Symptoms of Oxycodone Addiction

The major concern with the use of oxycodone is tolerance and physical dependence, which can occur after several weeks to months of use. Oxycodone has similar effects as morphine, and thus it appeals to the same community who abuse morphine and heroin. The most obvious sign of a physical addiction is withdrawal upon cessation of use.

Oxycodone withdrawal symptoms vary with the individual, yet often include:

• Abnormal skin sensations
• Aches and pains
• Anxiety
• Cold- or flu-like symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Goose bumps
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Mood swings
• Nausea
• Pain
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rigid muscles
• Runny nose
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Shivering or tremors
• Sleeping difficulties
• Sneezing
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting

Oxycodone Overdose Symptoms

As a concerned friend or family member, you may need to be on the watch for overdose symptoms of oxycodone. Severe side effects of oxycodone overdose include:

• Cold and clammy skin
• Constricted pupils
• Dizziness or fainting
• Low pulse, heart rate
• Shallow, short, slowed or stopped breathing
• Stupor

The most severe side effects of oxycodone overdose, which may be lethal, include:

• Abnormally low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Cardiac arrest
• Circulatory depression
• Coma
• Respiratory arrest
• Respiratory depression
• Shock

Intervention Tips

The goal of a well-planned, strategic intervention is to help the addict stop the denial associated with addiction and persuade him or her to seek professional help. Even if you feel unprepared and unqualified to intervene, keep the following tips in mind:

• Be Positive – Your goal in confronting an addict is to convince that person to seek help. A confrontation should not be aggressive or angry, but rather positive and supportive. You can be clear and firm in your discussion without condemnation, especially if you keep in mind that your purpose is to help the addict truthfully address the seriousness of the situation.
• Pick Supportive People – Typically, the appropriate people to ask for help in a drug intervention include family members, friends or a trained interventionist. Regarding family and friends, you want to make sure that the people involved in the intervention have personally experienced that addict’s behaviors. Many people may not want to participate in an intervention for a variety of reasons, including feeling that they are not qualified, but a caring and honest participant can greatly add to an intervention.
• Say It Well – The tone of your voice is as important as what you actually say. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that all people participating in the intervention do not have a hidden agenda. If anyone is feeling judgmental or disgusted, their tone of voice will reflect that and outweigh any words of concern. If a person participating in the intervention can not put aside their personal negative feelings, they should not participate. Your goal is to provide a clear message that says that you are supportive, but you do not condone a life on drugs.

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

It is good to have some treatment options in mind when going into an intervention so that you can inform the addicted individual about solutions for recovery. As you research, here are some kinds of treatment to consider:

• Inpatient –a limited-term residential option that gives users secure place to live so they can focus entirely on their recovery.
• Outpatient –a flexible treatment option during the day that allows a person to return home in the evening.
• Holistic –focuses on the connection between the body, mind, and spirit in the rehabilitation process.
• Specialized –programs that focus on a particular drug addiction, have a certain area of expertise, or are designed specifically for a certain demographic such as teens, adolescents, or women.

Oxycodone Intervention Help

Intervention is an effective strategy for many people who are addicted to drugs. However, planning and conducting an intervention is not always easy, and we can help. Please call our toll free number today at (888) 372-5715. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about oxycodone addiction, treatment, and intervention. Call today.

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.

Oxycodone addiction is characterized by one continually abusing the drug even when knowing that it is causing them harm. The effects of oxycodone addiction can be dramatic. Physical, mental, financial and social consequences become increasingly worse, but addicts are not able to quit even when they want to. More and more dependency and confidence is placed in oxycodone and the feeling that you can not function without the drug will become prevalent.

What Does Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Consist of?

Oxycodone addiction treatment

Oxycodone Detox

Treatment for oxycodone addiction will most likely begin with detoxification. Detox is critical for a successful recovery because it helps diminish the cravings for oxycodone and it rids the body from harmful toxins deposited during oxycodone use. Similar to other drug detoxifications, the addict’s dosage of the oxycodone will be gradually reduced until they no longer physically need it. Without this, withdrawal symptoms may be so intense that the user may think that breaking the addiction is impossible. Some of the symptoms associated with withdrawal from oxycodone are:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle and bone pain
• Restlessness and tremors

Abruptly stopping use of the drug can lead to seizures and convulsions which can even result in death. For this reason, it is important to seek help within a residential treatment program.

