Oxycodone, an opioid, is a prescription medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Knowing the warning signs of oxycodone abuse is vital to ensuring someone who is using this medication is safe. Oxycodone is highly addictive, and if abused, it can lead to devastating results for the individual and their loved ones. The effects of this drug can lead to injury and potentially dangerous or fatal results.
Signs of Oxycodone Abuse
Oxycodone is a medication that attaches, or binds, to the opioid receptors in the brain. In turn, it helps to change the perception of pain, alleviating the sensation. It can also produce a sense of euphoria in users, and induce a feeling of relaxation. For this reason, this drug is often abused or misused.
Signs that can be indicative of oxycodone abuse should be monitored, and if a loved one seems to be struggling, encouraging them to get professional help can make a world of difference in the outcome of their situation. Knowing the warning signs of oxycodone abuse to look out for can help loved ones to identify a potential problem before it reaches a point when a person’s life is in danger.
Effects of Oxycodone Abuse
The effects of oxycodone abuse on a person can be severe. When someone becomes addicted to oxycodone and the addiction is left untreated, there is a risk of various negative consequences. These consequences can affect every aspect of a person’s life and lead to permanent changes that can be avoidable with proper care.
Some of the effects of oxycodone abuse can include growing dysfunction within family units, distress in interpersonal relationships, heart problems, impaired cognitive function, liver and kidney damage, trouble with school or work, exacerbated mental health concerns, homelessness, social withdrawal and isolation, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The warning signs of oxycodone abuse can help an intervention to occur before the effects become too far-reaching within a person’s life.
Warning Signs of Oxycodone Abuse
Knowing and understanding the warning signs of oxycodone abuse can help when someone believes a loved one may be struggling with this drug. It can help to identify that there is a problem, and encouraging them to address the problem can help to avoid further impacts to their well-being.
The warning signs of oxycodone abuse can include:
- Using other people’s prescriptions
- Obtaining oxycodone illegally
- Going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions, doctor shopping
- Neglecting responsibilities to get or use oxycodone
- Borrowing or stealing in order to get more oxycodone
- Lying about or hiding usage
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Changes in mood or behaviors
- Unsuccessfully trying to end use of oxycodone
- Using oxycodone despite the negative consequences
Identifying these signs can be indicative of a problem, and encouraging someone to get the right help can ensure their safety and a successful start to a life of recovery from oxycodone abuse and addiction.
Oxycodone Withdrawal
Withdrawal from oxycodone can be excruciating and uncomfortable for anyone who endures it. Often, people who try to stop on their own revert back to use of this substance in order to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with withdrawal. These symptoms can include things like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and cramps, restlessness, insomnia, tremors, muscle weakness, chills, fever, changes in blood pressure, changes in heart rate, seizure, loss of appetite, anxiety, and depression.
Part of oxycodone withdrawal is also intense cravings for the substance. This is what causes many people to return to using the substance once the physical, uncomfortable symptoms have subsided. Having professional care can help someone to learn positive and productive skills to help fight and fend off cravings for the substance. Undergoing a professional medical detox can help someone in the beginning stages of recovery from oxycodone addiction.
How Detox Helps
Detox is a necessary process for anyone who is trying to get better and recover from addiction to oxycodone. During detox, the body learns to function without the substance, and removes the toxins from the system. As this process progresses, it allows for a clear mind and clean slate to begin the recovery process. Having professional guidance and support during this process can help make it easier and smoother for the person who is going through it.
Being able to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms, and gain clarity without returning to using oxycodone is extremely beneficial to the recovery process. Medical supervision is highly suggested in order to prevent complications and damage to a person’s overall well-being, health, and mental health. It can also ensure safety, as some of the symptoms associated with oxycodone withdrawal can be dangerous.
Oxycodone Recovery is Possible
Struggling with oxycodone comes with risks. It can lead to impacts to health, mental health, and overall well-being. Oxycodone abuse can lead to strained relationships, loss of job, legal consequences, and overdose. Those who are struggling are encouraged to seek professional help in order to begin recovery from addiction to oxycodone. If you or a loved one are struggling, Spirit Mountain can help. Our on staff, trained professionals can help make the transition from oxycodone abuse to recovery smoother.
Call us today and begin your journey to recovery from oxycodone abuse and addiction.
