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However, the risk of addiction rapidly increases when people take more than the recommended dose or continue to use for long periods of time.
Oxycodone (brand name OxyContin) is a widely prescribed, synthetic opiate used to provide long-lasting relief for moderate to severe pain, usually associated with:
It is sometimes combined with aspirin and sold under the names Percodan or Endodan, or with
acetaminophen and sold under the names Percocet or Roxicet.
A combination of oxycodone and ibuprofen is sold as Combunox. On the street, oxycodone is known by various names such as:
People who abuse oxycodone may:
Taking oxycodone intravenously is a particularly dangerous practice, as it can result in profound clotting and vascular inflammation (thrombophlebitis) as well as other life threatening cardiovascular system injury and infection.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NIDA), the signs and symptoms of non-medical prescription drug use include:
If you see these signs in yourself or a loved one, call 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? for information about oxycodone addiction treatment options in your area.
The many physical effects of oxycodone abuse include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and liver damage. However, the effects depend largely on the route of administration.
Injecting oxycodone can case your vital organs to shut down.Injecting the drug is risky because the substance enters the bloodstream immediately and travels to the brain in a matter of seconds.
Cardiac arrest and a sudden drop in blood pressure, with resultant decreased perfusion or blood flow to various vital organs are distinct consequences of intravenous oxycodone abuse.
Prolonged, intense intravenous drug use can result in shutdown of vital organs and, over time, lead to marked physical degeneration.
Frequent injections can also damage the skin, muscles and veins.
Snorting the drug is hazardous because crushing removes the protective coating on the pills. The drug is absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes of the nostrils, which creates a rush--an immediate feeling of intense euphoria.
Similarly, chewing crushed oxycodone tablets also causes the substance to enter the bloodstream rapidly.
Side effects of snorting or chewing oxycodone include:
Oxycodone abuse may result in:
Oxycodone abuse can also contribute to depression, anxiety, panic and paranoia.
Mixing oxycodone with alcohol is especially dangerous because the effect of each is magnified.
People sometimes use one drug to counteract the side effects of another. For example, oxycodone may be used to minimize insomnia that results from use of cocaine.
Mixing oxycodone with alcohol is especially dangerous because both substances are central nervous system depressants, and the effect of each is magnified.
Combining drugs also alters absorption in the body by affecting how the drug is metabolized in the liver.
Ingestion of 2 or more substances can create dangerous metabolites that are more toxic than either drug used on its own.
Results may include:
According to criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), oxycodone (opioid) use disorder may be diagnosed when the following signs or patterns are present:
Combining oxycodone with other substances--including alcohol--may increase your risk of addiction.
People with a personal or family history of addiction to alcohol or drugs (prescription or illegal) are at higher risk of addiction.
While this is commonly accepted, addiction researchers aren't as sure about the risk for people who have not abused drugs in the past, or how chronic pain affects addiction to oxycodone and other opioid pain medications.
Other factors that may influence the risk of addiction include how the drug is used, (i.e. injection, chewing or snorting), and if it is combined with other substances.
Other risk factors include a history of:
People between the ages of 16 and 45 are also at higher risk.
If someone you love is struggling with an addiction to oxycodone, or if you are concerned about your own use, it's important to seek help as soon as you are aware that a problem exists.
Waiting increases the chances of negative consequences such as:
It is not necessary to wait for rock bottom. This may mean bankruptcy, divorce, physical illness or even death.
Call us at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? today.
When a person is addicted to oxycodone, friends and family face a tremendous challenge, especially if the person is in denial or unwilling to accept help.
People who abuse oxycodone may go to great lengths to attain the drug. They may:
Life becomes chaotic, and people close to the addicted person experience guilt, shame, anger, frustration and helplessness.
If someone you love is abusing oxycodone:
For example, enablers may pay bills, make excuses or clean up messes, which do not provide any incentive for the addicted individual to get help.
Many people benefit from pharmacological intervention in which oxycodone use is replaced with prescription opiates, which are used under close medical supervision.
Methadone is the drug most commonly prescribed, but newer medications such as buprenorphine are alternatives that show great promise.
Outpatient treatment may be the best option for people unable to take lengthy absence from work or school, or those who are ambivalent about the structured environment of residential treatment.
Partial hospitalization (PHP) is sometimes known as day treatment. PHP offers intense treatment consisting of at least 20 hours per week. People usually sleep at home, but some programs provide comfortable housing on-site.
Residential (inpatient) treatment is intense, around the clock treatment that usually requires at least 30 days and sometimes as many as 60, 90 or more, as will be determined necessary by a treatment professional.
Usually, residential treatment facilities provide comfortable, homelike accommodations with healthy meals and shared rooms. Residents are often required to help with daily chores or cooking.
Luxury treatment involves resort style accommodations with gourmet meals and private rooms.
Executive treatment is for executives and professionals that require utmost confidentiality and an environment that allows them to maintain work responsibilities via access to Internet and other technology.
NIDA for Teens reports that after tobacco, alcohol and marijuana, oxycodone, and other prescription drugs are the most commonly abused substances by adolescents 14 and older.
Teens often get oxycodone from friends and family members, often without the person's awareness.
If you are a teen and you are concerned about your abuse of oxycodone:
If you are a parent and you are concerned that your teen is abusing oxycodone, be aware that teens are excellent at covering up or hiding the addiction.
If you notice signs and symptoms of oxycodone abuse, have a calm, honest discussion with your teen, without recrimination or blame.
Don't wait, because continued use of oxycodone can lead to the use of heroin or other drugs.
Teens may also be more prone to mixing oxycodone with alcohol or other substances, or simply taking oxycontin in excessive doses--all situations placing them at higher risk of accidental overdose.