Oxycodone is a prescription opiate/opioid drug commonly known by one of its brand names, OxyContin. Users have also given it a variety of nicknames, including oxy, oxycotton, hillbilly heroin, O, and OC.

Medical professionals prescribe oxycodone to relieve pain, so it is a type of drug known as an analgesic. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies oxycodone as a schedule II drug, a type of controlled substance that has “a high potential for abuse which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.”

Since it was developed more than 100 years ago, oxycodone is not a new drug. Misuse of this drug may be fatal. Some people consume it to feel a high similar to a high produced by heroin and other drugs.

Types of oxycodone:

• Extended-release tablet
• Immediate-release tablet
• Extended-release capsule
• Immediate-release capsule
• Solution
• Suppository

Opioid/opiate drugs such as oxycodone may create harmful interactions when consumed with other drugs and alcohol. Discussing oxycodone use with doctors is vital.

Oxycodone abuse may cause several health implications. Just like any other addiction, it may lead to overdoses and death.

It may damage different aspects of a person’s life. It may affect relationships. It may affect how people interact with others, creating problems in families, relationships, workplaces, and schools.

People who use oxycodone excessively or do not follow the recommendations of doctors’ prescriptions may display changes in behavior, including:

• Lying about using oxycodone and lying to acquire money to buy the drug
• Stealing money or selling possessions to buy oxycodone
• Obtaining oxycodone prescription in fradulent ways (stealing prescriptions or prescription pads, visiting multiple doctors)
• Appearing severely distracted
• Taking frequent absences or arriving late at school or work
• Breaking laws to obtain drugs or breaking laws while under the influence of drugs

Such symptoms may be harmful on their own or may create other problems. For example, if people steal money to buy oxycodone, they could be arrested and face legal consequences. Their criminal record could make it difficult to attend college or find good jobs. Or, their friends and family members could find it difficult to trust people who have lied to them about their oxycodone use and its consequences.
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Is oxycodone addictive?

Oxycodone is a narcotic that produces pain-relieving effects. Its components react to opioid receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). This reaction affects pain perception in the spinal cord and throughout the CNS.

In addition, oxycodone produces emotional responses that may relieve pain. Oxycodone triggers the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine, which could prompt users to use more and more, leading to an addiction.

One common brand of oxycodone, OxyContin, is an oral form of the drug that may relieve pain. People who abuse the drug claim that chewing a tablet or crushing and snorting it may create a high that is similar to the feeling of being high on heroin. Like other opiate/opioid narcotics, consuming oxycodone with alcohol or other drugs may be extremely dangerous.

Many people who are addicted to oxycodone originally consumed it as a prescription drug for chronic pain but eventually became dependent on it. Anyone is at risk for addiction. According to some studies and reports, misusing the drug could be riskier for teenagers and young adults because their brains are still developing.

OxyContin

This brand is a common medication and is also among the most abused prescription drugs. It is used for severe pain and its effects may last for up to twelve hours. Users who are addicted to OxyContin chew its tablets or crush it and snort its powder. Some users may also dissolve it in water.

Roxicodone

Roxicodone is another brand name for oxycodone. When used excessively, this painreliever may cause a high similar to other opioids/opiates. When they abuse the drug, users sometimes crush the tablets and snort them.

Percocet

This brand-name medication is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. While it may be an effective painreliever, Percocet is another opioid/opiate drug that may be addictive.

Other brand names of oxycodone include:

• Endone
• Oxaydo
• Oxecta
• OxyNorm
• Proladone
• RoxyBond
• Targin

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Oxycodone Effects and Abuse

Oxycodone may be addictive because it triggers the release of dopamine. Users may find it difficult to acknowledge that they are struggling with addiction. If people have observed that they are becoming dependent on the drug and craving its effects, it may be time to reflect and research in order to find effective professional help.

There are several possible causes of oxycodone addiction. One is genetics. If you have family members with drug dependencies or a histories of substance abuse, you may be more susceptible to addiction as well.

Another factor is environment. External influences, such as access to oxycodone, may increase the risk of drug dependency or addiction.

Addiction risk factors include:

• History of other substance abuse, mental illness, or trauma
• Exposure to drugs and drug abusers
• Boredom
• Curiosity

Understanding risk factors may help prevent, identify, and treat addiction to oxycodone and other substances.

Signs of oxycodone abuse

Oxycodone addiction may produce several signs and symptoms, including:
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People struggling with these symptoms should consider consulting qualified medical professionals. Not doing so may produce adverse long-term effects that could be fatal.

Immediate side effects of oxycodone abuse

Upon taking oxycodone, some people may experience immediate side effects. Mild to moderate side effects of oxycodone use may include:

• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Itching
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Fever

These symptoms may go away after a few days. They may be signs that your body is adjusting to the drug. If the side effects become severe and last for prolonged periods of time, do not self-medicate or try to alleviate the symptoms on your own. Consult a physician right away.

Using oxycodone may also produce serious side effects, such as:

• Shallow and slow breathing
• Fainting
• Low blood pressure
• Seizures

Long-term side effects of oxycodone abuse

Since taking oxycodone for a short period of time may be dangerous, it makes sense that using the drug for longer periods of time may produce more serious results. Some of the results are health-related, while other effects relate to other areas of life, such as relationships, careers, and finances.

Oxycodone abuse and addiction, when not treated, may cause the following:
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These complications may be difficult to address, so acknowledging oxycodone addiction early may prevent complications and improve people’s lives in several ways.

