About a million Americans aged 12 and above have abused oxycodone, more commonly known as OxyContin, at least once in their lifetime.
While it may feel comforting to have a pill that can relieve you of pain, using it more than necessary could mean a bigger problem: opioid addiction.
Oxycodone is a type of prescription drug for moderate pain relief. One effect of this is it can make you feel euphoric after taking it. This makes it more prone to abuse.
If you’re looking into overcoming your oxycodone addiction, let’s dive in.
What Is Oxycodone Addiction?
While oxycodone can be effective for managing pain, it also has an alarming potential for addiction. It binds to the parts of your brain. This interaction allows oxycodone to modulate or block the pain signals in your brain so that you won’t feel any of it. During this process, oxycodone also increases your dopamine levels.
You may associate high levels of dopamine with pleasure, such as what you feel during sex, when you achieve a goal, or when you eat your favorite food. When your brain begins to associate oxycodone with positive feelings, you will feel compelled to look for it.
It doesn’t help that oxycodone quickly passes through your system either, so you’re easy to develop a tolerance for it. When you develop a higher tolerance, you end up taking more of the drug because you’re chasing the good feeling it gives you.
Before you know it, you’re close to being addicted to oxycodone. If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s understanding that oxycodone addiction is rooted in the way it interacts with your body.
Signs And Symptoms Of Oxycodone Addiction
How do you know if one is addicted to oxycodone? Here are some signs that you could look out for:
- Constricted pupils
- Slurred speech
- Impaired motor skills
- Sudden weight loss or appetite changes
- Heightened anxiety
- Irritability and aggression
- Intense mood swings (from episodes of euphoria to depression)
As you may notice, these symptoms are similar to alcohol dependence, addiction to other substances, and even some medical conditions. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the above.
Strategies To Overcome Addiction
Dealing with oxycodone addiction is complicated, so treating it may involve using different methods There isn’t a single solution to addiction, but here are some strategies that you can apply once you begin recovery:
Detoxification And Withdrawal
Detoxification is the process of removing the drug from your body. Addiction is different for everyone, but this typically involves reducing your dosage of oxycodone over time.
This phase is crucial, but it is also challenging. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, and anxiety as your body adjusts to the changes.
Treatment Options
Take comfort in knowing that several treatment options can cater to your needs. Here are some of them:
Inpatient Programs
Inpatient programs give you a full-on experience where your needs are looked after. This involves staying in a structured environment to receive medical, physical, and emotional support.
This option is perfect if you want to recover without the distractions of daily life. You may undergo medical treatment, be exposed to recreational activities, or attend group sessions.
Inpatient programs are best for those who need serious medical attention.
Outpatient Programs
In contrast, outpatient programs provide you with flexibility. You could undergo partial hospitalization, which includes treatment several times a week. Partial hospitalization is best for stabilizing your physical or emotional state.
Another type of outpatient program is the intensive outpatient program, where you can attend treatment for fewer hours and days a week. It’s a good option if you need more flexibility for your job and personal life.
Outpatient programs are recommended if you have a mild substance disorder.
Medical-assisted Therapy (MAT)
Medical-assisted therapy involves medications to address your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This is combined with counseling and behavior therapies.
MAT can help with reducing your relapse rates or managing withdrawal during the detoxification process. It’s crucial to ensure that the process is safe and regulated. If you’re hesitating due to financial reasons, healthcare professionals can also help you look for health insurance.
Support Systems And Relapse Prevention
Overcoming addiction is difficult, and you should not feel like you have to go through it alone.
Allow your family, friends, and counseling groups to be there for you. Not only can they provide you with emotional support and a safe space, but they can also help keep you accountable.
They can help you in ways like keeping you away from places where you might find oxycodone or helping you set and achieve your goals.
Having support can help maintain your motivation to recover.
Lifestyle Changes And Recovery Maintenance
Apart from formal recovery methods, it’s equally important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. You could start with drinking more water or taking a 15-minute walk thrice a week.
Having a routine that incorporates healthy habits aids in your overall well-being. It keeps you away from triggering environments that could hinder your recovery.
In Conclusion
Oxycodone addiction, like any substance use disorder, is not simply caused by a poor sense of self-control as others may tell you. It will be a bit of a challenge to recover, but getting treatment could make a difference.
Are you in the Portland, Oregon area and looking for an addiction treatment nearby? Contact Another Chance and get the help you need.
