Do you suspect someone you love is struggling with an addiction to pain medication? Has their behavior changed? Do they have an unexplained or increased need for the pain medication?
More than two million Americans are addicted to pain medications. Because of the highly addictive nature of painkillers, it is now the second leading cause of accidental death.
Some states have found the abuse of prescription drug kills more people than illegal drugs. Oxycodone is causing both addiction and death due to its highly addictive properties.
Learn about oxycodone and the signs and symptoms of abuse.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a group of drugs called opioid analgesics that are used for pain relief. It changes how the brain responds to pain.
Often used for pain management, oxycodone may induce relaxation, elevate the mood and relieve pain.
Symptoms of Oxycodone Abuse
A variety of signs and symptoms can reveal that a person is struggling with oxycodone addiction. These vary among individuals but need to be addressed immediately.
The symptoms of oxycodone reflect in a person’s appearance in behavior. Here are a few examples.
Behavioral Symptoms
These symptoms affect the behavior of the person taking the drug. They often manifest themselves because the person needs more of the drug and may not be able to get it.
They may include:
- Illegally obtaining the drug or prescription
- Borrowing or stealing a prescription
- Borrowing or stealing money to get the drug
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Increased absences from work or school
Physical Symptoms
The symptoms of drug abuse can manifest themselves physically as well. These include:
- Weight loss
- Changes in breathing patterns
- Balance or coordination issues
- Itchiness
- Dilated pupils
- No reaction to pain
Other symptoms might include anxiety, paranoia, the inability to concentrate, or anger outbursts.
Watch for any combination of these signs and symptoms over several weeks. If you notice a pattern, take the steps needed to help your loved one.
Treatment Options for Oxycodone Abuse
Oxycodone blocks the pain receptors in the brain, giving a person relief from pain. When it does this, it also sets up the desire for larger doses of the drug.
Stopping oxycodone often creates a myriad of withdrawal symptoms. Quitting without professional help is difficult, and for most people, there’s limited success.
Oxycodone treatment for addiction should have a multi-faceted approach for optimal long term success. The program should include a variety of therapy components.
Treatment Types
Cognitive and motivational therapy helps patients recognize they have a problem. It may also help them avoid relapse.
Behavioral therapy addresses the behavioral symptoms linked to addiction and helps create a change.
Neurofeedback therapy involves assessing the addict’s brain activity to understand the roots of the addiction.
Alternate drug therapies help with opioid withdrawal. A good diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle increase the chances of staying drug-free after the treatment ends.
Oxycodone Addiction and Help
This drug is causing epidemic level abuse. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of oxycodone abuse. Prevent unnecessary death and get help today.
Check out our other blog posts for more information and support related to drug abuse and treatment.
