Warning Signs of Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone is an opiate that is typically prescribed for moderate to high pain relief. Severe injuries, fractures, dislocation, bursitis, neuralgia, and lower back pain are some common ailments that would normally receive a prescription for oxycodone.

Common trade names for oxycodone include:

• Oxycontin
• Percocet
• Percodan
• Tylox

As is typical with most opioids, Oxycodone is a highly addictive drug and has a high potential for abuse. It is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a narcotic.

OxyContin is a very powerful time released medication that is to be taken as directed by a physician. Misuse of oxycodone entails using the drug without the supervision of a physician or for purposes other than its intended use. This action can lead to serious and adverse consequences that may include death from overdose. Tablets are crushed and snorted, chewed, injected or smoked, when abused, as opposed to the prescribed method of taking them orally in a whole pill form that allows for the time-released action to work. People who become addicted to oxycodone often switch to heroin, which is easier to get and less expensive.

Oxycodone is also known among teens as:

• Oxy
• OC
• Roxi’s
• Blue Dynamite

OxyContin is a brand name for oxycodone.

*It is important to note that names differ according to strength.

Abuse of oxycodone can lead to:

• Physical dependence
• Severe symptoms when use is stopped
• Repeated misuse will lead to addiction
• Heroin addiction often follows.
• Changes in family, emotional, and social life.
• Changes in breathing that can lead to death

Dependence upon oxycodone is a serious problem that develops quickly. The body rapidly adapts to the presence of oxycodone which causes withdrawal symptoms to occur when use is stopped.

Symptoms when use is stopped may include:

• restlessness
• muscle and bone pain
• insomnia
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• cold flashes
• involuntary leg movements

Family medicine cabinets and friends offer the easiest access for teens, and are where most prescription drugs abused by teens come from. 1 in 5 teens have abused oxycodone drugs. Sadly, 3 out of 10 teens do not recognize that getting high on prescription medications is not dangerous, according to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. Truth be told, it can be just as dangerous and addictive as heroin.

Those who experience oxycodone addiction will go to great lengths to acquire it. According to the DEA, prescription fraud is a significant and growing problem. Pharmacies are the number one target for obtaining prescription medication. Pharmacists are now given extensive training to prevent the passing of fraudulent prescriptions. Pharmacies are also more frequently becoming the targets of robberies and burglaries.

While prescription drugs may be helpful if they are used properly, taking oxycodone without a doctor’s approval and supervision can be highly addictive and dangerous. If a problem or addiction is suspected, help should be sought out immediately.