Oxycodone Help

The first step to recovering from an oxycodone addiction is realizing that there is a problem and that you need help. Entering into an addiction treatment center could be the best decision you’ve ever made. Call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5715 – we are available 24 hours a day to help you with your road to recovery.

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.

Outpatient vs. Residential Oxycodone Treatment

The first step is to pick a treatment plan option that bests suits your needs. Outpatient plans are less expensive; however, professional care is limited since most of the treatment is spent in your own home. Although residential is significantly more expensive, 24-hour care is provided which is really helpful during certain parts of the treatment plan.

Oxycodone Detox

Oxycodone addiction detox is hard to do alone, but we are here to help.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fever
• Chills
• Strong cravings for oxycodone
• Sleeplessness
• Irritability
• Mood swings

It is helpful to go through this in an actual rehab facility because the professionals are able to monitor the process and help in case something goes wrong. It is also hard to successfully complete this alone without relapsing. The symptoms may last from two days up to two weeks.

Some may choose to go through the process naturally, but some choose medical detox. With medical detox, the professionals are able to give the patient certain medications (methadone, etc.) to aid in the process and reduce the effects.

Oxycodone Rehab

Although detox is necessary and helpful, it only helps with the physical addiction. Most patients seek additional treatment after detox in order to ensure a successful break from addiction. Rehab offers help with coping mechanisms, warning signs for relapse and the confidence to re-enter the world into a drug free life.

If you or a loved one would like more information on oxycodone addiction and detox, please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5715.

Oxycodone Abuse

Medications similar to oxycodone are easy to abuse because of their ready availability. Many people keep these medications in their homes without thinking about the risk of abuse. Users will also go “doctor shopping” for these medications. Doctor shopping is when someone goes to several different doctors to get prescriptions. This way the doctor is unaware that the person has an unnecessary amount of the pills.

Signs and Effects of Oxycodone Abuse

Like with many other opiates, there are common side effects of oxycodone abuse. If you think a family member or friend is abusing oxycodone, look for some of the following signs and effects:

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Lightheadedness
• Blanking of emotion

Oxycodone abuse may also lead to an overdose. If you or a loved one are experiencing the following symptoms, seek help immediately:

• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Increase or decrease in pupil size
• Slowed heartbeat
• Blue color of skin, fingernails or area around the mouth

Often people think that they will be able to stop whenever they want. However, oxycodone is not the type of drug that one can quit cold turkey and be fine. Abusing oxycodone leads to a dependence on the drug. The user’s body needs to the drug to continue functioning normally and when it is not present in the bloodstream, the user will experience symptoms of withdrawal that are highly unpleasant.

Oxycodone Abuse Help

If you or a loved one is abusing oxycodone there is a way out. Please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5715 if you would like more information on oxycodone abuse and treatment.

Types of Oxycodone Treatment

Since the discovery of oxycodone in the early 20th century, there have been two distinct active forms of the drug to treat patients according to their pain: time release and rapid release.

One example of a common time released oxycodone drug is:

• OxyContin

An example of a rapid release oxycodone drug is:

• Roxicodone

Although both of these drugs are essentially the same, it should be noticed with caution when taking them. A person that is new to oxycodone or has a low tolerance to the drug should be aware when taking a rapid release form, as this can be fatal. In the same way, people who have used oxycodone over long periods of time may not get the desired effect with a time released version because of the tolerance they have built, which makes the need for a rapid release tablet to feel any relief. With either course, it is important to follow doctor’s prescriptions in order to safely use this drug.

How to Take Oxycodone

It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Both the time-released and rapid-release tablets may be dangerous if not taken properly. Do not crush, chew or break the extended-release tablet because it would result in too high of a dosage being administered at once. This could be extremely harmful to the patient. Only take as many pills as the doctor suggests. If it is not working, consult your doctor before upping your dosage.

Although both of these drugs are essentially the same, it should be noted with caution when taking them. A person that is new to oxycodone or has a low tolerance to the drug should be aware when taking a rapid release form, as this can be fatal. In the same way, people who have used oxycodone over long periods of time may not get the desired effect with a time released version, which makes the need for a rapid release tablet to feel any relief.

