Understanding the Effects of Oxycodone and Opiate Addiction
Written by Opiates | Published on August 11, 2020 |
Updated on August 11th, 2020
Do you think you’re addicted to opiates? Are you an oxycodone user?
Many people don’t realize how easily they can become an opiate addict. The effects of oxycodone abuse include mental difficulties, emotional problems, and physical problems. You may also engage in behavior outside of your character.
However, a treatment center for opiate addicts can help you. This article will provide an in-depth look at opiate addiction and oxycodone addiction. Let’s explore.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is part of the opiate family and treats moderate to severe pain. It affects your central nervous system to alleviate the discomfort. People dealing with long-term pain will use the drug out of habit.
This habit can turn into an addiction if users aren’t careful. Oxycodone addiction falls under the umbrella of opiate addiction.
Opiate Abuse
The signs of opiate are hard to detect, and many users don’t realize they’ve become addicted. For example, opiate addiction can cause flu-like symptoms. The user will ignore the symptoms, thinking it’s a common cold.
In addition to flu-like symptoms, other physical symptoms can include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Itching
- Insomnia
- Respiratory Issues
- Death
Over a prolonged period, significant opiate use can result in kidney damage and liver damage. The abuse can also impair brain function. Long-term effects of opiates may include ulcers and organ damage.
Opiate addiction is also a psychological addiction and is harder to treat. Take note of the following psychological impacts:
- Memory lapses
- Paranoia
- Mental degradation
- Delusions
The psychological trauma and physical trauma can result in behavioral issues. The symptoms may cause irritability.
Overall, you may isolate yourself from family and friends. You could even engage in illegal activities to support your addiction, such as stealing from family or friends.
Symptoms of Oxycodone Use
You can become addicted to oxycodone if you take more than the prescribed amount. The drug is among the top three causes of overdose deaths in the United States. Further, it’s causing a widespread addiction epidemic throughout the nation.
Oxycodone derives from the same opiate family as heroin and morphine. Additionally, many addicts who cannot obtain oxycodone will transition to illegal drugs like heroin to feel the same high.
Like other opiates, you may not notice the signs at first. Signs of oxycodone abuse include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Sedation
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Mood swings
- Appetite loss
Overall, oxycodone side effects are similar to the effects of general opiate abuse. You may also exhibit minor symptoms before you become addicted.
- Examples: You may exhibit dilated pupils when using the drug. Plus, you may feel apathetic, and you could feel drowsy.
The most dangerous side effect is low blood pressure. Low blood pressure can lead to seizures, coma, and heart failure. The risk of death is greater when you combine oxycodone with other pills or alcohol.
The Process of Oxycodone Recovery
If you want to know how to quit oxycodone, you must go through a withdrawal process. The withdrawal phase will spawn various side effects as the drug leaves your system. Know what to expect when detoxing off of oxycodone:
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Shakiness
- Body aches
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Coughing
- Teary eyes
- Faster heart rate
- Diminished concentration
- Runny nose
The symptoms depend on the severity of the addiction. Also, your addiction determines the withdrawal periods. The symptoms usually peak in 72 hours.
The withdrawal effects can also appear between 8 to 12 hours after your last usage. You may also experience acute withdrawal, which is a severe form of withdrawal consisting of psychological and physical side effects.
On average, withdrawal can last up to seven days. In severe cases, the symptoms can last for 10 days or longer.
The Importance of Getting Help for Oxycodone Addiction
You cannot fight opiate withdrawal on your own. When it comes to oxycodone, you’ll go through intense withdrawal symptoms that require consistent monitoring. Treatment specialists can watch you as you go through detox.
They can also help if you undergo a medical emergency during withdrawal. Your addiction will grow worse during detox, which causes many patients to relapse.
However, checking into a treatment center can prevent you from falling back into old habits. A treatment clinic can also pull you away from toxic environments that can feed your addiction.
Perhaps other people in your life are dealing with the same addiction. Being around them won’t bolster your chance of recovery. Instead, come to a safe environment where you can get clean without temptation.
The Next Phase of Oxycodone Recovery
Detox is half the battle, as you must learn how to live life without oxycodone. The treatment process depends on staff recommendations.
- Example: Recovery may involve psychological counseling. A counselor may uncover a psychological motive behind your addiction. Counseling may involve group sessions and/or individual sessions.
Also, recovery can help you treat other addictions that are not on your radar. People who mix alcohol with oxycodone could also have an alcohol problem.
Recovery will also challenge long-held assumptions and attitudes that may have led to drug abuse. Additionally, you’ll make new friends in the process.
Further, treatment can help you establish a post-recovery plan. A recovery plan can help you avoid relapses and remove yourself from negative environments.
Beating the Effects of Oxycodone
You can beat oxycodone addiction with a professional treatment plan. A clinic can guide you from beginning to end. Opiates and oxycodone are highly addictive and can cause underlying side effects which are easy to ignore.
The effects of oxycodone addiction are dangerous and can lead to death. However, treatment centers allow you to detox safely and heal your body.
Interested in learning more about opiate addiction? Click here to learn how you can get help.
