Oxycodone addiction: The signs and treatment

Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller, classified under opioids. It works by affecting certain nerves in the body that signal pain. Oxycodone comes in various forms, including tablets and capsules, and has a high potential for addiction.

The Gipdatabank shows that in 2018, there were 1,028,000 opioid users, including the weaker opioid tramadol, but this number decreased to 948,540 people in 2020. The use of oxycodone in the Netherlands, however, has increased. According to Schepens (2019), in 2017, more than four times as many people received a prescription for oxycodone as in 2010. Research by the Dutch Health Insurers in 2019 revealed that more than 200,000 Dutch people used strong painkillers like oxycodone for long periods in the previous year.

Oxycodone is so addictive because it can cause a strong sense of euphoria. This feeling can lead to an increased desire to continue using the drug, even as the pain decreases. The body can also become dependent on the drug, meaning that more is needed to achieve the same effect.

In the short term, oxycodone can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, impaired coordination, and unusual behavioral changes. It can also cause physical effects such as an increased heart rate and blood pressure. These effects can occur quickly and are often extreme.

The greatest danger of oxycodone is the risk of overdose, which can be fatal. All forms of oxycodone, regardless of the form, carry this risk. An overdose can lead to respiratory problems, unconsciousness, and even death.

If you want to stop using oxycodone, there are two essential steps. First, seek medical help. It is dangerous to suddenly stop using oxycodone without medical supervision. Second, learn coping skills. It is crucial to learn how to manage pain and stress without relying on medication.

The two most common withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone are anxiety and chills. These symptoms can occur as the body begins to adjust to functioning without the drug.

Why is oxycodone so dangerous?

Oxycodone is extremely dangerous because it can have serious negative effects on the body. It can lead to respiratory problems, constipation, confusion, and even overdose. Long-term use can result in physical dependence and addiction, which can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

All forms of oxycodone are dangerous and equally harmful. Research by Drummer, Syrjanen, Phelan, and Cordner (1994) suggests that oxycodone is at least as toxic as other opiates and can lead to death when abused. This underscores the danger and potentially harmful effects of oxycodone on the body.

Combining oxycodone with alcohol, other prescribed or non-prescribed medications, or street drugs increases the risk of dangerous interactions and overdose.

Is every type of oxycodone equally dangerous?

All types of oxycodone are equally dangerous. The differences between the various forms of oxycodone are outlined below.

• Oxycodone tablets: These are the most common form. They provide pain relief for a short period.
• Oxycodone capsules: These typically contain a combination of oxycodone and paracetamol. They are designed for long-term pain relief.
• Oxycodone liquid: This form is usually used for severe chronic pain. It is a potent analgesic with a high potential.
• OxyContin: This is a brand name for oxycodone. It is designed to provide pain relief for an extended period.

The way oxycodone is taken can also bring additional risks. Swallowing tablets as prescribed by a healthcare provider is the safest method. Methods such as snorting, injecting, or chewing can lead to serious health problems like respiratory issues, liver damage, and even overdose.

Research by Wunsch, M., Nakamoto, K., Goswami, A., & Schnoll, S. (2007) in the Journal of Addictive Diseases indicates that OxyContin brings extra dangers. According to the study, OxyContin is often a “Gateway Drug,” increasing the likelihood of abusing other drugs and alcohol, poly-drug abuse, psychiatric issues, and arrests for property crimes. 40% of prescription drug abusers used OxyContin. They were younger, more often female, and more likely to abuse benzodiazepines, methadone, cocaine, and heroin.

What are the brand names of oxycodone?

The brand names under which oxycodone is available in various forms are as follows.

• Dazidox
• Eth-Oxydose
• Oxaydo
• OxyCONTIN
• OxyCONTIN CR
• Oxydose
• Oxyfast
• Oxy IR
• Roxicodone
• Roxicodone Intensol
• Roxybond
• Xtampza ER
• Oxypro
• Longtec
• Reltebon
• Zomestine
• Oxynorm
• Endone
• Proladone
• Targin

What signs indicate that someone is using oxycodone?

There are several signs that indicate someone may be using oxycodone. These signs can be physical, cognitive, and psychosocial.

Physical signs include:

1. Changes in focus: difficulty concentrating, confusion.
2. Extreme drowsiness: unusually long periods of sleep, difficulty staying awake.
3. Impaired coordination: clumsiness, stumbling.
4. Speech problems: slurred, slow speech.
5. Pupil constriction: smaller pupils than normal.
6. Physical issues: itching, weight loss, excessive yawning.

