Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Program in Los Angeles
Oxycodone, or oxy, is one of the most widely prescribed pain-relieving medications in the world. The drug, sold under the brand names Percocet or Oxycontin, is extremely effective in treating mild to intense pain. Unfortunately, it is also highly addictive. Since doctors started prescribing oxycodone more frequently in the 90s, addiction to the drug in the United States has increased alarmingly. Some people use oxycodone recreationally, and it is a major player in the current opioid epidemic plaguing America. The National Institute on Drug Abuse’s research into drug overdose death rates noted that in 2020, 92,000 people in the US died from opioid overdoses.
People usually take the drug orally in the form of a pill. However, people have also used needles to inject them into veins or muscles. Drug companies offer both fast-acting and controlled release forms of the drug. Fortunately, at Silicon Beach Treatment Center, our oxycodone addiction treatment program can help you put an end to your addiction. To learn more about our substance abuse treatment services, please reach out to our team today at 866.520.4881.
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Addiction Treatment Options in Los Angeles
In the United States, oxycodone is controlled by the DEA as a Schedule II drug. Drugs of this schedule carry the following characteristics:
- High risk of abuse
- Has proven medical benefits
- High propensity for addiction and dependence
Remember, just because physicians can prescribe this drug does not necessarily mean it is safe. Using it may still result in physical and/or mental dependence. Oxycodone remains readily prescribed for pain relief, even given the high likelihood of addiction because of how effective it is. Other risk factors for use include your upbringing or environment (such as growing up in a space where you were exposed to violence, systemic poverty, or abuse) as well as trauma, personal history of drug abuse, mental illness, and family history.
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Signs of Oxycodone Addiction
Given the classification as a Schedule II substance under the DEA guidelines, oxycodone is understood to possess powerful addictive qualities. Even when taken as prescribed, there exists the possibility of developing a mental or physical addiction. Both forms of dependence can result from relatively short usage periods.
Due to the extended presence of oxycodone in the bloodstream, the body becomes accustomed to it and begins to become dependent on it. Oxycodone withdrawal takes place when physical addiction sets in. An individual may exhibit symptoms similar to the flu when stopping use.
In addition, due to its euphoric effects, oxycodone use often develops into a need. This aspect of oxycodone withdrawal occurs because addicts seek out this feeling. It is often due to being ill-equipped to deal with life problems.
Many people enjoy oxycodone because of the effects it produces. These effects include feelings of extreme well-being and lower anxiety. This drug is also physically addictive, meaning the body reacts physically when the user stops taking it. This raises the risk for users to become addicted. Oxycodone prescribed by physicians can be just as readily abused as drugs acquired through a street dealer. Abuse can be identified by the following:
- Taking the medication not as prescribed by a licensed doctor
- Stealing or purchasing a friend or family member’s oxycodone
- Continuing to misuse the medicine after suffering negative consequences from the misuse
- Having multiple prescriptions from one or multiple doctors
- Legal or financial troubles
- Negative change in hygiene and self-care
Addiction may be defined and is undoubtedly most evident when an individual continues to use, even in light of severe consequences. The need for the medication causes the mind to become obsessed, which is nearly impossible to overcome.
The person using this medication may begin to lose interest in all other activities, including school, work, and sports, because the need for the drug becomes paramount. As the addiction progresses, the body gets used to the drug, and larger and larger amounts become necessary to achieve the same euphoric results.
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We understand that it can be overwhelming to make the decision to get help for substance abuse. The caring team at Silicon Beach Treatment Center is standing by ready to help you begin your journey.
Oxycodone’s Side Effects
The dosages prescribed by physicians are considerably lower and less dangerous than the amounts typically taken by someone abusing oxycodone. The proper dosage also has significantly fewer side effects. While they can still occur even at therapeutic dosages, the effects listed below are far more common when someone takes high levels of oxycodone:
Oxycodone can slow down the digestive system, leading to constipation.
Some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting when taking oxycodone.
Oxycodone can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which can impair coordination and reaction time.
Some individuals may experience headaches while taking oxycodone.
Oxycodone can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental problems and infections.
Some individuals may experience excessive sweating while taking oxycodone.
In high doses, oxycodone can slow down breathing, which can be dangerous.
Oxycodone can cause confusion or delirium, particularly in older adults or those with underlying medical conditions.
Some individuals may experience itching or hives while taking oxycodone.
Oxycodone can cause changes in mood, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability.
While the drug is incredibly effective at mitigating pain in chronic sufferers, it can have intensely negative effects. The kidneys and liver experience severe damage from extended use. Use can result in cirrhosis and permanent damage to the organs, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Furthermore, consuming other substances like alcohol while on this medication can lead to adverse results. Each drug enhances the effects of the other, meaning someone can quickly overdose on either the alcohol or oxycodone. The likelihood of overdose skyrockets when oxycodone is mixed with alcohol or other drugs.
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Supervision under a trained medical professional is essential to provide relief from the withdrawal effects of oxycodone. This phase can be treacherous, and a physician can assist in many ways. Stopping a drug is never a comfortable experience, and addicts are often reluctant to undergo the prospect of withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone and most opiates tend to require roughly seven days to leave the body, a process known as detoxification. When finished, the individual may transition to an inpatient facility, usually for a month, but it’s not uncommon for this process to last as long as ninety days. If you or a loved one is suffering from oxycodone addiction, help is available. Contact the oxycodone addiction treatment program at Silicon Beach Treatment Center today at 866.520.4881 to learn more about our services.
