What Is a Disease? Is Oxycodone Addiction a disease?

Disease is defined by dictionary.com as the following:

A disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity or unfavorable environmental factors.

By this definition oxycodone addiction is considered a disease. Poisons and toxins from the abuse of oxycodone lead to rewiring and incorrect functioning of the brain and other parts of the body.

Oxycodone Addiction as a Genetic Disease

As with diseases such as cancer, type II diabetes, heart disease and more some individuals are predisposed to the disease of addiction. This doesn’t mean that they were born with the disease nor does it mean that they will definitely become addicted to oxycodone. Being genetically predisposed to an oxycodone addiction means that you are more likely than others to become addicted and should be extra cautious when using addictive substances. Genetics are not the only factor that influences an addiction, but they can play an important role.

The Effects of Oxycodone Addiction on the Brain

Long-term use and high quantities of oxycodone change brain functioning. Individuals who abuse or overuse oxycodone build a tolerance to the drug and need to take more in order to produce the desired effects. As the body continues to change because of the effects of oxycodone, it becomes addicted to the drug. Without oxycodone the body cannot function properly, and the user will experience withdrawal symptoms. Oxycodone can cause a buildup of fluid in the brain which can cause confusion, headaches, seizures and exhaustion.

Is Oxycodone Addiction a Curable Disease?

Oxycodone addiction is not curable, but it is treatable and manageable. An individual struggling with an oxycodone addiction can achieve long-term recovery and maintain sobriety throughout life. Oxycodone addiction recovery is a long process, but with the help of addiction recovery professionals, a support system, hard work and determination it is possible. Individuals who have the most successful recovery experiences generally go through residential rehab programs that include detox, counseling, therapy and aftercare.

Oxycodone Addiction Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with an oxycodone addiction, please seek help immediately. Oxycodone addiction is a disease, but it is treatable and manageable. By getting help now, you can find long-term recovery. Call our toll-free helpline today to find quality treatment that will work for you as an individual. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or simply listen to your concerns. Break free from oxycodone; call now.

Oxycodone is a strong painkiller that has a high potential for addiction when abused. Along with its pain-relieving function, oxycodone causes a euphoric feeling and lessens anxiety, making users feel “high.” This plus the relatively easy accessibility has made it a commonly abused drug in the United States.

Effects of Oxycodone Abuse

The effects of oxycodone abuse on today’s society are very severe. The physical, mental, financial and social consequences can be devastating on a person’s life and to those around them. Recent studies show how in one way or another almost all American’s are impacted by the abuse of drugs such as oxycodone.

• Oxycodone abuse and addiction cost tax-paying Americans over $484 billion annually. This figure includes healthcare costs, traffic accidents, lost job wages and the associated criminal justice systems costs.
• Oxycodone addiction among teenagers is on the rise and there have been numerous emergency situations and deaths of teenagers correlated with oxycodone abuse. About one in 20 high school students admit taking OxyContin.
• Approximately 10 to 22 percent of car crashes involve drivers who have been using drugs (according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
• Of those arrested for violent crimes, 50 percent of the suspects were under the influence of drugs when they were arrested.

Due to the serious repercussions of oxycodone abuse, many states have issued legislation meant to decrease the illegal use of the drug. Some states have introduced prescription monitoring, and some have banned the sale of the drug on the Internet. Despite these efforts by the local government and the DEA, the abuse of oxycodone is at an all time high.

Oxycodone Addiction Help

Many people today suffer from an oxycodone addiction. Recovery is possible but it is first vitally important to seek help. We are here to get you started on the road to recovery. Please call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5715 – we are available 24 hours a day to help you find the proper treatment method for your addiction.

Factors of Oxycodone Treatment Costs

The cost of oxycodone addiction treatment varies depending on a number of factors including the type of program that they are participating in, the length of the individual’s stay, and the location.

Whether you are in a residential or outpatient program will have a dramatic impact on the cost. Some higher end residential facilities can cost a couple thousand dollars a month, while basic outpatient programs can cost around a couple hundred dollars a week. While you may find that outpatient programs cost significantly less than residential, that is because they offer less. In most cases, residential programs have the highest success rate and outpatient programs are more useful as a follow-up program.

The amount of time you spend in the program factors into the cost as well. Most effective treatment programs last at least a full month and in some of the most serious cases can take a full year to complete.

Treatment costs will also vary depending on where they are located in the United States. Cost of living and real estate value all affect the cost of treatment. For example, a residential program in California would most likely cost more than a residential program in Middle America.

How to Pay for Oxycodone Treatment

There are many creative ways to pay for oxycodone addiction treatment. For example, a number of facilities are offering short-term payment plans which help ease the burden by spreading the payments out over an extended period of time. There are also some insurance providers that have plans that will cover part of the expenses. It is important to check with your insurance provider on this before choosing a treatment center.

The financial burden of a treatment program does sometimes get put on the patient’s family and friends. When this is this case, many programs aim to help the patient become more responsible after their recovery. Plans are made for paying back the people who sponsored their treatment program.

More Questions on Oxycodone Treatment?

If you have more questions about paying for and starting a treatment for your oxycodone addiction, please call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5715 and speak with a helpful representative. Someone will be available to speak with 24 hours a day so call now.

Street Names

• Kicker
• Blue
• Oxy
• OC
• OX
• Oxycotton
• Hillbilly Heroin

Conventions and National Laws on Oxycodone Use

Oxycodone is subject to international conventions on narcotic drugs. In addition, oxycodone is subject to national laws that differ by country.

