Oxycodone is the name of a pain relief medication. The brand name is OxyContin, and oxycodone is also a primary ingredient in drugs like Percocet. Oxycodone is an opioid, which means it’s addictive. Get to know the factors leading to oxycodone abuse, the symptoms of an addiction and how you can overcome oxycodone use for good at Beaches Recovery.

Why People Use Oxycodone

Most people who are addicted to oxycodone don’t plan to become dependent on the prescription drug. Instead, they start by using oxycodone as a way to manage pain. Unfortunately, the prescription opiate is so powerful that it can impact the body, the brain, and behavior in unplanned ways.

Intake counselor talking to a woman about her oxycodone abuse.A lot of people who are addicted to oxycodone first started taking the medication because of a doctor’s prescription. An individual may receive an oxycodone prescription after an accident or surgery. Even those with chronic pain may be prescribed oxycodone at some point.

Of course, not everyone who struggles with oxycodone abuse has a prescription for the drug. Friends or family often share prescription painkillers for recreational use. However, these medications are incredibly different from cough drops or cold medicine. No one should ever take oxycodone without the recommendation of a medical professional.

While most people start using oxycodone to manage pain or to feel better, some take it to get a high intentionally. Users might take large doses of the opiate drug, or they might mix it with other dangerous substances like alcohol. Mixing drugs is never a good idea, and it increases the risks of overdose, health problems, and eventual addiction.

How Oxycodone Use Turns Into Abuse or Addiction

Although many people don’t intend to abuse oxycodone, it can happen quickly. That’s because the body gets used to a regular dose of the prescription painkillers. The opioid receptors in the brain still notice your consumption, and the standard dose can start to feel inadequate.

To continue managing pain, or to feel the same way as before, you might decide to increase the dose of oxycodone. This happens more often than you might expect. People start to double up on doses or visit more than one doctor to increase their consumption. Known as doctor shopping, this is a definite sign that a person is becoming chemically dependent on oxycodone.

Oxycodone abuse can turn to addiction in a matter of days. For many, however, it happens gradually over the course of several weeks. Once you realize that you are dependent on oxycodone, it might be too late to recover. Once an addiction has developed, medical attention and professional support become a necessity.

Symptoms of an Oxycodone Addiction

If you’re concerned that someone you care about is struggling with oxycodone abuse or addiction, it helps to know the signs of addiction. They can be physical, psychological or behavioral.

Often, change is the biggest sign that something is wrong. A person that is addicted to oxycodone might start to change their appearance, their sleep schedules or their personalities. Sudden weight loss or weight gain could be a sign that addiction has taken over.

A long-term addiction to oxycodone will also be expensive, and there may be some financial signs as a result. Someone addicted to oxycodone might lose his or her job, default on a mortgage or go into credit card debt.

An oxycodone addiction can also cause users to nod off, or fall asleep out of the blue. Users might even have tiny pupils or be very difficult to wake up.

Overcoming Oxycodone Abuse at Beaches Recovery

To overcome addiction, recovery should start with detox for oxycodone withdrawal. At Beaches Recovery, however, detox is just the start. Successful and lasting recovery also includes comprehensive and holistic therapies. These address underlying issues, prepare clients for the future and might consist of some or all of the following:

Oxycodone abuse can quickly become a prescription opioid and even heroin addiction. At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, you can learn how to fight back against addiction and find the life you deserve. Call 866.605.0532 to gain the tools you need for a lifetime of health and sobriety.