Oxycodone Addiction | Oxycodone In Ohio

Oxycodone (brand name Oxycontin, sometimes referred to as oxy) is a semi-synthetic prescription opioid used to manage severe pain. 

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), this pain medication is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse.

Abusing this painkiller or taking oxycodone for chronic pain over a long period of time can lead to possible dependence or oxycodone addiction. This pain medication acts with opioid receptors in the brain to affect the central nervous system (CNS) and provide pain relief.

A number of drugs combine acetaminophen with oxycodone, including Percocet.

Effects Of Oxycodone Use

While oxycodone is helpful for those suffering from pain, it can also cause a number of side effects when used as prescribed.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of oxycodone may include:

• euphoria
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• constipation
• dry mouth
• changes in mood
• headache

Long-Term Side Effects

Although not used for long-term pain management, oxycodone can sometimes be prescribed for those dealing with chronic pain. However, long-term abuse of this medication may lead to:

• dependence or cravings for the drug
• withdrawal symptoms after stopping use
• fatigue
• insomnia
• respiratory depression
• overdose

Signs Of Oxycodone Abuse

There are a number of signs a person may recognize if a loved one is participating in opioid abuse. If a person continues to seek out the desired effect from the opiate drug, they may turn to other illicit drugs or narcotics such as heroin, morphine, or fentanyl.

In addition to this, a person may combine oxycodone with other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. Hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin) is a prescription drug similar to oxycodone that should not be combined with this opioid medication.

Snorting Oxycodone

People may abuse oxycodone by using routes of administration that aren’t prescribed. The oxycodone pain reliever can be crushed into a powder and snorted. 

When a person does this, damage to the nasal cavity such as bacterial infections, a chronic runny nose, or persistent nosebleeds may occur.

Injecting Oxycodone

Others may choose to inject the drug. Once oxycodone is turned into a powder, it can be combined with a liquid and injected into a vein. This can cause abscesses on the skin, blood clots, and even be a risk factor for developing HIV or other diseases if a person shares a contaminated needle.

Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms

For those who abuse oxycodone and suddenly stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms may occur. Some of these symptoms may consist of:

• mental health problems such as anxiety or depression
• irritability
• weakness
• yawning
• loss of appetite
• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• fast heart rate
• diarrhea
• chills

Oxycodone Overdose

Those who abuse oxycodone may experience an opioid overdose. If this takes place, some of the symptoms a person may exhibit include:

• cold or clammy skin
• unresponsiveness
• respiratory depression
• weak muscles
• extreme sleepiness
• difficulty breathing

If you suspect an opioid overdose has occurred, contact 911 immediately. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment In Ohio

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there are a number of medications used to help treat opioid use disorders including buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone.

Whether you choose to be part of an inpatient or outpatient program, a treatment center can assist you on your road to recovery.

Medical Detox

One of the first major steps in the treatment process includes detoxification. Through detox, your body will rid itself of the unwanted toxins caused by substance abuse. Although this process can be short-term, detox programs provide medical supervision as your body undergoes withdrawal.

Behavioral Health Care

Another form of treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy in which you can speak with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist to assist you during your journey to sobriety. Many treatment programs provide group therapy as well.

If a family member or another loved one is struggling with drug addiction, consider contacting Ohio Recovery Center today. To speak with one of our healthcare representatives about our inpatient treatment options, please contact us today.

FAQs

How Long Does Oxycodone Stay In Your System?

Oxycodone stays in your system for 2 to 4 days based on a urine test. However, it can be detected in hair for months after your last dose.

Many factors can determine the detection window for oxycodone, such as what type of drug test is used (urine, blood, saliva, or hair), as well as:

• kidney function
• age & health
• metabolism
• body mass
• mode of ingestion
• dosage, frequency, & time
• cutoff levels
• other drugs in your system

Learn more about How Long Oxycodone Stays In Your System

Can You Smoke Oxycodone?

Oxycodone can be smoked but it’s not recommended due to the serious side effects it can lead to. Smoking the drug increases the risk of overdose and can increase the risk of many health issues including brain damage, heart failure, and coma.

Learn more about Smoking Oxycodone

What Does Oxycodone Look Like?

Oxycodone comes in many different colors and dosages. What it looks like depends on the manufacturer. The only way to know if what you’re taking is legitimate is to get a prescription from your doctor.

Learn more about What Oxycodone Looks Like

What Does Oxycodone Feel Like?

Oxycodone use can result in feelings of drowsiness, sluggishness, tiredness, and numbness. You may also feel like you are sick, lightheaded, constipated, and have difficulty breathing after taking oxycodone.

Learn more about What Oxycodone Feels Like

How Much Does Oxycodone Cost?

The average cost of prescription oxycodone depends on factors like dosage, formulation, amount of tablets prescribed, the pharmacy, and your insurance. 

In general, a 90-tablet supply of immediate-release oxycodone costs between $50 and $150 depending on the dosage, while a 90-tablet supply of extended-release oxycodone costs between $400 and $1,500 depending on the dosage.

When sold illegally on the street, oxycodone generally costs about $1 per mg, with dosages ranging between 5 mg and 80 mg. 

Learn more about Oxycodone Street Price & Prescription Cost

What’s A Normal Dose Of Oxycodone?

A normal dose of oxycodone may be between 5 mg and 80 mg, taken every 4 to 6 hours. Professional caregivers may have authority in prescribing normal doses of oxycodone.

Learn more about Oxycodone Dosage

What Is Oxycodone Called On The Street?

Oxycodone can be called by several names on the street, including hillbilly heroin, kickers, percs, and oxy.

Learn more about Oxycodone Street Names

Does Oxycodone Make You Sleepy?

Yes, oxycodone makes you sleepy. Side effects of oxycodone, such as sleepiness, constipation, and trouble breathing, are caused by oxycodone binding to opioid receptors in your brain.

Learn more about Oxycodone & Sleepiness

Is It Safe To Take Oxycodone While Pregnant?

It is not safe to take the opioid medication oxycodone while pregnant because the drug may pass from mother to fetus through the placenta, leading to a withdrawal syndrome and life-threatening health concerns for the baby.

Learn more about Taking Oxycodone While Pregnant