Oxycodone Abuse Statistics

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), about two million people in the United States struggle with addictions to prescription painrelievers, including oxycodone.

Sadly, this number has been growing and addiction contributes to thousands of deaths each year in the United States. Unintentional injuries (including drug-related deaths) were the third-leading cause of death in the United States in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Many people hooked on oxycodone and other prescription drugs often cannot obtain their drugs of choice. They may begin using heroin because it is more readily available and less expensive, but heroin is also a deadly drug.

It may be even deadlier if people add fentanyl and other powerful drugs to the heroin. Oxycodone, heroin, and fentanyl are all opilates/opioids that harm many people every year. Opioids/opiates killed 42,249 U.S. residents in 2016.

Like other addiction treatments, one of the first steps of oxycodone addiction treatment is acknowledging that you have a problem. Some people refuse to accept that they need professional help. Substance abuse and addiction are serious matters. They may not only affect your health and the way you live your life, but may also impact the people around you.

Oxycodone Addiction

Doctors prescribe oxycodone to people recovering from surgeries and to people suffering from chronic pain. This medication may be helpful when used properly, but the risk of dependency and addiction is always there.

Signs of recreational oxycodone use include:

• Using more oxycodone than prescribed
• Using oxycodone recreationally, such as at parties or in clubs
• Using oxycodone as a pick-me-up on bad days
• Using oxycodone to experience euphoria

Signs of oxycodone dependence include:

• Using oxycodone to cope with life issues
• Using oxycodone to calm cravings
• Using oxycodone to get high
• Using oxycodone despite feeling guilty or keeping it a secret
• Using oxycodone and feeling drowsy in public

Signs of oxycodone addiction include:

• Feeling as if people cannot live without oxycodone
• Consuming oxycodone even if it compromises the health and safety of yourself and other people
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to oxycodone use
• Prioritizing oxycodone use over everything else in life

Recognizing an Oxycodone Addiction

Here are some questions that may help you identify whether you or someone you know is experiencing oxycodone addiction:

• Have you attempted to obtain oxycodone or oxycodone prescriptions in illegal ways?
• Have you stolen or borrowed money to buy oxycodone?
• Does your dependency to oxycodone affect your daily life, such as causing you to miss school or work?
• Do you have suicidal thoughts?
• Have you been isolating yourself from your family and friends?
• Do you experience any form of sexual dysfunction?
• Do you intentionally harm yourself?
• Have you accidentally injured yourself due to drug-related judgment and coordination problems?
• Have your loved ones observed any drastic changes in your habits and attitude?
• Have your attitude changes affected your relationships with your loved ones and other people in your life?
• Do you feel as if your drug use is no longer in your control?
• Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using oxycodone, symptoms such as

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Combining Oxycodone With Other Substances

Some drugs may create dangerous combinations if taken with oxycodone. These dangerous interactions are one reason people should only use oxycodone under the recommendation and supervision of licensed health professionals:

• Benzodiazepines (benzos): Examples of benzodiazepines are alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and temazepam.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Examples of monoamine oxidase inhibitors are phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, and isocarboxazid.
• Antidepressants: Examples of antidepressants are fluvoxamine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, doxepin, paroxetine, sertraline, bupropion, and fluoxetine.
• Muscle relaxants: Examples of muscle relaxants are methocarbamol, baclofen, and cyclobenzaprine. When taken with oxycodone, breathing problems are among the possible severe side effects.
• Hypnotics: Examples of hypnotics are estazolam, temazepam, and zolpidem.
• Antiemetics (medications for nausea and vomiting): Examples of antiemetics are promethazine and ondansetron.
• Antipsychotic drugs: Examples of antipsychotic drugs are prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine.
• Anticholinergic drugs: Examples of anticholinergic drugs are scopolamine, benztropine, and atropine.

Other drugs that can interact with oxycodone include:

• Antibiotics (rifampin, rifapentine, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin)
• Antifungal drugs (ketoconazole and voriconazole)
• HIV drugs (atazanavir, ritonavir, and darunavir)
• Anti-arrhythmia drugs (quinidine and amiodarone)

One of the most dangerous substances to combine with oxycodone is alcohol. Alcohol and oxycodone may be fatal when mixed, as they both depress the central nervous system (CNS). Even when death does not occur, the combination of the substances may create irreversible brain damage.

If you are worried about oxycodone addiction, you might want to

• Determine whether oxycodone users have tried quitting but are finding it difficult.
• Ask if there are withdrawal symptoms and if they are severe.
• Be compassionate and supportive to oxycodone users.
• Consider initiating interventions for oxycodone users. Interventions allow people to share how the addiction is affecting relationships, offer emotional support, and discuss options if oxycodone users refuse to seek treatment.
• Enlist medical professionals to assist in recovery.

The Oxycodone Rehab Process

Rehabilitation for oxycodone addiction involves health specialists and therapists. The treatment plan often consists of a combination of medical oversight, psychological counseling, medication and nutrition management, and other options. Four basic steps in oxycodone addiction treatment include:

1. Assessment and medical evaluation
2. Detoxification (detox)
3. Treatment
4. Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and other care after treatment

Doctors and therapists assess the severity of oxycodone users’ addictions and their symptoms. They conduct tests and ask questions about medical histories to fully understand their clients, their reasons for using oxycodone, and other underlying conditions.

Oxycodone addiction is not easy to treat, but with guidance, it is not impossible. Contacting Mountain Springs Recovery may place you on the road to recovery.

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