Oxycodone and OxyContin Addiction and Treatment

Brand names for oxycodone are Oxaydo, Roxicodone, Xtampza ER, and, most famously,  OxyContin.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid pain medication that was first developed in 1916. The drug was initially synthesized from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy, and was intended to be an improved alternative to codeine.

OxyContin is the brand name for a prescription opioid pain medication synthesized from oxycodone. It has been used to relieve moderate to severe pain since its introduction in 1995. Developed and manufactured by Purdue Pharma, the drug contains oxycodone hydrochloride and is taken orally. It is classified as an opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the body to reduce the intensity of pain signals.

However, the rise of OxyContin was accompanied by a wave of addiction and opioid abuse.

As the drug was marketed as a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain, its use became more widespread. The aggressive marketing of OxyContin as a non-addictive drug suitable for moderate pain led to a worldwide crisis. Millions of people misused and eventually became addicted to OxyContin and other opioids.

Is Oxycodone Addictive?

The main reason oxycodone is addictive is that it binds to opioid receptors in the brain, releasing large quantities of dopamine. This dopamine release is what causes the euphoric effects associated with drug abuse, and it is also what causes users to become addicted to oxycodone.

Another factor that contributes to oxycodone addiction is its easy availability. Oxycodone is widely prescribed for pain relief, and it is easy to get from friends and family, on the street, or even online. Access to the drug makes it even more tempting for people to abuse it.

Additionally, the misuse of opioids such as oxycodone can be caused by a person’s inability to cope with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Co-occurring, unmanaged emotional disorders can lead to self-medicating behaviors.

Finally, how oxycodone affects the brain and body can make quitting difficult for users. Continued misuse of oxycodone can change brain chemistry significantly, causing a preoccupation with consuming the drug. As the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, it can cause such severe oxycodone abuse symptoms that people often seek it illicitly.

Side Effects of Oxycodone

Oxycodone comes with the potential for side effects. Here are a few side effects associated with oxycodone use:

• Drowsiness: Oxycodone can cause drowsiness, making it difficult to stay alert and perform daily tasks, which can be especially dangerous when operating a motor vehicle or working with heavy machinery.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can be common side effects of oxycodone abuse, both because of how the drug affects the digestive tract and because of opioid withdrawal.
• Respiratory Depression: Oxycodone can cause respiratory depression, which is a slowing of breathing. This can be a dangerous side effect and should be monitored closely by a healthcare provider.
• Addiction: Oxycodone is among the most addictive opioid medications.

Oxycodone Addiction Signs

Understanding oxycodone addiction symptoms is essential for anyone using the drug. You are better prepared to seek treatment once you recognize signs of addiction.

The following are common oxycodone abuse signs:

• Escalating drug use. An individual taking oxycodone may be unable to control their drug use, taking more than prescribed.
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit. Addiction can radically alter brain function, causing loss of impulse control. A person addicted to oxycodone is statistically highly likely to reuse the drug even after pursuing treatment. 
• Changes in behavior. An individual using oxycodone may become more isolated and secretive or display other changes in behavior, such as increased aggression.
• Withdrawal symptoms. Those addicted to oxycodone may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when they stop using it. Symptoms include intense anxiety, hostility, depression, insomnia, and nausea.
• Neglecting responsibilities. Someone addicted to oxycodone may abandon their responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations.
• Financial problems. An individual with an OxyContin addiction may have financial difficulty due to spending money on the drug.

Beach House Center for Recovery: Offering Effective Oxycodone Addiction Rehab

Opioid use disorder is frightening, dangerous, and chronic. However, recovery is possible.

At Beach House, we are committed to helping you find the hope and courage you need to make lasting changes in your life. Our team is dedicated to helping you create a personalized treatment plan and providing the necessary support to help you succeed.

We provide a variety of research-backed treatment modalities for OxyContin addiction, including medication-assisted treatment, dual diagnosis programs, support services, and family counseling. We recognize that addiction affects the individual and the family, and we strive to provide the necessary support to help the entire family heal.

Please get in touch with our helpful addiction counselor today to learn more about our oxycodone addiction treatment options.