You’ve likely heard about the Opioid addiction crisis across the US. One of the most common drugs, and most widely reported is Oxycontin which contains Oxycodone. In this article I explain what Oxycodone is, what leads to addiction, its effects, withdrawal symptoms and treatment options.
The Basics of Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic prescription opioid narcotic pain reliever. It is most often used for relief of moderate to severe pain resulting from injuries, bursitis, neuralgia, arthritis and cancer. Oxycodone has been heavily prescribed and has become widely associated with abuse and addiction problems.
Most commonly sold as Oxycontin, it’s also known by its street names, Hillbilly Heroin, Kicker, OC, Ox, Roxy, Perc and Oxy. Long a popular drug of abuse, many people crush the tablets, releasing the drug into the body more quickly, increasing its euphoric effects. A tamper-proof version, OxyNEO has also been made available in response to public outcry about Oxycontin abuse.
People of all ages abuse Oxycodone [1]:
- The National Household Survey on Drug abuse reported that nearly 1 million US residents aged 12 or older used Oxycontin non-medically at least once in their lifetime.
- Abuse among high schoolers is a major concern. Four percent of high school seniors abused the drug at least once in the past year, according to the University of Michigan’s Monitoring the Future Survey.
Oxycodone is found in several products:
- In combination with other drugs, such as Percocet, Oxyocet and Endocet
- By itself in immediate-release (IR) products such as Oxy-IR
- By itself in controlled release (CR) products such as Oxycontin, OxyNEO, Apo-Oxycodone CR and PMS-Oxycodone CR
What Causes Oxycodone Addiction? Causes and Risks
Oxycodone works by binding to and activating opioid receptors in the brain, altering pain signals sent from the brain to the body. This stimulates the pleasure centers of the brain, causing dopamine to be released, creating the intense feeling of relaxation and blissful euphoria that can be so addictive. And this reinforces the desire to keep taking the drug.
Frequently prescribed for pain relief, Oxycodone can cause dependence even when taken exactly as described. It’s possible to become addicted in a few months or even less.
Effects of Oxycodone Addiction
Oxycodone addiction (Opioid Use Disorder) consists of strong, frequent cravings for the drug and an inability to control or limit its use. The primary feeling is one of pain relief and relaxation, together with a pleasant euphoric sensation.
Many people inadvertently take more than the prescribed amount, more often than indicated medically, or they take it in anticipation of pain. Or they may take it even when not needed. Gradually a dependence forms. It can become a serious, life-threatening condition.
Oxycodone addiction includes the following symptoms:
Physical
- Constipation
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness and Insomnia
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Agitation
- Swelling of face, lips and tongue
- Slowed movements
Psychological Conditions
- Cravings
- Disturbed attention and concentration
- Impaired judgment and reasoning
- Memory problems
- Thoughts of suicide
Behavioral Symptoms
- Continuing to abuse Oxycodone even when there is a desire to stop
- Using Oxycodone in unsafe settings, such as while driving
- Avoiding activities once enjoyed
- Absenteeism from work
- Avoiding daily responsibilities
- Avoiding family and friends
- Visiting a variety of doctors to get more prescriptions
- Trying to steal other’s prescriptions
- Forging prescriptions
Withdrawal and Overdose Risks
Due to the physical dependence with Oxycodone, over time, more of the drug is needed for the same effect. This is known as tolerance. A person needs to take the drug to prevent withdrawal symptoms. How long it takes to become physically dependent varies with each person.
On withdrawal, symptoms may become more pronounced when someone tries to limit or stop their Oxycodone use. Symptoms are not typically medically dangerous, but they can be intense and uncomfortable, making it more difficult to stop taking the drug.
Medical treatment is advised for Oxycodone withdrawal, either in inpatient (detox centers) or outpatient clinics. Long term treatment is achieved through the use of methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone) [2]
Early Withdrawal Symptoms
- Agitation
- Muscle aches
- Increased tears and runny nose
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Yawning
- Sweating
Later Withdrawal Symptoms
- Dilated pupils
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Goosebumps
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
Treatment for Oxycodone addiction typically involves detox, followed by therapy, often in a residential treatment setting. As a medical treatment, Naltrexone is prescribed to reduce craving and also block the effects of Oxycodone in case of relapse.
Therapy may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy assists people to learn to identify harmful thinking patterns, reframe negative thought patterns and assist in setting positive goals.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach to healing dysfunctional patterns of behavior and emotional dysregulation by providing psychotherapy, group skills training, mindfulness, therapy sessions and phone support.
- Psychotherapy helps people suffering from addiction understand the impact of their addiction on their life and those around them and helps them develop healthy coping strategies to heal from addiction.
Restorations Is Here For You
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addictions issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery.
Sources
[1] Oxycontin Fast Facts. National Drug Intelligence Center. US Department of Justice
[2] Shah M, Huecker MR. Opioid Withdrawal. [Updated 2023 Jul 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet].
Lacey graduated from Brand University with a MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. Lacey is a skilled clinician, supervisor, and administrator with extensive therapy experience. She is responsible for providing clinical leadership and policy direction for our program and maintains accepted standards of medical practice throughout the facility.
