In 2016, over 115 people, on average, died every day in the USA due to opioid overdose. According to World Health Organization (WHO), drug use was the cause of about 0.5 million deaths in the USA in 2021. In 2020 alone, about 44 individuals, on average, died of prescription opioid-related overdose every day.
The numbers attached to opioid addiction are too many to count, and they all point to a single issue: The awareness around the usage of opioids is scarce.
Opioids are highly addictive. Taking this drug just for a few days can increase the chances of using it long-term. This, in turn, shoots up the risk of getting addicted. For instance, there are high chances that an individual will end up using opioids after a year, even if their short-term course is of just 5 days.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication that is used for treating mild to severe pain. It is also a highly addictive substance and a common drug of abuse. Oxycodone, also known as OxyContin and Roxicodone, is taken orally. It is available in two formulations— controlled-release and immediate-pain release. This drug begins to unfold its effects within fifteen minutes and can last for up to six hours.
Side Effects of Using Oxycodone
Almost every drug comes with several side effects. The most common side effects of Oxycodone are as follows:
- Euphoria
- Respiratory depression
- Feelings of relaxation
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Anxiolysis
- Relaxation
- Reduced sensitivity to pain
- Somnolence
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Low sex hormones
Less common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary retention
- Dyspnea
- Hiccups
- Diarrhea
How Long Does It Take To Get Addicted to Oxycodone?
It may take as little as five days to get addicted to Oxycodone. Once addicted, recovery can become increasingly difficult. The nature of this addiction comes with strong withdrawal symptoms. The individual coping with it would require a constant and dedicated support system. Therefore, it is critical to find the right professional treatment center for safe and reliable treatment.
What Oxycodone Addiction Looks Like
There are both short-term and long-term effects of using Oxycodone. When you begin to get addicted to opioids, you feel good and euphoric initially. But the moment the drug’s effects start to wear off, withdrawal symptoms rush in. This makes you restless and triggers an increased craving for the drug. Gradually, the short-term addiction translates into a long-term addiction. You tend to consume more and are at greater risk of overdosing. The reasons for oxycodone addiction may include:
- A history of substance abuse
- Unemployment
- Tender age
- Criminal history, including DUI
- Environmental factors
- Friends or peer pressure
- Thrill-seeking behavior
- Heavy usage of tobacco
- Stress
- Prior alcohol or drug rehabilitation
- Poverty
- Young age
- History of criminal activity or legal problems, including DUIs
- Regular contact with high-risk people or high-risk environments
- Problems with past employers, family members, and friends (mental disorder)
- Risk-taking or thrill-seeking behavior
- Heavy tobacco use
- History of severe depression or anxiety
- Stressful circumstances
- Prior drug or alcohol rehabilitation
How Addiction Experts Can Help!
Knowing the signs of Oxycodone addiction is the single most important step to kickstart the journey of recovery. If you think you or a loved one might be dealing with Oxycodone addiction, take a deep dive into Addiction Expert’s comprehensive “Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Guide” to understand the type of treatment that might be needed.
