Oxycodone addiction has become a significant public health crisis in recent years. It’s fueled in part by the widespread misuse and abuse of prescription opioids. Made from the opium poppy plant, oxycodone, also called oxy for short, is a potent opioid analgesic prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. However, its addictive properties and euphoric effects have led to misuse, dependence, and overdose deaths. Oxycodone addiction is the term we use when someone becomes dependent on oxycodone.
Oxycodone is dangerous because people can find themselves taking more and more of the drug to relieve pain or cope with emotional distress. Taking oxy for an extended period can change the brain, leading to negative impacts on mental well-being, physical health, and social functioning. Over time, they may feel sick from withdrawal symptoms when they’re not using it.
A drug treatment facility like those operated by Aliya Health Group can help individuals identify an oxycodone abuse issue and provide the treatment needed to overcome it.
What Is Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. They are used to treat mild to severe pain. It comes in a variety of forms, including slow-release tablets, standard tablets, and capsules, as well as a liquid you swallow. Oxycodone addiction, also known as oxy addiction, is a chronic disorder marked by an uncontrollable urge to use the drug despite its adverse effects.
Some oxycodone brand names include OxyContin®, Tylox®, and Percodan®. Common nicknames include “Hillbilly Heroin,” “Kicker,” “OC, Ox,” “Roxy,” and “Perc.”
Many individuals are introduced to oxycodone through a medical prescription for severe pain following an operation, an accident, or pain caused by a medical condition. However, the pleasurable feelings and relief it provides may lead some individuals to misuse the drug, leading to an oxy addiction. Addiction occurs when repeated use of oxy leads to changes in the brain’s structure and function and causes someone to crave the drug.
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Speak With Our Admissions TeamWhat Are the Signs and Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction?
There are specific signs and symptoms to look for if you think someone is dealing with oxycodone abuse. The user can show a range of physical, behavioral, and psychological changes revealing their dependence on the drug. Knowing what to look for can potentially save the life of someone in the grip of addiction. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of oxy abuse.
Physical:
- Constricted Pupils
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Gastrointestinal issues (constipation)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive scratching or itching
Behavioral:
- Secretive or deceptive behavior to conceal drug use
- Doctor shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Stealing or forging prescriptions
- Social withdrawal
- Increased irritability or erratic behavior
- Neglecting responsibilities and obligations
- Decline in performance at work or school
Psychological:
- Mood disturbances (depression, anxiety, agitation)
- Intense cravings for oxycodone
- Preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug
- Cognitive impairments (difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, impaired judgment)
Awareness of these signs is vital in helping the user get help if needed. A professional oxycodone addiction rehab facility can help someone begin oxycodone detox and withdrawal so they can stop using the drug for good.
Why Is Oxycodone Dangerous?
Oxycodone is extremely dangerous because it’s so potent and often leads to misuse. While it can offer pain relief when used as prescribed, that relief, coupled with the euphoric effects, can lead to psychological and physical dependence. This can quickly escalate into addiction as the person develops tolerance and requires higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
Oxycodone can affect respiratory function, leading to slowed breathing, particularly when taken in high doses or combined with alcohol or benzodiazepines. This can be life-threatening, even resulting in coma or death if left untreated. The risk of overdose with opioid medication is high. It’s easy to accidentally take too much when trying to find pain relief.
Oxy addiction can also have devastating consequences on many aspects of a person’s life. They may experience relationship troubles, financial instability, and legal problems as they prioritize drugs over responsibilities. Plus, the stigma that comes with addiction may deter them from getting help for oxycodone abuse.
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Oxycodone Addiction Facts & Statistics
The facts and statistics involving oxy addiction are a concern.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) found that oxycodone was involved in nearly 17,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2018. It identified oxy as one of the most commonly distributed and abused prescription opioids.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids, including oxycodone, has quadrupled since 1999. In 2019 alone, over 14,000 individuals died from a prescription opioid overdose.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that 2 million individuals in the United States aged 12 and older misused prescription pain relievers, including oxycodone, for the first time in 2021.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the United States is estimated to exceed $78 billion annually, resulting from healthcare costs, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses. NIDA also found racial disparities, noting Black and Hispanic individuals are less likely to receive prescription opioids for pain management but face higher rates of opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
Oxycodone Addiction and Mental Health
The relationship between oxycodone addiction and mental health is complex. Individuals struggling with oxy addiction often have underlying mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. These disorders may precede or develop alongside oxy abuse.
For some, oxycodone may serve as a form of self-medication, temporarily alleviating distressing symptoms. However, prolonged oxycodone abuse can make those underlying mental health issues worse. Chronic oxy use can disrupt the brain’s natural reward center as well. This leads to difficulty experiencing pleasure from everyday activities and reinforces drug-seeking behavior.
Withdrawal from oxycodone can cause psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and cravings. As a result, people with co-occurring oxycodone addiction and mental health disorders often face significant challenges in achieving and maintaining recovery.
The stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness can worsen the user’s feelings of shame, guilt, and social isolation. It can also prevent the individual from seeking timely and appropriate care. Addressing underlying psychological factors and developing coping strategies can empower the individual to get help.
When Do You Need Oxycodone Addiction Treatment?
Some people feel like they’re in control of their oxy use, and they don’t need treatment. If you or someone you know shows any of the following indicators, it may be time to seek professional help for oxycodone addiction:
Loss of Control: If you find yourself unable to control your oxycodone use despite repeated attempts to cut down or quit, it may indicate a significant problem. Loss of control over drug use can appear as increasing doses, frequent relapses, or constant cravings that take over other priorities.
Withdrawal Symptoms: You may experience oxy withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or limit use. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, or muscle aches.
