The United States is in the midst of an opioid addiction crisis. Millions of people need help to overcome a devastating addiction to prescription painkillers that contain habit-forming opioids like Oxycodone. These commonly prescribed medications can be addictive, even when people take them under medical supervision.
Oxycodone, the active ingredient in Percodan, Percocet, and Oxycontin, can effectively relieve moderate to severe pain for a short time. But some people may continue to use it for a more extended period or take it more frequently than prescribed to get the drug’s euphoric effects. Taking oxycodone in this way can quickly lead to physical dependence or addiction.[1]
Oxycodone addiction is a serious and complex condition. After a short period of oxycodone abuse, people can face serious consequences to their physical and emotional wellbeing. Some become involved in illegal activity that can lead to life-altering legal and financial trouble. People often require professional treatment to overcome oxycodone addiction.
If you recognize the signs of oxycodone abuse in yourself or a loved one, it is crucial to get treatment as quickly as possible.
What Are the Signs of Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction?
Oxycodone is intended for short-term use under the supervision of a medical professional. Some of the drug’s side effects can be uncomfortable. These include:[2]
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
Opioid medications, including oxycodone, can also lead to respiratory depression. The drug’s effects can cause slow, shallow breathing. The likelihood of dangerous or life-threatening overdose increases if people take more of the medication than advised by a doctor.
You may have an idea about what an addicted person looks like or how they behave. However, anyone who takes oxycodone can develop a dependence on it, regardless of prior history of substance abuse.
Recognizing the signs of addiction can help you seek treatment as quickly as possible. These include:
- Taking more oxycodone than prescribed or taking it more often
- Requiring more of the medication to get the desired effect
- Taking oxycodone longer than recommended by a medical professional
- Being unable to stop using oxycodone when you want to
- Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using the drug
- Getting into financial or legal trouble related to oxycodone use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you cut back or stop using the medication
It is essential to be aware of the signs of oxycodone addiction and seek treatment as soon as possible.
What Happens During Oxycodone Rehab?
Oxycodone is a severe and complex condition with physical, emotional, and environmental roots. When treating addiction, it is not enough to simply treat the physical aspect of the condition. Instead, people must receive treatment that addresses the whole person.
Treatment for prescription opioid addiction happens in stages. First, doctors and addiction specialists will evaluate you to determine what type of treatment you require. This evaluation will consist of medical and mental health history, details about your oxycodone abuse, and other information that will allow them to make a treatment plan.
Some people require detox before beginning treatment. During medically supervised detox, medical professionals and addiction specialists monitor patients and treat their withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for withdrawal often includes medications like buprenorphine and methadone as well as holistic treatments to aid healing.
After a complete detox, treatment begins. Oxycodone addiction treatment programs combine evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat addiction’s physical, behavioral, and emotional aspects. These include:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Medications
- Education
- Holistic treatments like exercise, art therapy, music therapy, nutrition counseling, mindfulness practice, and other practices that support healing
Recovering from oxycodone addiction will be a lifelong process. During treatment, you may begin making an aftercare plan that will help you avoid relapse and stay engaged in recovery.
What Level of Care Do I Need to Treat Oxycodone Addiction?
Addiction treatment is available in various settings and at several levels of care. Doctors or addiction specialists will help determine which level of care is right for you. The most common types of opioid rehab programs are:
- Inpatient treatment
- Residential care
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
There are benefits to each of these programs. The one that is right for you depends on the severity of your addiction and other factors.
During each type of treatment program, you will follow an individualized treatment plan that will help you address the root causes of your addiction and gain the coping skills to avoid relapse in the future.
Find Treatment for Oxycodone Abuse and Addiction Today
If you or someone you care about are living with oxycodone abuse or addiction, please reach out to the caring specialists at the Mandala Healing Center. We offer a range of programs to help people overcome addiction and embrace lifelong sobriety.
For more information about how we can support you at any point in addiction recovery, please reach out to us today.
References: