Oxycodone is one of a number of prescription opioid pain relievers associated with the current epidemic of drug overdoses. In 2018, this epidemic killed 70% of the more than 67,000 deaths from drug overdoses. Raising awareness about what to look for in oxycodone addiction is a critical step in regaining control and reducing the number of deaths. Learn more about oxycodone addiction treatment by reaching out for help from an addiction treatment center today. Call 866.957.7885 for more information.
Oxycodone is sold under the brand name OxyContin or Percocet. It's a prescription opioid pain killer that helps those with moderate to severe pain. Like most opioids, it works by affecting the opioid receptors found in the brain and nervous system. These receptors produce feelings of euphoria and that feeling is at the heart of what creates an addiction.
Opioid receptors play a role in the release of chemicals that make you feel good, like dopamine and serotonin. Using drugs can interfere with the natural process of releasing these chemicals. Eventually, the brain associates these good feelings with the drug. That dependence creates cravings that make you want to use the drug over and over despite the negative consequences in your life.
There are physical, psychological, and behavioral signs of oxycodone addiction. Physical symptoms might include:
Often it is the behavioral signs that point to addiction, though. Family and friends should watch for drug-seeking behaviors such as going to the doctor or hospital looking for a prescription frequently. Your loved one may claim to have lost their pills or that someone stole them.
Families may notice that they disappear and then return with no explanation. Their loved one may always be broke and missing days at work. You might notice mood swings that take them from euphoric happiness to depression to agitation seemingly in minutes. Spouses might see a change in sex drive or lack of general hygiene. They may also try to isolate themselves from friends and family by canceling social engagements or just not showing up.
One of the most prevalent clues of oxycodone use is withdrawal, though. If you notice your loved one goes into withdrawal when they don’t have oxycodone, they likely have an addiction. Withdrawal signs can include insomnia, vomiting, chills, and muscle and bone pain.
Oxycodone addiction is very serious and requires treatment. Start looking at the drug rehabs in your area. Those living in Texas can contact one of the many San Antonio Recovery Center (SARC) programs.
SARC is an independent drug and alcohol treatment center with a 90-day program for those with opioid addiction. For most people, that will start with detox.
Detox occurs when you stop taking a drug. Withdrawal symptoms associated with oxycodone addiction are not life-threatening usually, but they are very unpleasant. Supervised detox allows you to go through the process of withdrawal securely and more comfortably. It also means you enter the primary treatment program sober.
SARC provides a full spectrum of services that can help someone with signs of oxy addiction, including:
Residential treatment for addiction is a live-in care option for people who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. It provides around-the-clock supervision and support in order to help people abstain from substance abuse and work on their recovery. Residential treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the needs of the individual.
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) provide highly structured addiction treatment while allowing patients to live at home and continue working or attending school. IOPs are designed for patients who do not require 24-hour medical supervision but who cannot or will not commit to living in a residential treatment facility. IOPs are also often recommended as a step-down from inpatient treatment or as a step-up from traditional outpatient therapy.
Gender-specific care is addiction treatment that is designed to meet the unique needs of men or women. This type of care may be provided in a separate facility or unit within a treatment center. It can also be offered as part of a gender-specific treatment program that includes elements such as gender-specific therapy and support groups.
Dual diagnosis treatment is when a person struggling with addiction also has a mental health disorder. This can complicate things because it’s difficult to treat one without the other.
SARC follows the 12-step philosophy and works hard to ensure its programs are affordable. If you are still unsure if this person in your life might have an oxycodone addiction, feel free to give us a call to talk to one of our addiction specialists. We can provide you with more information on what to look for and help guide you about treatment options. Call SARC at 866.957.7885, or contact us online today for help.
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