In this segment, we are going to discuss oxycodone addiction, how the drug affects the human body, and the various types of treatments that are available to those who may have found themselves physically dependent on the medication.
Learn More: Overcome Oxycodone Addiction
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever prescribed to people experiencing moderate or severe pain. Due to the drug’s ability to act on the opioid receptors in the body (and for extended periods, with some formulations) oxycodone is a highly useful medication in the realm of pain management. The substance is available as several name brand medications, including:
- OxyContin, OxyIR, OxyFast – Oxycodone only.
- Percocet – Oxycodone combined with acetaminophen.
- Percodan – Oxycodone combined with aspirin.
Oxycodone is a very desirable drug of abuse due its ability to relieve pain while providing a euphoric high similar to other opioids like heroin. In fact, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that more than 16 million people abused oxycodone in 2012.
How addictive is Oxycodone?
All opioids have some level of addiction. Oxycodone is no different.
The substance attaches to tiny molecular structures throughout the brain and the body called opioid receptors. Once in place, the drug triggers a cascade of molecular events—including the release of a substance called dopamine. Ultimately, opioid receptor activation culminates in:
- Decreased pain perception.
- Decreased physical tension.
- Increased sense of relaxation.
- Euphoria.
When someone experiences these effects, the brain’s reward system reinforces the behavior. Users will want to replicate the drug taking behavior with increased frequency and intensity. Over time, however, the body will become tolerant to the effects of the drug and require more and more to experience the same feelings.
Learn More: Getting Help for Oxycodone Addiction
Signs of an Oxycodone addiction
People often begin abusing a substance to experience the pleasurable effects. Others may become addicted despite taking the medication as prescribed. Regardless of the path of the addiction, indicators will be the same. Signs of oxycodone addiction include:
- Slowed or labored breathing.
- Appearing more lethargic and lacking energy or motivation.
- Pinpoint pupils.
- Alternating between being alert and asleep.
- Confusion.
- Problems with motor coordination.
In the long-term or at higher doses, these signs will appear more often or with increased severity.
Oxycodone can have powerful effects on the user. A person abusing oxycodone may be feeling dizziness, weakness, and uncomfortable digestion problems. When they are high they are not in a receptive or particularly coherent state, so it is much better to wait until they are sober to discuss treatment.
Learn More: Oxycodone Addiction Treatment
Looking for Oxycodone Addiction Treatment? Call Us Now:
[dt_button size=”medium” style=”default” animation=”none” color_mode=”default” icon=”” icon_align=”center color=”” link=”tel:8883226195″ target_blank=””](888) 322-6195[/dt_button]
