Oxycodone abuse is the leading cause of prescription opioid overdose deaths. In the last few decades, opioid addiction has been steadily rising in the United States. The increased risk of opioid abuse is attributed to high prescription rates. Nevertheless, oxycodone addiction is treatable through evidence-based treatment programs. Schedule a consultation with a specialist if you fear you may have developed an addiction to oxycodone in Glendale.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a partially synthetic opiate manufactured by modifying thebaine. Thebaine is an organic chemical present in opium. Consequently, oxycodone is classified as an opioid.
Oxycodone is the active ingredient in heavy-duty painkillers. Doctors prescribe these painkillers to treat severe conditions like postsurgical pain, acute arthritis, chronic pain, or cancer. Some of these prescription medications are Roxicodone, Percocet, Percodan, and OxyContin. OxyContin is the most popular of these medications.
What Are Some Side Effects Of Oxycodone Abuse?
When taken as prescribed, the side effects of oxycodone are mild and manageable. It is when you abuse oxycodone that you experience adverse side effects You abuse a prescription drug when you change the administration, change the dosage amount and frequency, or take drugs not prescribed to you.
The common side effects of oxycodone abuse include:
· Irregular breathing
· Dizziness, nausea, and headaches
· Seizures
· Low blood pressure
· Risk of overdose
· Withdrawal symptoms like muscle pain, fever, and insomnia.
· Slow breathing
· Cardiac arrest
What Causes Oxycodone Addiction?
Doctors prescribe painkillers with oxycodone to relieve severe pain. It works by altering how your body and brain respond to pain signals. Oxycodone creates a rush of dopamine, which causes a sensation of euphoria and pleasure.
The extended use of oxycodone rewires your brain to crave this pleasant response which is what leads to addiction
What Are The Signs Of Oxycodone Addiction?
It may be somewhat difficult to recognize the signs of oxycodone addiction. The symptoms may be behavioral, mental, physical, or a combination of all of them.
The most significant telltale sign that you are suffering from oxycodone addiction is the inability to stop taking more than your prescribed dose. Other symptoms of addiction are:
· Agitation, anxiety, and irritability
· Constipation
· Drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting
· Euphoria
· Depression and lack of motivation
· Lack of coordination
· Poor judgment or decision-making
· Slowed breathing
· Avoiding responsibilities
· Insomnia and changes to sleep patterns
What Are The Effects Of Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone addiction manifests as a dependency. Your body is unable to function without the drug. You continue to use it compulsively despite its harmful effects. If left unchecked, oxycodone addiction can lead to an overdose, which may lead to death.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
In recent years, many evidence-based treatments of opioid addiction have come up to address the increase of overdose deaths.
These addiction treatments aim to address your brain chemistry, behavior, moods, thought processes, tolerance, withdrawal, and residual effects. Thus, treatment comprises a combination of behavioral therapy and medication use.
The first step in treating oxycodone addiction is assessment and detox. Your doctor may use medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These will help ease your urges and withdrawal symptoms.
If you also suffer from co-related health disorders, a physician may be involved in your treatment. The approach is to address all the related effects of your addiction simultaneously.
After initial detox, you may participate in contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapy helps you face the reality of your addiction and the possibility of relapse. It also motivates you to move forward with your life.
Finally, your treatment program will connect you with a support group such as Narcotics Anonymous and AA, where you can find support. You're not alone, you can get help for your pain medication addiction and other addictions.
