Today, more than 10 million people struggle with oxycodone abuse and need assistance treating their symptoms. If you started abusing your oxycodone prescription and want to stop, support is available through an opioid addiction treatment program. This program can help people with an opioid use disorder (OUD) treat their symptoms and teach them how to lead a healthy and sober lifestyle.
If you’re ready to stop abusing your prescription opioids, Recovery Ranch TN has programs that can support your full recovery. Our opioid addiction treatment program features medical detox, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapies such as mindfulness practices and equine-assisted therapy.
What is oxycodone abuse, and what are the signs of addiction?
Oxycodone is a semisynthetic opioid agonist used to treat severe pain when other pain medications have stopped working. It belongs to a group of medicines known as opioid analgesics and is very effective in reducing pain.
Analgesics are medications used to treat pain and are classified in different ways: non-opioid analgesics and opioid analgesics. Non-opioid analgesics include:
- Acetaminophen: This is an over-the-counter (OTC) prescription medication that changes how your body senses pain and can also reduce fever.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These pain medications block the cyclooxygenase enzyme in the body and include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
- COX-2 inhibitors: This type of analgesic blocks the COX-2 enzyme that produces prostaglandins linked to pain and inflammation.
Opioid analgesics treat moderate to severe pain in patients and include the following:
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Buprenorphine
- Hydrocodone
- Tramadol
While these medications are safe to take when you follow the prescription, they come with a high risk of abuse. They create a euphoric response that can help you feel relaxed and sedated. If you take more than prescribed, it can increase the euphoric effects and potentially cause dependence and addiction.
When addiction happens, it can cause intense cravings for more oxycodone along with several other symptoms, which include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intense cravings
- Trouble concentrating for long periods
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
If opioid abuse is allowed to continue over time, it can cause liver damage and hormonal imbalances, which can lead to low testosterone and problems with menstrual cycles. It can also cause high tolerance levels, meaning you must take more to feel the same effects.
If you are abusing your oxycodone, there is a high risk of overdose. If an overdose happens, administer naloxone immediately and call 911.
Recognizing oxycodone side effects
Oxycodone is a potent pain reliever. It is safe to take when you follow the prescription instructions and avoid taking any other drugs or alcohol while on the medication. Unfortunately, many people misuse this medication and become addicted to it.
Here are some common oxycodone side effects:
- Nervous system: Drowsiness, headaches, confusion, and lightheadedness
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth
- Epidermal: Sweating, itching, flushing, blistering, and peeling skin
- Visual side: Constricted or pinpoint pupils and blurry vision
- Cardiovascular: Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, stroke, and heart attack
If substance abuse continues for an extended period, a person may experience more severe side effects of abusing oxycodone. These include respiratory depression, extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat. It can also cause a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching, swelling, and trouble breathing.
Chronic oxycodone abuse means you will have to take more to feel the same effects. You may experience hormonal issues and mood disturbances. It can also cause liver damage, especially when oxycodone is mixed with acetaminophen.
Can you overdose on oxycodone?
The quick answer is yes: you can overdose on oxycodone. It can overwhelm the body and cause it to shut down. It may cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, or hypoxia. If you experience hypoxia, it can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, organ damage, brain damage, and death.
Enroll in opioid addiction treatment today at The Ranch
Recovery Ranch Tennessee is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that welcomes those who are struggling with prescription opioid abuse. Our team has experience treating all types of addiction, including alcohol, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medication. We will evaluate you to determine the best course of action in treating your symptoms. You will work one-on-one with a professional therapist to treat the physical and psychological symptoms.
Stop letting oxycodone abuse ruin your life. Fill out our online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet location.
