Addiction

Oxycodone is a dangerous narcotic that is widely prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The drug can be habit-forming whether taken as prescribed or taken for recreational purposes to get high. Oxycodone use can lead to increased tolerance and physical dependence which most often requires professional treatment in order to recover. Oxycodone addiction is the result of sustained or repeat Oxycodone use that leads to physical and/or psychological dependence.

Millions of Oxycodone prescriptions are filled every year allowing hundreds of millions of Oxycodone pills to make their way into the hands of both those who legitimately need the drugs for pain and those who are going through great lengths to fuel their addiction. Oxycodone is one of primary active ingredients in a number of prescription painkillers including Roxicodone, Oxycontin and Percocet and it is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the medical field.

Unfortunately, Oxycodone use that continues for a prolonged period of time or which is repeated sequentially can lead to physical and psychological dependence. This dependence causes the body and the brain to feel or believe that it needs Oxycodone in order to survive; as a result, when Oxycodone addiction is a factor and the user tries to quit using Oxycodone, withdrawal symptoms begin to set in. For many, it’s the symptoms of withdrawal that cause them to continue their habit of using Oxycodone and to fuel their addiction rather than to get help.

Recognizing Oxycodone Addiction

There are various symptoms that become evident when an individual is addicted to Oxycodone. Unlike Oxycodone abuse which typically does not include an physical or psychological dependence on the drug, addiction is characterized by a physical or psychologically perceived need to use Oxycodone that is backed by withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not used.

One of the very first signs of Oxycodone addiction is tolerance. When a user repeatedly uses Oxycodone, he or she may begin to develop a tolerance to the drug which leads to the need to take more and more of the drug in order to produce a similar effect. The user will often take Oxycodone more regularly than he or she is prescribed or they may take a larger dose than prescribed. For those who are not prescribed the medication and are using solely for recreational purposes, tolerance is seen by increased doses or increased amounts of Oxycodone use.

When Oxycodone is being used to get “high” the user is abusing the drug. When Oxycodone is being used to get “high” and to keep withdrawal symptoms from appearing, the user is addicted. Oxycodone addiction can lead to dangerous side effects including overdose which is potentially fatal if the user is not provided with almost immediately medical attention.

Oxycodone overdose can cause respiratory failure, organ failure and a wealth of other potentially fatal complications for the user. If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken a potentially dangerous dose of Oxycodone, seek immediately medical help by calling 911! Most states have laws in effect now that protect the 911 caller from being charged with any crimes if they call for help.