Did you know oxycodone, found in OxyContin, is the most commonly abused prescription drug in the US? The transition from use to abuse happens quickly with oxycodone and it doesn’t take long to go from recreational use to dependency.

Learning more about this drug and its addictive properties can help users identify if there is an issue and take precautions to avoid developing an addiction. When used properly, the drug has been proven quite helpful in the management of pain.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone, a derivative or opium, is a powerful primary ingredient in many of the leading painkillers prescribed today. It is used to help individuals suffering from severe or moderate pain find temporary relief. Oftentimes it is prescribed after surgery, to cancer patients or for the terminally ill. It can be prescribed in pill or liquid form and is often used in conjunction with other drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin.

Prescription names for Oxycodone include:

• OxyContin
• Percocet
• Roxiprin
• Endocet
• Roxicodone

Street names for Oxycodone include:

• Oxy
• OC’s
• Oxycotton
• Hillbilly heroin
• Berries
• Killers
• Percs

Understanding the uses and properties of oxycodone is an important step in breaking down barriers and getting to the root cause of addiction.

Why is Oxycodone so Addictive?

An oxycodone addiction can happen quickly. When in pill form, it’s designed to be a time-released pain reliever that can effectively manage pain over an extended period of time. It is most often prescribed to manage short-term severe pain. However, if taken more often than prescribed, crushed up and snorted, or injected in liquid form, the time-release mechanism is broken down. Abusing the drug using any of these methods greatly increases the likelihood of developing and addiction.

And what’s scarier, the euphoric high abusers feel is similar to that of heroin. So, studies are starting to show a correlation between the two, with oxycodone acting as a gateway drug to the less expensive option, heroin.

Who is Most at Risk for an Oxycodone Addiction?

Abuse of oxycodone commonly begins when the drug is prescribed for valid health reasons. That means almost anyone is susceptible to developing an addiction to oxycodone, but individuals with a history of addiction are at a much greater risk.

The most common signs of an oxycodone addiction include:

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feelings of withdrawal when not using
• Prioritizing the drug above all else

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical help. The safest way to recover from an oxycodone addiction is under the care and supervision of qualified medical professionals in a rehabilitation setting.

Find Hope, Healing and Happiness at Spirit Mountain Recovery

Don’t let an oxycodone addiction define you. Spirit Mountain Recovery makes it possible to overcome addiction through evidence-based treatment paired with healthy, outdoor adventure. Our goal is to help men enjoy all that the Wasatch Mountains have to offer while learning there is more to life than addiction.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to get more details about our remarkable treatments.