International

The 1931 Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulation the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs of the League of Nations included oxycodone but incorrectly called it “dihydrohydrooxycodeinone” instead of “dihydrohydroxycodeinone.” The 1931 convention was replaced by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of the United Nations and they categorized oxycodone in Schedule I. Global restrictions on Schedule I drugs include “limit[ing] exclusively to medical and scientific purposes the production, manufacture, export, import, distribution of, trade in, use and possession of” these drugs; “requir[ing] medical prescriptions for the supply or dispensation of [these] drugs to individuals”; and “prevent[ing] the accumulation” of quantities of these drugs “in excess of those required for the normal conduct of business.”

United States of America

Oxycodone has a high potential for abuse making it a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. It is in this category because oxycodone has a common medical use. However, its use does come with severe restrictions because it is easily habit-forming. Schedule II drugs can be administered only with a written prescription from a licensed practitioner, except in certain situations (prescription called in via telephone, prescription dispensed by practitioner, other than a pharmacist, or “emergency situations”) according to section 829 of the Act. It also specifies that prescriptions falling into the Schedule II category cannot be refilled.

Many states have made efforts to abolish the illegal use of oxycodone.

The following states have enacted legislation concerning oxycodone:

• Louisiana
• Maine
• Virginia
• Kentucky
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee

The following states have established prescription-monitoring programs:

• California
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington

United Kingdom

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies oxycodone as a Class A drug, which are drugs considered to be “most likely to cause harm.” If a person is found with oxycodone but not a prescription for it, they could face an unlimited fine, up to seven years in prison, or both. Illegal dealing of the drug is punishable by life imprisonment, paying an unlimited fine or both. However, oxycodone is a Schedule II drug according to the Misuse of Drug Regulations 2001, which provides certain exemptions from the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Canada

According to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, oxycodone is a Schedule I drug. This means that every person who seeks or obtains the drug or a written prescription for the drug from a practitioner must notify that practitioner of all other controlled and or prescriptions drugs they have obtained within the preceding 30 days. If they do not comply this person could be found guilty of “indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years.” If a person is in possession of oxycodone with the intention of trafficking the drug, they are liable to life imprisonment.

Hong Kong

Oxycodone falls under part 1 of Hong Kong’s Chapter 134 Dangerous Drugs Ordinance. Trafficking (section 4) and manufacturing (section 6) is punishable by a fine in the amount of $5,000,000 Hong Kong dollars and/or life imprisonment. Possession of the drug without a license from the Department of Health is illegal and punishable by a fine in the amount of $1,000,000 HKD and/or seven years in prison. Only specific health professionals are allowed to distribute the drug and prescriptions. If a person is caught administering the drug without a proper prescription, that person can be fined $10,000 HKD (section 31).

Germany

The Narcotics Act (“Betäubungsmittelgesetz” or BtMG) places oxycodone in Appendix III. This law specifies that veterinarians, physicians and dentists are the only ones permitted to prescribe oxycodone. In addition, the federal government can regulate prescriptions.

Oxycodone Addiction Help

If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction to oxycodone, please know there is help. Call our toll free number now at (888) 371-5715 to talk to an admissions counselor about oxycodone addiction and treatment options.

Most oxycodone products are taken every four to six hours as needed for pain. However, long-acting versions of oxycodone, including OxyContin, are also available. These versions are designed to be taken just twice per day. OxyContin and its’ generic versions release medication slowly over a 12-hour period.

Oxycodone and OxyContin Use

OxyContin is needed only for extended, around-the-clock pain control. For a pain reliever to be taken “as needed,” a short-acting oxycodone product is a much better match.

It is helpful to start an individual with a short-acting oxycodone product to measure just how much oxycodone the person needs to control pain before making the switch to the equivalent dosage of OxyContin.

It is useful for an individual wanting to treat “breakthrough pain” to take a short-acting oxycodone product, not OxyContin, if they are already taking a long-acting narcotic medication.

Oxycodone and OxyContin Short-term Effects

Pharmacological effects include:

• Analgesia (pain relief)
• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Feelings of relaxation
• Respiratory depression
• Constipation
• Papillary constriction
• Cough suppression

These effects may last up to five hours with short-acting oxycodone products and between eight and 12 hours in OxyContin.

Common side effects of oxycodone and OxyContin include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Weakness

Oxycodone and OxyContin Long-term Effects

Oxycodone and OxyContin abuse may lead to a high tolerance for the medication and addiction.

Acute overdose of oxycodone or OxyContin can produce:

• Severe respiratory depression
• Skeletal muscle flaccidity (weakened skeletal muscle)
• Cold, clammy skin
• Reduction in blood pressure
• Lower heart rate
• Coma
• Respiratory arrest
• Death

Chronic Use of Oxycodone or OxyContin can cause:

• A heightened tolerance for the drug(s): The person may need to ingest more of the medication to achieve the same initial effects. Consuming a larger quantity than prescribed of oxycodone or OxyContin can be very dangerous and possibly fatal.
• Addiction: The person’s body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, causing the person to experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop or greatly reduce consumption of the drug. Given that oxycodone may be habit-forming it should never be shared with another person especially if that person has a history of drug abuse.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

If you are someone you know is suffering from an addiction to oxycodone or any other prescription drugs, please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5715. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about drug addiction treatment and treatment centers.