Examples of Oxycodone Treatment

There are literally thousands of different reasons to treat pain and most of them are simply treated with common store bought Tylenols and Ibuprofens. However, there are some cases where the pain is too severe and Tylenol or Ibuprofen products simply do not ease the pain effectively. Below are some examples of where oxycodone is the only effective answer:

Outpatient Surgery: Is an example using rapid release treatments of oxycodone for minor surgeries such as root canals, wisdom teeth or biopsy, in which the pain can be severe enough for a strong prescription such as oxycodone. Rapid release quickly takes care of the problem as the effects from surgery quickly heal.

Inpatient Surgery: Depending on the nature of his or her surgery, either rapid or time-released drugs can be suggested for pain. Anything from knee replacements to back surgeries are all good candidates for an oxycodone program.

Cancer: All of us have encountered or at least know someone who is fighting the ill effects of cancer. Because of the extreme nature of the disease and treatment of it, doctors will often prescribe oxycodone to relieve the pain, especially that of chemotherapy. Since cancer and its treatment is a continuous battle, most often the patient will be prescribed a time-released form to manage ongoing pain.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Oxycodone is one of the most widespread, addictive, and readily available drugs today. Regular use results in physical and psychological damage and dependence.

There are thousands of people that have used, gone through treatment, and now live normal, healthy lives. If you or someone you know is an oxycodone user, i.e. Oxycotton, Killers and OC, most likely they are already an addict or are quickly becoming one.

There is hope… Please call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5715. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about cocaine addiction treatment. We are here to help.

Oxycodone addiction often stems from a legitimate physical dependency, but then becomes escalated due to insufficient pain management or abuse. If the pain is too great for the dosage, the patient may decide to take a higher dosage without consulting a doctor, which would easily lead to an addiction. Also, simply knowingly abusing the drug will, of course, lead to an addiction. In order to help someone, or yourself, purge this addiction you must first be able to distinguish common warning signs of oxycodone abuse.

Signs of Oxycodone Addiction Healthcare Providers Watch For
Since many addicts begin their addiction under the care of doctors, there are certain signs healthcare providers are responsible for looking out for when prescribing medications similar to oxycodone. It is imperative to use caution in order to refrain from fueling someone’s addiction. Some of these signs include:

• Going through an oxycodone prescription before it is time to get it refilled
• Going “Doctor Shopping.” This is where the patient seeks out several different healthcare providers in order to obtain numerous prescriptions for the drug.
• Repeated reports of misplacing an oxycodone prescription, having the prescription stolen, or needing the prescription early due to travel plans.

Signs of Oxycodone Addiction Friends and Family Can Watch For
It is not only up to doctors to keep this addiction from starting. Friends and family members need to also be aware of warning signs that are displayed at home. Some of these personality and emotional signs include:

• Seclusion: the person often prefers to spend large amounts of time alone
• Dishonest Behavior: the person begins to steal or lie
• Financial Changes: the person suddenly has an unexplainable shortage of money
• Changes in Social Circles: the person becomes disinterested in old, good friends and replaces them with new ones
• Changes in Behavior: the person has frequent, drastic changes in mood

Oxycodone Addiction versus Inadequate Pain Control

It can be very difficult for both healthcare providers and friends and family to determine whether a person is struggling with an oxycodone addiction or suffering because of inadequate pain control. Often times, healthcare providers prescribe lower doses of oxycodone than needed because of their shared fear of “creating” an oxycodone addict. Sadly, this often leads to a person being accused of oxycodone abuse when in fact they are simply attempting to deal with the pain. For example, an addict’s daily behavior may change because of their mental craving for the drug, but so might a person’s who is unable to cope with their severe pain. However, it is important to be extra careful in case the person really is forming an addiction. Simply be aware of the warning signs and deal accordingly.

If you have spoken to your healthcare provider about pain you are still feeling and they disregard your claim you should most likely seek another professional opinion. However, for an addict this could easily turn into “doctor shopping.” Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider as soon as you suspect inadequate pain control in order to lessen the likelihood of being accused of oxycodone abuse.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Oxycodone addiction can be extremely dangerous and can cause life-threatening complications. Do not abruptly stop taking oxycodone because this could lead to a highly unpleasant, dangerous oxycodone withdrawal. If you are concerned that you may be addicted to oxycodone please call our toll free number at (888) 371-5715. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about treatment and addiction.

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.