one. Typical oxycodone addiction symptoms include:

• Itching
• Cravings
• Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
• Dry mouth
• Overdose
• Hallucinations/delusions
• Decreased pain tolerance
• Abnormal thoughts
• Liver damage (long-term)

Additionally, those who are struggling are often unable to recognize their own problem, this is why it is important that their family and friends know the indicators of oxycodone addiction. Signs that a person is battling oxycodone addiction and needs immediate help include:

• Reckless driving
• Bad hygiene and lack of self-care
• Having multiple prescription bottles from different doctors/pharmacies 
• Housing prescription bottles that are unlabeled or have somebody else’s name on them
• Acting secretive about one’s whereabouts 
• Exhibiting suspicious behaviors that imply they are hiding something

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Many effective treatment options exist for oxycodone addiction. These programs are individualized so that every client gets the help they deserve. With a custom-tailored treatment plan, individuals will be able to beat their addiction on their own terms. However, not every program type is the right choice for an individual’s specific circumstances. This is why it is important to know what treatment programs are available and what each entails.

Detox Program

The first step towards recovery is typically detox. Withdrawal can cause severe side effects, so it is essential that people detox under the supervision of certified medical professionals. These unpleasant side effects can depend on the amount of oxycodone being used and the frequency. Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms usually include:

• Cramps, restless legs, and pain
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
• Muscle weakness
• Fever
• Vomiting and nausea
• Dehydration
• Severe mood swings
• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Seizures

Residential Treatment Program

Residential treatment increases your chances of achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety by providing you with resources and support that can help you navigate early recovery successfully. During treatment, you live at a facility, away from outside temptations or triggers. While in the facility you will be supervised in a structured environment 24/7. Furthermore you will undergo therapies such as individual, group, and family. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs are great for those who need a high-level of care but still want to sleep in their own beds at night. In this type of program, treatment takes place in a medical setting. Individuals typically attend treatment every day for most of the day. 

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide clients with flexibility while making sure they do not sacrifice effective treatment. In this type of program, individuals can still fulfill professional and personal responsibilities. They attend treatment a few days a week for several hours at a time. Oftentimes, an IOP is a step-down from a PHP.

Oxycodone Addiction Help in St. Augustine, FL

It is time to seek help for your oxycodone addiction. You have struggled long enough; you deserve to reclaim your life. Recovery is possible, and at Pearl of the Sea Retreat, we are here to help. With programs that are customized to fit your needs, we are sure to get you on the right track. Call our center in St. Augustine, FL or visit our admissions page right now to learn more about how our premier programs can help you or a loved one find recovery.