Oxycodone is a type of opioid, prescribed most often for cases of moderate to severe pain. Its route of addressing pain tends to induce feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and stress relief. While it’s undeniably an effective painkiller, oxycodone has a high potential for addiction, even when taken correctly. Whether you’re assessing yourself or the symptoms of another, it’s important to be able to identify the signs of oxycodone addiction before taking any action.
Not everyone will demonstrate the signs of improper oxycodone use in the same ways. In some cases, the signs may only show once addiction has already heavily progressed. Reversing the damage addiction can do requires the help of trained professionals with years of experience, such as the team at Greater Boston Addiction Centers. We’ve helped save lives with our prescription drug addiction treatment in Massachusetts and work hard to keep the people in our community healthy. Call us at 877.920.6583 today and learn how our approach to treatment can help you or your loved ones live your best lives.
How to Identify an Oxycodone Addiction
Spotting an oxycodone addiction often comes down to identifying addictive behavior, such as changes in mood or behavior after taking the drug. Some signs of addiction are difficult to notice, as many people handle addiction privately:
Taking more than the prescribed dose
Taking a higher dose than advised is an indicator of taking oxycodone to an end that isn’t strictly concerned with pain relief. In fact, taking more oxycodone than prescribed can cause heightened effects but can also lead to intense sickness caused by overdose.
Continued use despite negative consequences
Feelings of sickness, social problems, or criminal charges from using illegal drugs would be strong deterrents in any case. When they are routinely ignored, it’s likely that addiction’s pull is already much stronger.
Withdrawal symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms are caused by a failure to take more of the substance within a short time after they wear off. These symptoms differ between drugs and even within opiates themselves. Symptoms of withdrawal often include: drowsiness, nausea, and several discomforting side effects.
Seeking out more drugs
Some people who are suffering from an oxycodone addiction try obtaining more drugs from multiple sources. Sometimes, that involves having separate prescriptions filed with multiple doctors. This is known as “doctor shopping,” and is illegal in most states. In other cases, someone might seek out a heavier drug than oxycodone to scratch the same itch. Heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl are common drugs people often escalate to.
Behavioral changes
People who are using oxycodone regularly enough will start to exhibit behavioral changes. Frequent users will become secretive, emotionally volatile, and oscillate between depressed and sedated. The emotional ebb and flow are largely dictated by when oxycodone is used, and during long stretches without use, these changes may become more prominent.
Oxycodone Side Effects
The side effects of oxycodone are also clear signs of oxycodone addiction. The most common side effects of oxycodone abuse include:
- Poor coordination
- Numbness
- Dilated pupils
- Heavy breathing
- Drowsiness
- Faulty memory
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Panic
These side effects are more likely to occur the less responsibly oxycodone is used. Additionally, oxycodone is often prescribed for shorter periods than other painkillers due to its higher risk of addiction formation.
Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment from Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Once you’ve identified the signs of oxycodone addiction, it’s time to take action. Treatment is a big commitment to make, but the alternative of living with a progressively worsening opioid addiction is a dismal prospect. It’s not just the symptoms and side effects that can take their toll—a person’s inability to cope with the world around them erodes when pain medication is always the answer.
If you’re dealing with opioid addiction, we have the tools to help. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we can provide the support necessary to reclaim sobriety, no matter the needs of our patients. Contact us today by calling 877.920.6583 to learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment program.
