If you think you may be addicted and you want to stop taking oxycodone, getting help from medical professionals and addiction specialists is the best thing you can do.
At Help4Addiction, we can find the right local rehab treatment for you, whether it be oxycodone addiction, addiction to street drugs, party drugs, or other prescription drug addictions.
This page will tell you all about oxycodone addiction, including facts about the drug, prescription drug abuse, and the treatment process for oxycodone addiction.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone often referred to as simply ‘Oxy’, is an opioid painkiller that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. You may recognise the brand names ‘OxyContin’ and ‘Oxynorm’ – these are simply branded versions of the controlled drug that may have alternative releases.
Oxycodone typically comes in an extended-release or controlled release form, which stops the drug from working instantly and allows the drug to target specific areas. However, you can find immediate-release oxycodone.
Like many other controlled substances, oxycodone is only available with legitimate prescriptions. In some cases, you may be given a tablet that has oxycodone and naloxone – this can be provided to prevent side effects such as constipation. However, may also be given oxycodone in the hospital via an injection.
Just like hydrocodone, oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opiate analgesic. It was derived from thebaine in 1917 – and is currently used for pain. Chronic pain patients may be given oxycodone by a doctor. [i]
Oxycodone for Severe Pain
Oxycodone is a painkiller predominantly prescribed for severe pain – for example, pain caused by cancer or a severe injury.
Oxycodone and other analgesics such as morphine are often given to cancer patients. [ii] It may also be prescribed when other painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are failing to soothe the pain.
Oxycodone works to relieve pain by stopping the pain signals from travelling through your body’s central nervous system (CNS), ultimately leading to pain relief.
After taking your prescribed dose of oxycodone, you should feel the effects within an hour – typically within 30 minutes. However, the effects tend to wear off within around 4-6 hours.[iii]
Prescription Drug Abuse
Just because a drug is prescribed, it doesn’t mean that it is safe. When you have been prescribed prescription drugs, it’s important that you follow the doctor’s instructions as many prescription drugs can be addictive – including oxycodone. It is possible to abuse prescription drugs just like you can abuse alcohol, cocaine, heroin, etc.
Prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin and can be dangerous and sometimes deadly when abused.
Prescription drug abuse classes as taking prescription medication in any way other than recommended by your doctor or medical professional.
This can include taking somebody else’s prescription drugs or taking prescription medication to feel ‘high’ or euphoric as opposed to treating whatever ailment you were prescribed it for. [iv]
Another example of prescription drug abuse is mixing prescription drugs with other drugs or substances such as alcohol, opioid medications, or street drugs such as cocaine or heroin.
Mixing oxycodone with alcohol can cause your breathing and heart to slow down or even stop. Opioid abuse can be deadly – oxycontin abuse/ oxycodone abuse may kill you if you overdose or mix with alcohol or other drugs. [v]
If you take prescription drugs on a regular basis, you’re more at risk of addiction. You could be addicted to prescription opioids such as oxycodone but not be aware – you may only become aware when you stop taking it or lower your dose and notice withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Chronic pain patients may be more likely to get addicted to prescription painkillers.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking oxycodone after prolonged use or abusing oxycodone, then you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug or go from a higher dose to a low dose.
The oxycodone withdrawal process is similar to other opioid withdrawals – with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
There are several factors that can determine how intense or uncomfortable the oxycodone withdrawal process is for you – typically your typical dose and how long you’ve been using the drug. [vi]
When withdrawing from opiates such as oxycodone, you may experience physical withdrawal symptoms as well as behavioural symptoms and psychological symptoms.
Some common symptoms you may experience when withdrawing from oxycodone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stomach cramps
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
If you want to stop your drug use and detox from oxycodone safely and effectively, we can help to find the right local treatment centre for you.
We understand that drug addiction can be difficult to break, and it can be a scary time taking the first step into substance abuse recovery – which is why we will discuss your treatment options in a sympathetic and straightforward manner.
There are different stages to drug rehab – but regardless of the drug that you’re addicted to, rehab treatment generally follows this structure: detox, therapy, and secondary treatment. We can find the right treatment plan for you.
Opioid addiction and opioid use disorder treatment begin with detoxing from the drug. During this stage, you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
When recovering from opioid addiction, many patients benefit from an inpatient detox with medical assistance at a residential rehab centre.
Once you have successfully completed an oxycodone detox, you will begin therapy – whether it be CBT, counselling, or group therapy. CBT is common during drug addiction rehab.
CBT focuses on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours – and can help you change certain patterns. [vii] Therapy in rehab is designed to improve your mental health, building your strength and confidence.
The aim of secondary treatment is to ease your transition back into society, prevent relapse, and increase the chances of living a drug-free life. Some forms of aftercare include further counselling, group therapy, and support groups.
[i] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00497
[ii] https://spcare.bmj.com/content/8/2/117
[iii] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/oxycodone/
[iv] https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/misuse-prescription-drugs/overview
[v] https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/oxycodone-and-alcohol
[vi] https://www.verywellmind.com/oxycontin-withdrawal-symptoms-67708
