Oxycodone Addiction
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Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction
Oxycodone pills come in various shapes, sizes, and colors—typically depending on the dose and brand. Oxycodone also has a liquid form that is similarly prescribed for pain relief.
Navigation: Oxycodone Overview, OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicodone, Oxycodone Abuse, Oxycodone Addiction and Effects, Rehab Is Your Best Chance
Out of all the painkillers that are available by prescription, oxycodone is one of the most potent. Because of its addictive properties, it is also one of the most commonly abused. In fact, the United States Department of Justice reports that more than 13 million Americans abuse oxycodone. This includes children as young as 12 years old.
In 2010, there were nearly 5,500 first time abusers of oxycodone each day. But the problem persists to this day. Approximately 100,000 people are admitted to hospitals for the misuse of painkillers each year.
Oxycodone Overview
Oxycodone is the powerful primary ingredient in many painkillers including OxyContin and Percocet. Oxycodone is made by modifying thebaine, which is an organic chemical found in opium. As an opioid, oxycodone shares a general classification with heroin, hydrocodone, and oxymorphone.
It is typically prescribed to people who are suffering from moderate to severe pain. People who are given an oxycodone-based painkiller may be suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other physical disorders. Others receive a short-term prescription after surgery or trauma.
Most prescription forms of oxycodone are designed to provide round-the-clock pain relief. Oxycodone pills come in various shapes, sizes, and colors—typically depending on the dose and brand. Oxycodone also has a liquid form that is similarly prescribed for pain relief.
This drug is also often prescribed as a combination product with other drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen. It has different brand names depending on the combination.
Here are a few of the most common brand names for oxycodone-based drugs:
OxyContin
OxyContin has a controlled-release formula that provides continuous pain relief. It works for up to 12 hours. However, recreational users bypass the time-release action by crushing and snorting OxyContin. Some people dissolve the tablets in water and inject it directly into their bloodstream. Doing so allows the user to experience an intense high, making OxyContin a very popular drug among abusers.
Percocet
Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. Percocet is usually prescribed for pain ranging from mild to severe. And similar to OxyContin, it is crushed and snorted by people who are looking to get a euphoric high.
Others abuse Percocet by taking larger doses than prescribed, or by taking it for longer than the prescribed period. Although crushing and snorting are the most common methods of abuse, some people also chew or inject Percocet.
Roxicodone
Roxicodone is a rapid-release formula of oxycodone. Used to treat moderate to severe pain, it is often given to a patient before surgery to sedate or calm them down. It may also be used for round-the-clock pain management.
However, when abused, Roxicodone can cause a very quick high. It is typically crushed or dissolved by recreational users.
Street names for oxycodone include oxy, OC’s oxycet, oxycotton, berries, killers, percs, hillbilly heroin, and roxi’s.
Oxycodone Abuse
Under the Controlled Substances Act, oxycodone is a Schedule II drug, which means it has an accepted medical purpose, but also a high potential for abuse.
Despite its known dangers, many people still abuse oxycodone. Some have developed tolerance, while others don’t even realize the risk. Some people are under the impression that because it is a prescription medication, it is completely safe. This is why many people who abuse oxycodone start out by taking the prescribed amount, only to develop tolerance along the way.
Once tolerance develops, the user starts to take more of the drug just to feel the same effects. They need a higher dose to maintain the same pain relief or high.
Because oxycodone is such a potent drug, the transition from use to abuse to addiction can be quick. It can be hard to stay in control once you start abusing this substance. Recognizing the signs of addiction can help save someone’s life. Not only is oxycodone addiction expensive and debilitating, it is also potentially deadly.
Oxycodone Addiction and Effects
Taking the drug for longer than recommended or taking more oxycodone than prescribed are both considered drug abuse. Chewing, crushing, snorting, and injecting oxycodone are all considered abuse. When taken, the drug can cause effects like euphoria, reduced anxiety, calmness, confidence, relaxation, drowsiness and dizziness.
Because prescription painkillers are so commonly given, it can be difficult to identify or address oxycodone abuse. But addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of a drug, even when the person is already suffering from its effects. An addicted individual will lose interest in things they used to enjoy, and will prioritize oxycodone over everything else. They will neglect their responsibilities and struggle financially. Addicted people will spend most of their time trying to obtain and use their drug of choice.
For prescription painkillers, it is a clear sign of abuse when the person runs out of their prescription long before they are supposed to. They may even attempt “doctor shopping” or visiting multiple doctors just to get the same prescription for oxycodone repeatedly.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
