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Oxycodone (brand name, OxyContin) is an extended-release drug used to treat chronic pain. It is particularly addictive and has become severely abused in recent years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 54,700 Americans died from opioid-involved overdoses in 2024, a figure that equates to approximately 150 deaths every day.
Oxycodone interacts with other mind and body-altering substances in a dangerously unpredictable way. For example, consuming oxycodone in combination with alcohol increases confusion, impairs breathing, and creates a sense of disorientation. Even more extreme reactions may result from oxycodone’s interaction with certain antidepressants, including delirium, respiratory failure, convulsions, coma, or even death.
Detox from oxycodone typically takes 5-10 days for most people. However, this varies based on the length and severity of use, dosage, overall health, and whether additional substances are involved.
While psychological cravings and mood changes can persist for months following detox, acute withdrawal symptoms typically peak within the first 3-4 days, followed by a gradual decline.
The licensed clinicians at Beach House Center for Recovery can help alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) tailored to address your unique medical needs.
Our medical staff, nurses, and mental health specialists offer around-the-clock medical supervision throughout the entire medical detox process to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. This not only increases safety but also improves the chances of completing detox without relapse.
Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system. This binding process dulls the sensation of pain, releasing a surge of dopamine in the process.
With continued use, the euphoric effect triggered by this surge creates emotional and physiological dependency on the drug, and increasing dosage is required to maintain the same benefit.
Unfortunately, oxycodone’s depressant effect on the respiratory system is dangerous because it impairs breathing and slows the heart, occasionally turning deadly.
Due to the serious and lasting effects of oxycodone addiction, most users need professional, medically managed detox in order to safely recover.
The mental and psychological changes accompanying oxycodone addiction invariably result in withdrawal symptoms—the severity of which depends upon the type, dose, and duration of use.
Withdrawal symptoms are evaluated upon admission into a detox program, with tools such as the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) serving as objective measurements. The scores obtained from the scale then help guide MAT and determine optimal timelines for therapy.
Common and severe symptoms of oxycodone withdrawal may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Mild symptoms may appear in as little as four hours following dosage, although moderate symptoms usually take 12 to 24 hours to surface. While the most severe, distressing symptoms typically peak within three to four days, diminishing symptoms may linger for approximately one to two weeks. During this period, medically managed detox is of critical importance as the user is most psychologically fragile and physically vulnerable.
The primary goal of medically supervised detox is to reduce the dangerous and potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms that can occur during detoxification. Once a person has safely transitioned past the acute withdrawal stage under professional care, they face the long-term effects associated with chronic use.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may affect users for months, and even years, depending upon the extent of their addiction and variables such as individual biochemistry, age, lifestyle choices, and general health.
Oxycodone can be detected via urine samples for up to four days following dosage, whereas blood tests can only detect the drug for 24 hours. Saliva samples are usually detectable from one to four days, with hair testing representing the longest retention period of up to three months.
Here is a breakdown of the duration of oxycodone detox:
Oxycodone addiction can develop in as little as two to three weeks of regular use. Early addiction and increased tolerance develop within one to three months, leading individuals to require larger doses for the same effect.
Within three months of first use, individuals have an established addiction, finding themselves struggling with withdrawal symptoms between doses and unable to cut back despite negative consequences.
Long-term addiction (more than one year) leads to significant physical, emotional, and social decline, often with co-occurring health conditions.
A highly controlled, tapered approach to oxycodone detox is generally considered to be the most conservative, safe, and effective treatment method.
Quitting any medication cold turkey, especially an opioid, gives the body insufficient time to adjust, creating unnecessary risks and complications in the process.
This is why (as a recognized industry standard) quitting cold turkey is never recommended or used in reputable treatment facilities.
Self-guided, at-home oxycodone detox is extremely dangerous and never recommended.
The physiological and psychological changes that accompany chronic use are capable of triggering a multitude of volatile withdrawal symptoms, none of which can be effectively managed alone.
Professional medical assistance and clinical expertise are critical to ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and preventing future relapse. Even in the mildest of cases, self-detox in a home setting leads to less than favorable treatment outcomes and adds to the sense of isolation and disconnectedness frequently responsible for fueling opioid addiction.
Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences any of the following:
A multitude of oxycodone treatment options exist. However, intensive inpatient treatment is considered preferential and for good reason. In addition to the heightened level of medical and clinical supervision by a team of licensed professionals, many facilities provide an impressive range of ancillary services and benefits.
Holistic education, creative and expressive arts, alumni networking, and ongoing aftercare treatment are all examples of the added value provided by such reputable facilities. Furthermore, client safety and sobriety remain a priority throughout their stay with the 24/7 staff monitoring and increased security considered optimal.
MAT represents a vital component of oxycodone detox. This approach, which successfully combines pharmacological intervention with behavioral and psychotherapy, provides the foundation for effective treatment.
In addition to evidence-based therapies including, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed therapy, the following Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications are frequently incorporated into the treatment regimen:
Oxycodone addiction may co-occur with broad range of anxiety and depression-related disorders and conditions. The presence of “co-occurring disorders” is frequently a precipitating factor involved in opioid and other types of addiction, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Based upon a comprehensive medical and mental health evaluation, a variety of medications may be used to supplement treatment, in addition to the primary medications that form the nucleus of safe, measured oxycodone detox. Pregabalin, buspirone, gabapentin, SSRIs, and a variety of other evidence-based medications are all integral aspects of dual diagnosis management and treatment.
Outpatient treatment is available in a variety of public and private settings (hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, rehab centers, etc.) and offers an affordable alternative to inpatient treatment. However, due to the lack of 24/7 monitoring and minimal clinical supervision, it is generally considered less effective.
One of the primary advantages associated with outpatient treatment is that it provides greater flexibility, which is desirable for certain clients due to personal and/or professional needs. It also utilizes a less intensive treatment protocol and may be appropriate for clients transitioning from inpatient detox or desiring longer-term sober support.
Outpatient detox may be appropriate for those who:
The medical professionals at Beach House Center for Recovery do not recommend attempting to withdraw from oxycodone or any other substance at home. However, if you are at home and withdrawal begins, it is vitally important to do the following until you can get the help you need in a treatment program:
Ultimately, each client must decide upon the safest and best treatment. Factors affecting this important decision include facility location, affordability, and insurance.
Insurance is frequently the most important factor, and the majority of facilities will be able to verify insurance coverage and benefits in advance.
In the rare event that coverage is not provided, additional options (e.g., federal grants, private scholarships, and/or flexible payment plans) may be available.
At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. They consider your medical history, mental health, substance use, and lifestyle habits.
Depending on your unique needs and overall health, your treatment plan may include medical detox, therapy, MAT, and long-term aftercare to address all aspects of your addiction and mental health. Talk to a detox specialist at Beach House Center for Recovery for a personalized treatment plan.
Simply completing medically managed detox is not sufficient to ensure long-term recovery success. A key component of long-term abstinence and recovery involves following a multi-pronged approach.
Many inpatient facilities can help with strategizing and planning an optimal post-treatment regimen. This should include ongoing medication management, one-on-one and group therapy, life and job skills coaching, regular physical activity, a healthy, nutritious diet, random drug testing, and continual sober peer support.
Oxycodone abuse may result in overdose, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate attention, usually in an emergency room (ER) or intensive care unit (ICU).
For more about oxycodone detox and recovery, check out these related articles:
Is oxycodone ruining your life? Get help now.
Continuing care after detox is essential for maintaining long-term recovery and wellness. At Beach House Center for Recovery, we offer individual counseling, group therapy, peer-support programs, and relapse-prevention strategies for as long as needed following treatment.
Yes. Anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings are common during oxycodone withdrawal and can persist for weeks without treatment.
No. Rapid detox can cause dangerous complications. It is not recommended by medical professionals.
Oxycodone may take longer due to its formulation, especially extended-release versions.
While hydration, nutrition, exercise, and sleep can all help ease oxycodone withdrawal, they should be used alongside a medically supervised treatment program.
Due to common withdrawal symptoms, the potential for complications, and safety concerns, most people cannot work or attend school during oxycodone detox.
Your doctor should be aware of your dosage, duration of use, other medications, known health conditions, and any mental health history so they can develop a safe and effective detox and recovery treatment plan.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits quickly and confidentially.
We’re committed to helping you access the care you need, our admissions counselors can guide you through your coverage options and available resources.