Interference with Daily Life: Neglecting work, school, family obligations, or social activities in favor of obtaining and using oxycodone is a red flag that addiction has taken hold.
Legal or Financial Problems: Involvement in arrests for drug-related offenses or driving under the influence can signal the need for addiction treatment. Similarly, financial problems from spending lots of money on oxycodone or engaging in illegal activities to support drug use may indicate a severe problem.
Decline in Physical or Mental Health: If you experience worsening health conditions, unexplained injuries, or declining mental health, seeking addiction treatment is imperative to prevent further harm.
Professional treatment programs can provide comprehensive assessment, personalized interventions, and ongoing support to address the underlying causes of addiction and nurture lasting recovery.
How Long Is Oxycodone Addiction Treatment?
Addiction treatment varies from person to person. The length depends on individual needs, the severity of addiction, and treatment goals. At a recovery facility operated by Aliya Health Group, our individualized approach to oxycodone treatment means your experience will look different than everyone else’s. The levels of care range from treatment programs where you spend 24/7 at a facility to programs where you may only attend treatment a few times per week.
For those who need to start with detox and inpatient care, the process can generally take anywhere from 30 to 45 days of full-time treatment at a facility. Many people move on to outpatient care, which offers more flexibility.
Oxy addiction treatment happens in several phases. The first phase often involves detoxification or detox. This is when the body eliminates the drug and adjusts to functioning without it. The duration of detox depends on the level of oxy abuse, individual makeup, and the presence of co-occurring medical or mental health conditions.
Following detox, many join a comprehensive rehab program for several weeks to months. Here, individuals participate in therapy, group counseling, behavioral interventions, and holistic treatments. Others attend partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, or traditional outpatient programs, which allow you to go home or to a sober living community when not attending programming.
Even after completing formal treatment programs, ongoing support and aftercare are essential for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. Aftercare services may include therapy, support groups, medication management, vocational training, and housing and community reintegration assistance. Generally, the process can take up to six months to move through each phase and back onto the path of recovery.
Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options
Addiction treatment centers approach recovery from oxy abuse in various ways. Two standard practices are evidence-based and holistic treatments.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Oxy Abuse: MAT is a comprehensive approach that combines medication with behavioral therapy and support services. Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of opioids. MAT programs provide medical oversight to ensure it’s safe and effective.
Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapy helps individuals address underlying issues, develop coping skills, and fix poor thinking patterns and behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are among the most common therapies used for opioid addiction. Each helps to identify and challenge dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes, build coping strategies to manage cravings and triggers and promote lasting behavior change.
Holistic Treatment: Holistic practices are another standard treatment for oxycodone addiction. They provide a well-rounded approach that considers someone’s mind, body, and soul. Some of the most popular holistic practices for oxy addiction include:
- Accupuncture
- Adventure Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Massage Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Nutrition Counseling
- Sound Healing
- Yoga and Meditation
An addiction treatment network like Aliya Health Group has oxycodone treatment centers that offer holistic recovery programs you can use to turn your life around from abuse of pain medications. We treat opioid abuse using the latest and greatest methods that are proven effective.
Oxycodone Detox
Detox is a key first step for many along their journey to sobriety. This journey is often marked by physical and psychological challenges as the body adjusts to the absence of oxycodone. Withdrawal symptoms, ranging from flu-like discomfort to severe cravings and emotional distress, can make detoxification a daunting experience.
However, people can turn their lives around with proper support and guidance. Options such as medication-assisted treatment and therapy, are used to manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying issues contributing to addiction.
Inpatient Oxycodone Rehab
Inpatient treatment for oxycodone use disorder offers a full complement of services, including medication management, individual and group therapy sessions, case management, and specialized treatment programs tailored to each individual’s needs. This intensive treatment typically involves residing within a specialized facility for a designated period, allowing round-the-clock access to medical care, therapy, and peer support.
With help from our medical professionals monitoring withdrawal symptoms and administering appropriate medications, people can safely move through each phase of recovery. Therapy sessions, both individual and group-based, help to highlight the root causes of addiction, equip people with coping skills, and foster a sense of community among peers facing similar challenges. Inpatient treatment offers a sanctuary for individuals to break the cycle of addiction, gain insights into their behaviors, and develop strategies for sustained recovery beyond the confines of the facility.
Outpatient Oxycodone Rehab
Treatment for prescription painkillers such as Oxycodone in an outpatient setting offers a continuum of care and support. Aliya Health Group provides essential services such as therapy sessions (individual, group, and family therapy), case management, and access to sober living options following treatment.
Outpatient programs, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and standard outpatient services (OP), allow people to transition through different levels of care as they progress in their recovery journey.
The flexibility offered by outpatient treatment means people can attend to other obligations in life while also taking steps to end oxycodone addiction.
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Addiction Treatment Programs at Aliya Health Group
Aliya Health Group is a nationwide network of rehab centers offering compassionate, effective addiction treatment services. Our centers proudly provide a wide range of evidence-based and holistic programs, as well as several specialty addiction treatment programs for those with unique circumstances.
Clients also receive education about addiction and recovery techniques. After residential treatment, clients transition to outpatient care and aftercare programs for continued support and long-term sobriety. Aliya prioritizes holistic approaches to promote lasting recovery and prevent drug overdoses.
If you or someone you know needs opioid addiction treatment or help with pain management, please get in touch with Aliya Health Group today. We can help treat opioid use disorders and the negative effects of oxycodone. If you or someone you know needs opioid addiction treatment or help with pain management, please get in touch with Aliya Health Group today. We can help treat opioid use disorders and the negative effects of oxycodone.
Call us today at (888) 973-2078 to get started.
