Warning Signs of Oxycodone Addiction

Once the body becomes accustomed to the presence of and physical changes oxycodone inspires, it is dependent on the drug. However, physical dependence does not necessarily mean addiction. It is simply a normal bodily response to the extended use of a narcotic. Even people taking oxycodone responsibly will become physically dependent on it which is why it is important to be under the care of a physician when taking it and following exact orders for how to stop taking oxycodone.

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.