What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a semi-synthesized narcotic that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is the generic name for the brand name drugs Oxycontin and Roxicodone. The substance is given alone, and in combination with other pain relievers under a number of different brand names including:

  •  Percodan – oxycodone and aspirin.
  •  Percocet – oxycodone and acetaminophen.
  • Oxycontin – as mentioned above which is oxycodone; both immediate and controlled release formulations.
  •  OxyIR and OxyFast – oxycodone immediate release.
  •  Tylox

Oxycodone is prescribed for long-lasting pain relief. It is similar to most other pain medications when it comes to having high addiction tendencies. The best way to overcome an Oxycodone addiction is with a proper medical detox.

The withdrawal effects of Oxycodone include high levels of anxiety, discomfort, sleep deprivation and more. In order to end the dependency on OxyCodone the pain medication must be completely purged from your system, and this requires your body to adjust. Without a proper Oxycodone detox from the prescription pain medication it can be a difficult and uncomfortable process for the individual.

Even though the detox from Oxycodone is often uncomfortable, it does not have to be extremely unpleasant. The proper way to ensure a sustained recovery from an OxyContin addiction is through a medical detox facility and entering into an inpatient setting for addiction treatment.

OxyCodone Addiction

Prescription pain medications are highly addictive. Oxycodone is no different, it is a highly addictive prescription drug and even under the strict care of a physician can be easily abused by the individual receiving the medication. We see in many patients after the prescription is empty- individuals seek the drug illegally on the “street”. Above we spoke about all the different brand names oxycodone is used, now we will talk about street names that identify as oxycodone or an oxycodone mixed product.

When people purchase oxycodone on the street or illegally, they’re prone to use street names for the drug in order to avoid attention from friends, family, loved ones, or authority.

Common Oxycodone Street Names Include:

  •  Blues
  •  Roxis
  •  Oxy
  •  OC
  •  Oxy 80s
  •  80s
  •  Killers
  •  Kickers
  •  Paulas
  •  Percs
  •  30s
  •  Percodoms
  •  Blue dynamite
  •  Hillbilly heroin

Patients who face moderate or severe short term pain are being prescribed oxycodone medication. For those facing chronic, long-term, moderate or severe pain, doctors are prescribing slow release formulations. There are patients on oxycodone who are facing terminal illnesses such as cancer who are in significant and chronic pain. Oxycodone is also prescribed by physicians for those who were recently in surgery or experienced an accident. In order to legally obtain this drug in the US, you must have a prescription written by a doctor.

There are three typical ways that oxycodone is misused — by instanasally (snorting) orally, intravenously (using a needle). If someone who is addicted to oxy is looking for a quicker high, they may also chew oxycodone pills before swallowing or “parachuting” so the drug is absorbed into the blood much quicker than just taking the drug as prescribed. Crushing the pills into a powder and then snorting- intranasally will allow the drug to hit the bloodstream quicker. Another way for instant gratification to the drug user is to crush the powder, add water, and then inject directly into the bloodstream via syringe- this is the fastest and most potent way to get a high from oxycodone.

If you suspect a loved one may be abusing oxycodone, they may be hiding the drugs in plain site. Always check pill bottles, jars, bookbags, and other small containers. There are also many different types of paraphernalia that go with oxycodone abuse and addiction.

  •  Rolled money
  •  Straws
  •  Needles
  •  Water bottles- mostly always empty or partially empty
  •  Spoon
  •  Tourniquet
  •  Belt… and more

People have been abusing this drug since the 1960s, the high and potency is equivalent to morphine. There are a number of oxycodone addicts, but people who are addicted to heroin, methadone, or morphine will also abuse oxycodone to stay away from withdrawal.

What to Expect During Oxycodone Withdrawal and Detox

Detox from oxycodone is often uncomfortable, and the withdrawal symptoms are divided into two phases: early and late.

Initial Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawals

  •  Agitation
  •  Anxiety
  •  Muscle cramps/aches
  •  Sweating, Hot Flashes
  •  Yawning
  •  Insomnia
  •  Runny Nose

Additional Symptoms of Oxycodone Withdrawals

  •  Vomiting
  •  Dilated pupils
  •  Abdominal cramping
  •  Nausea
  •  Diarrhea

Onset of symptoms depends upon the degree of dependence prior to stopping oxycodone usage. The longer and more frequent the use, the shorter the onset of symptoms.

More dependent users experience withdrawal symptoms within a shorter time period than less dependent users. However, psychological symptoms of withdrawal can last longer.

Withdrawal isn’t the Only Danger of Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone Effects on the Brain

Addiction to Oxycodone gives the individual a sense of relaxed euphoria and an elevated mood. If that sounds too good to be true it is. Oxycodone abuse can have a negative impact on a person’s thought patterns, emotions, and most of the time the individual has noticeable personality changes. After abusing Oxycodone over time it even causes mood swings, anxiety, depression, and violent outbursts.

Oxycodone Effects on the Body

Oxycodone interactions with the central nervous system. This controls areas that are associated with pleasure, pain, and automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate. A person who uses OxyContin will experience temporary numbness to pain, along with slowed cardiovascular functioning. OxyContin abuse can also cause itchiness, constipation, and drowsiness.

Current Opioid Epidemic: Oxycodone Overdose

Symptoms of Oxycodone Overdose

Overdosing on opioids is very common for those who are abusing these dangerous prescription pills. An oxycodone overdose should be treated as an emergency situation and a first responder should be immediately contacted. These are some symptoms to look for in an accidental overdose of Oxycodone:

  •  Faint pulse or none
  •  Loss of consciousness
  •  Bluish coloration near fingertips and/or lips
  •  Extreme confusion or disorientation
  •  Shallow, slow, or labored breathing
  •  Not breathing

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment at The Best TreatmentThe best and only proven way to recover from oxycodone addiction is with a proper addiction treatment program in an inpatient setting. Treatment involves a combination of psychiatric counseling, medical oversight, medication management, nutritional counseling, and specialized therapies. Each guest is given a customized treatment program and plan specific to their individual needs.

Quitting cold turkey has many dangers if you are not consulting with your doctor first. Consult with your primary care doctor or physician about a lower dose of oxycodone in order to properly taper from the strong opioid. After the initial detox process the next levels of care would be a partial hospitalization or an intensive outpatient treatment program.

The PHP and IOP levels of care provided by The Best Treatment is important because in order to prevent relapse it is suggested a 60-90 day rehabilitation process is completed. We offer an individualized treatment program because it is essential to begin treating the root causes of drug use and addiction and everyone’s care is different.

Our goal here at The Best Treatment Center is to support our guests during their recovery journey and always encourage their continuous growth. We know that the more supported our guests feel, the more courage they will have to continue in their battle against oxycodone addiction.

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