Oxycodone addiction

Oxycodone, also known by its brand name Oxycontin, is a powerful opioid drug that has become increasingly popular in recent years. This prescription painkiller is often recommended by doctors to help treat moderate to severe chronic pain such as that caused by conditions like cancer or arthritis. But while Oxycodone can be effective at treating pain and improving the quality of life for those who are suffering, it can also be highly addictive. There is a fine line between Oxycodone abuse and addiction, with dependence developing quickly among those who use it outside of its intended medical purposes.

Are you having trouble controlling the amounts of Oxycodone you consume? Do you find yourself often thinking about your next dose? If you are concerned about an Oxycodone addiction and would like to get help, Liberty House can provide you with all the resources you need to get clean.

The path to Oxycodone addiction

As with any opiate addiction, Oxycodone addiction is a serious and debilitating condition affecting many people worldwide. Oxycodone addiction is defined as an uncontrollable need or desire to use the drug despite negative consequences. This could involve certain behaviours, such as constantly seeking out the drug by any means necessary, neglecting important responsibilities or relationships and experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop or reduce your Oxycodone intake.

There are several paths that have the potential to lead to Oxycodone addiction, with the most common being the abuse of a genuine prescription or recreational Oxycodone abuse.

Prescription oxycodone abuse

Prescription abuse of Oxycodone usually begins when someone takes their prescription more frequently or in higher doses than recommended by their doctor. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, resulting in tolerance and physical dependence. As your tolerance increases, you may start to seek out other sources of Oxycodone by buying it illegally and this could even lead you towards using illicit opioids like heroin, particularly if you are unable to obtain Oxycodone.

Recreational oxycodone abuse

Oxycodone is frequently abused in recreational settings due to its ability to produce a euphoric high, increased confidence, relaxation and a sense of well-being. Recreational users will typically crush and snort Oxycodone tablets or inject it as a means to speed up and intensify the high. The resulting surge of dopamine in the brain triggers a reward response, stimulating cravings and motivating you to continue taking the drug. It does not take long for Oxycodone addiction to take over your life and destroy your health, finances and relationships.

The side effects of Oxycodone

Oxycodone has several dangerous side effects that can impact users both physically and psychologically.

Some of the physical side effects of Oxycodone include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Itchiness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia

Some of the psychological side effects of Oxycodone include:

• Anxiety and depression
• Irritability and mood swings
• Confusion
• Vivid nightmares
• Feeling detached from your body
• Strange thought patterns
• Hallucinations

Those who abuse or are addicted to Oxycodone also place themselves at risk of overdose, which can be deadly. The signs of an overdose include:

• Slowed, shallow breathing
• Extreme drowsiness
• Constricted pupils
• Unconsciousness

If you suspect you or someone you know has overdosed on Oxycodone, it is vital that you seek immediate medical attention.

Oxycodone addiction treatment

Oxycodone addiction can be a difficult condition to overcome. In most cases, it requires intensive treatment in an inpatient rehab facility. This type of rehab focuses on addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of your addiction, providing you with everything you need to heal from Oxycodone addiction and manage your symptoms going forward.

Oxycodone detox

Oxycodone detox is the process of removing this powerful opioid from the body in a safe and controlled manner. During detox, patients typically experience Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms as the body adapts to being without Oxycodone. When you take Oxycodone consistently over a period of time, your body becomes dependent on it to function normally. As a result, when you abruptly stop taking Oxycodone, you may experience a number of uncomfortable side effects as your body works to adjust to functioning without it.

Some of the most common symptoms of Oxycodone withdrawal include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Muscle aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and depression
• Impaired cognitive function
• Irritability and agitation

During this phase of recovery, the possibility of relapse is high. Many individuals turn back to Oxycodone when they find themselves unable to cope with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. This is particularly dangerous after even a short a period of abstinence as the body’s tolerance to the drug will have reduced which increases your risk of overdose.

Taking part in an assisted Oxycodone detox at Liberty House removes the chances of relapse. You will be closely monitored by our members of staff who will ensure any withdrawal symptoms remain manageable. On top of this, you will be in a secure and relaxing environment away from usual triggers that could spark intense cravings.

Oxycodone rehab

Overcoming your physical dependence on Oxycodone through detox is a vital step in recovery, but in order to achieve and sustain a drug-free life, you must also address the psychological aspects of your Oxycodone addiction through rehab treatment.

At Liberty House, we help you to understand the underlying causes of your Oxycodone addiction, learn how to manage your emotions and develop healthier patterns of behaviour through a variety of different therapies.

Some of the addiction therapies we employ include:

• 12-step programme
• Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Solutions-focused therapy
• Mutual aid and self help
• Motivational interviewing
• Contingency management
• Relapse prevention

As well as these highly beneficial and proven therapies, you will have access to several supplementary activities, including lectures and workshops, yoga, meditation, art therapy and gong baths.

Our facility aims to create a welcoming and non-judgemental space that is designed with your healing in mind. With Liberty House, you can finally live a life free from Oxycodone addiction.

Oxycodone aftercare

Completing Oxycodone rehab is a huge milestone, and one you should feel proud of. Unfortunately, however, this is not the end of your recovery journey – Oxycodone addiction is a chronic condition that will require continued hard work when you walk out of the rehab facility’s doors.

It is recommended that you take part in aftercare programmes, including weekly support groups and therapy, to help keep you on track during difficult times. By attending regular aftercare meetings, you can stay connected to the broader recovery community which offers vital support, encouragement and accountability.

Liberty House offers all of our clients one year of free aftercare, helping you to build a strong foundation for long-term sobriety.

What should I do if a loved one is addicted to Oxycodone?

If you believe that someone you know is struggling with an addiction to Oxycodone, it is important to be aware of the signs of this disorder. Some common indicators that someone may be abusing Oxycodone include:

• Inability to stop or reduce their Oxycodone intake
• Increased doses of Oxycodone or more frequent use
• Complaining that they cannot get a prescription for Oxycodone
• Visiting multiple doctors in order to get an Oxycodone prescription
• Denial of their need for Oxycodone or attempting to downplay their Oxycodone use
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Oxycodone
• Changes to mood or behaviour, for example, escalating emotional responses to stress

If you have noticed any of these signs in a loved one, it can be extremely difficult to know how to approach them or what to say. While it’s true this can be a delicate subject to broach, having your love and support could be all your family member needs to start Oxycodone addiction treatment.

It is therefore crucial that you educate yourself on Oxycodone addiction and approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. For starters, try to understand the reasons behind their Oxycodone addiction. Are they experiencing mental health issues or other symptoms of distress? If so, do your best to offer support and be non-judgemental as they work through their issues.

You should also avoid any enabling behaviours that may prolong your loved one’s Oxycodone addiction. For example, providing them with money to buy Oxycodone, covering up their behaviours, downplaying the severity of their Oxycodone use or making excuses for them. While most of the time all we want to do is protect our family member, enabling behaviours only harm them in the long run.

A life without Oxycodone

For those struggling with a prescription drug addiction like this, a life without Oxycodone may feel impossible. With the right treatment plan, however, overcoming your dependence on this drug is entirely possible. Without this powerful opioid clouding your judgement and dulling your senses, you can rediscover true happiness, purpose and freedom. You will be able to reconnect with family and friends, reassess your goals and passions, explore new hobbies and experience a greater sense of satisfaction in your daily life.

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