How Does Oxycodone Addiction Begin?
Oxycodone Addictions Often Begin From Prescriptions
Some drugs like heroin have no legitimate medical uses, but other drugs are different. Oxycodone has serious medical benefits in treating pain, both chronic and acute, but that does not mean the medication is risk-free or that it is impossible for patients to become addicted even if they follow their doctors’ instructions. So how does oxycodone addiction begin?
When delving into how does oxycodone addiction begin, it’s vital to know that Oxycodone is powerfully addictive, and many dangerous habits start not on the street but in the medicine cabinet.
If you or someone in your family has been prescribed Oxycodone for pain, it is essential to monitor their usage, watch out for the early warning signs of addiction and be ready to step in and seek help at the earliest sign of trouble.
What Is Oxycodone Used For?
Like other opioids, Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller, and it is often prescribed to deal with all kinds of pain and discomfort. Hospitals may send their post-operative patients home with a bottle of Oxycodone to combat the lingering pain from the surgery. Pain specialists may prescribe Oxycodone to treat chronic pain conditions, including severe back pain and spinal issues.
Oxycodone may even be prescribed by dentists following excruciating procedures like root canals or extensive tooth extractions. No matter how Oxycodone is prescribed and used, however, it does have serious addictive potential, and those dangers should never be discounted.
How Is Oxycodone Abused?
Oxycodone is a powerful and helpful drug for pain patients, which can relieve unrelenting discomfort and allow people to get their lives back. But Oxycodone is also a powerfully addictive substance that can be abused in several different ways.
Those taking prescriptions for Oxycodone may simply take more of the drug than prescribed, especially when they are suffering from high levels of pain that are not relieved by the prescribed dosage. In other cases, people may try to use Oxycodone to get high, crushing the pills and snorting or injecting the drug. No matter how the drug is used and abused, addiction can set in fast, and friends and family members need to monitor the usage of the patient and step in if they suspect any abuse.
What Are the Effects of Oxycodone Use?
If someone in your life has been using Oxycodone for any reason, it is important to watch out for the warning signs of addiction and abuse. There are some telltale signs of Oxycodone abuse, but you could easily miss them if you do not know what to look for. If you notice any of these issues, it is time to step in:
- Slurred speech
- Increased drowsiness
- Trying, and failing, to stop using the drug
- Constricted pupils
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Weight loss and decreased appetite
- Insomnia and sleep disruptions
Opioid Addiction Treatment at WhiteSands
If you are worried that someone in your life has been abusing Oxycodone and wondering how does oxycodone addiction begin, it is crucial to take action right away. Many people who become addicted to Oxycodone via a legitimate prescription will end up turning to heroin when their supply of legal drugs dries up. Doctor shopping is common among Oxycodone addicts, but over time they will likely be unable to obtain more medication legally, and that will put them at even greater risk.
If you can step in and get help at the earliest stages when the Oxycodone addiction is just getting going, you may be able to save your loved one a lot of grief, but it is essential to act quickly. Even if you only suspect that someone in your life has been abusing Oxycodone or using it to excess, we encourage you to pick up the phone and give the staff at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call today. Our expert counselors can help you understand the roots of the addiction, but we can also get you the assistance your loved one needs, and all it takes is a single phone call.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.