Cognitive signs include:

1. Memory problems: forgetfulness, difficulty remembering.
2. Judgment issues: poor decision-making, risky behavior.

Psychosocial signs include:

1. Mood swings: unpredictable behavior, sudden outbursts of anger.
2. Anxiety: nervousness, restlessness.
3. Behavioral changes: lying about activities, attempts to borrow or steal money.

Be aware of these signs if you suspect someone is using oxycodone.

How can you quit an oxycodone addiction?

Quitting an oxycodone addiction involves several steps. Medical detoxification may be necessary to safely remove the drug from the body. Withdrawal symptoms are managed, and cravings for the drug are reduced with the help of medication.

Helping oneself to quit is challenging. Treatment in a clinic often leads to better outcomes. Depending on the situation, inpatient or outpatient treatment may be required. Behavioral therapy, such as contingency management and learning coping strategies, is often combined with medication to reduce the risk of relapse.

After detoxification and quitting, aftercare is essential. This may include individual or group therapy to improve and maintain skills. Ongoing support is provided to promote recovery and improve treatment outcomes.

How can you help someone quit oxycodone?

Helping someone quit oxycodone begins with showing understanding. Recognize the challenges of addiction. Encourage the person to seek help from a healthcare provider. Professional medical assistance is crucial.

Listen non-judgmentally to their feelings and experiences. Identify triggers that lead to drug use. Assist in developing coping strategies. Encourage healthy hobbies. Ensure a balanced diet and avoid alcohol and drugs. Support the person in attending counseling sessions. Education about the addiction can also help.

What happens during the treatment of oxycodone addiction in a rehab clinic?

In a rehab clinic, oxycodone addiction is treated professionally. Depending on the individual’s needs, help may range from managing withdrawal symptoms to learning skills to avoid cravings. It is important to understand that the treatment of oxycodone addiction requires a holistic approach, combining medical and behavioral therapies.

The first step in treatment is detoxification, where the drug is safely eliminated from the body. This can take place in a clinical environment, such as an inpatient or outpatient facility. Medical support is crucial during this phase to manage withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral therapies, such as individual and group therapy, are also provided to develop coping strategies.

A study by NIDA shows that once treatment is started, a combination of buprenorphine/naloxone and extended-release naltrexone is equally effective in treating opioid use disorder. However, because naltrexone requires full detoxification, it was more difficult to start the treatment in active users with this drug. Once detoxification was completed, both medications showed similar effectiveness.

After detoxification and therapy, aftercare is an important element of treatment. This includes maintaining recovery skills, preventing relapse, and receiving ongoing support. Rehab clinics offer individualized care plans tailored to the person’s needs to promote long-term recovery, which can also be done abroad.

Can rehab clinics abroad help you quit oxycodone?

Yes, foreign clinics can help you quit oxycodone. These clinics offer specialized care and support, including medication and alternative treatments like acupuncture. They provide a fresh start for individuals seeking help with oxycodone addiction.

One advantage of clinics abroad is that they often have shorter waiting times than domestic ones. This can be especially beneficial if you urgently need help. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, which can provide a valuable perspective on life and addiction.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of oxycodone?

The most common withdrawal symptoms from oxycodone are typically uncomfortable but vary in intensity and duration for each individual. Depending on the severity of the addiction, you may experience restlessness, anxiety, muscle pain, increased tearing, insomnia, a runny nose, sweating, yawning, stomach cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, goosebumps, nausea, and vomiting.

Dealing with these symptoms is not easy, but it’s important to know that they are temporary. It is advisable to seek medical help during withdrawal, as this process is often safer and less uncomfortable with professional guidance.

It is important to note that oxycodone withdrawal symptoms differ from other drugs. This is because oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller.

How does quitting oxycodone differ from quitting other drugs?

Quitting oxycodone differs from other drugs in its approach and the unique presence of strong negative associations. Managing this includes maintenance medications like naltrexone, specifically designed to target opioid receptors in the brain. These are effective in reducing the risk of relapse and supporting recovery by reducing withdrawal symptoms, but they do not work well when in withdrawal from other drugs.

The treatment also includes behavioral therapies like contingency management and motivational therapies. These help individuals identify patterns and behaviors contributing to drug use and develop healthy coping skills.