One pill turns into substance abuse which eventually metastasizes into a full-blown addiction.
It’s said that drug addiction isn’t something that appears overnight, that while it may feel that way it’s often a slower descent for both the user and the family and friends that surround them. With oxycodone, it actually is closer to overnight. Addiction to opioids happens unforgivingly fast however, there are nonetheless telltale signs that tell the story.
It’s easy to be in denial about addiction, tempting to kind of ignore the little hints here and there as if they’re just not happening. Hoping your friend, son, daughter, parent, etc. is strong enough to get through.
That can be the kiss of death though and a gamble not worth taking, particularly with a drug as intensely addictive as oxycodone.
Paying attention and reacting to the many signs and symptoms of oxy abuse and addiction can be the difference between saving a life and planning a funeral.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is an opioid meant to treat moderate to severe pain. In a word, it is powerful.
Like other opioids, Oxycodone does serve a very legitimate medical purpose. There’s a certain level of pain that just requires another level of medication to subdue. Pain from surgery or a serious injury and the agony of cancer are notable examples of when something like oxy is necessary.
The sad reality of drug addiction is that sometimes it stems from perfectly reasonable uses. The even sadder reality is that often other factors are at play. Opioids were routinely overprescribed for a handsome profit, though that has been getting better over the years, and promoted in marketing campaigns.
All of that led to the opioid epidemic that the United States are currently in the midst of and Oxycodone has played a large role.
Oxycodone Addiction Symptoms
Addiction to oxy comes with a broad swath of symptoms that run the gamut of physical, psychological and behavioral.
Physical Signs & Symptoms
- Dilated pupils
- Vomiting and nausea
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Itchiness
- Muscle and body aches
- Diarrhea
- Shaking and tremors
Psychological Signs & Symptoms
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Emotional numbness
- Depression
- Withdrawn
Behavioral Signs & Symptoms
- Lying about the dosage amount
- Increasing the dosage amount as tolerance grows
- Stealing to get money for oxy
- Switching doctors to get more prescriptions
- Forging prescriptions
- Declining performance at work or school and generally disregarding responsibilities
What to Do If You Think Someone Shows Signs of Oxy Use
It’s a touchy subject, no doubt. The last thing people want is to be confronted and told they have a problem. Not only that, but the problem is so out of their control that you believe it requires outside help. It’s tough but starting a conversation is vital in getting them to move in the direction of beating this.
The key is to create the trust that you have their best interests in mind and respect that they have the autonomy to choose to get help. It’s important not to attack, threaten or criticize, you’ll just bury them further into a black hole. There will be hurdles and pushback in those conversations, they’ll implore you to believe they have it under control. You’ve seen the signs though, so be persistent while maintaining compassion.
In the main, the goal is to get them into treatment because kicking an addiction to something as potent as Oxycodone requires professional help. The detox and withdrawal from opioids like oxy is hard to go through, at All American Detox we know that hardship well and offer safe and effective medical detoxification to make the process easier and lower the chance of relapse.
If you think someone is showing signs of addiction, get in touch with us ASAP and we’ll talk through the next steps, what your possible options are and offer advice to get your loved one on the road to recovery.
