Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone addiction is a serious and growing problem that affects millions of people worldwide. As a commonly prescribed opioid painkiller, oxycodone can lead to dependence, tolerance, and addiction if misused or abused. An addiction to oxycodone can be incredibly challenging to overcome, and can have devastating consequences on a person's health, relationships, and overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with oxycodone addiction, it is essential to seek professional help as soon as possible.

Learn more about oxycodone addiction and how SOBA New Jersey can help by dialing (888) 229-7989 now.

On This Page:

• What is Oxycodone?
• Oxycodone Addiction Warning Signs
• Short-Term Consequences of Oxycodone Addiction
• Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Addiction
• How to Help Someone with Oxycodone Addiction

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a prescription painkiller that is widely used due to its potency and predictable side effects in small doses. However, oxycodone is also known for being highly addictive. The substance can cause a chemical addiction in some users, which occurs when the brain’s chemical composition changes due to drug use and becomes dependent on its continued use to operate “normally.” It can also cause a behavioral addiction, which means that the user feels an urge to take more because it has become a habit.

Oxycodone Addiction Warning Signs

When taking a strong painkiller, the user can feel numbness to both physical and emotional pain. As a result, oxycodone can put you in a daze that makes it impossible to notice just how much harm the drug is causing. For this reason, many people with oxycodone addictions are unaware of it, even as the warning signs add up and get worse.

You might have a forming or worsening oxycodone addiction if you:

• Commit a crime to get the drug.
• Use it outside a prescription’s instructions.
• Always want to take more, even after recently having a dose.
• Cannot sleep without taking a dose of oxycodone.
• Feel deepening depression when not on the drug.
• Develop irritability or uncharacteristic mood swings.

Short-Term Consequences of Oxycodone Addiction

One of the most immediate effects of oxycodone abuse is a feeling of euphoria or intense pleasure. This is often accompanied by drowsiness, confusion, and slowed breathing.

Other short-term consequences of oxycodone abuse include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dry mouth. Users may also experience headaches, dizziness, and impaired coordination. In some cases, oxycodone abuse can even lead to seizures or coma.

Perhaps the most dangerous short-term consequence of oxycodone abuse is the risk of overdose. This occurs when someone takes too much of the drug and their body cannot process it quickly enough. Symptoms of an oxycodone overdose include extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and fainting.

Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Addiction

Although oxycodone is prescribed often to patients with varying degrees and sources of pain, it can be dangerous, especially when used opposite a prescription’s instructions. Using too much oxycodone at once can trigger potentially life-threatening side effects. Similarly, abusing oxycodone for a prolonged period can also eventually cause unsafe health conditions that require medical care.

Oxycodone abuse can cause these severe side effects and more:

• Full-body seizures
• Chronic pain
• Heart failure
• Breathing difficulties
• Constant nausea
• Anxiety and depression

If you or someone else is experiencing potentially life-threatening oxycodone side effects, then you should dial 911 immediately. In most states, law enforcement officials cannot pursue charges against someone who is caught with an illegal substance – like oxycodone procured without a prescription – because they called 911 due to an overdose concern. Seek emergency medical care when it is needed and without hesitation.

How to Help Someone with Oxycodone Addiction

Helping someone with oxycodone addiction can be a challenging and complex process, but there are several steps you can take to support them on their journey toward recovery.

1. Educate yourself: Learn about the signs and symptoms of oxycodone addiction, as well as the available treatment options. This will help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
2. Encourage them to get help: Talk to your loved one about their addiction and encourage them to seek professional help from a doctor or addiction specialist. Offer to accompany them to appointments or support groups.
3. Be supportive: Show your loved one that you care about them and want to help by being non-judgmental and supportive. Listen to what they have to say without offering unsolicited advice or criticism.
4. Set boundaries: While it's important to be supportive, it's also important to set boundaries and take care of yourself. Let your loved one know what behaviors are unacceptable (such as lying or stealing) and stick to those boundaries.
5. Help them stay motivated: Recovery from addiction is a long-term process that requires commitment and motivation. Encourage your loved one to stay positive, celebrate their successes, and remind them that setbacks are normal.
6. Seek additional support: Most importantly of all, you should seek the support of a rehab clinic. Consider joining a support group for families of addicts or seeking individual counseling for yourself if you're struggling with the stress of supporting someone with an addiction.

Remember that helping someone with oxycodone addiction is not easy, but it's important work that can make a significant difference in their life. SOBA New Jersey is here to help if you or a loved one is struggling with oxycodone addiction. We offer our services and support to anyone in New Jersey. We also accept a wide variety of common healthcare insurance plans, so our help is highly affordable for most.

Learn more about SOBA New Jersey and oxycodone rehab by dialing (888) 229-7989 now.