5 Telltale Signs of Oxycodone Abuse

It is one thing to believe that a person is abusing oxycodone, but another thing entirely to determine that this is the cause of his or her problems. If a person is willing to admit they are abusing oxycodone, you can immediately move to the process of finding the appropriate help. On the other hand, there are those who conceal their addiction, doing whatever they can to hide it from their loved ones.

There are many signs of oxycodone abuse, some of which are more commonly displayed in people than others. Here are five telltale signs that abuse exists:

Feeling sick without oxycodone and withdrawing socially are signs of oxycodone use and abuse.

1. Short term effects including but not limited to sleepiness and bouts of euphoria. If a person goes from one extreme to the next in a short period of time, there is a good chance they are abusing oxycodone.
2. Difficulty breathing. All types of opiates, including oxycodone, will suppress the person’s breathing. This side effect can be so serious that it is often times the cause of death when a person overdoses on oxycodone.
3. Behavioral symptoms. These can include the following: visiting more than one doctor to obtain as much oxycodone as possible, hiding the use of the drug from others, borrowing or stealing the medication from others, financial problems (related to the illegal purchase of the drug), and neglecting responsibilities (such as on the job or at school).
4. Psychological symptoms. These are often times simple to pinpoint and can include delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, and emotional health concerns. In short, if a person begins to act differently, especially in these ways, they may be abusing oxycodone.
5. Withdrawal effects. When a person who is addicted to oxycodone does not have access to the drug, regardless of the reason, withdrawal symptoms can set in. These are often times similar to those brought on by the flu, including the following: fever, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chills, and sweating. Along with this, muscle and bone pain is common.

These five telltale signs of oxycodone abuse should help you identify if a loved one is abusing this drug.

Note: it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what type of drug is being abused, as these symptoms are shared with many others, including opiates.

Once the signs of oxycodone abuse come to the forefront, you have a better chance of speaking with the addict and explaining that help is available. By checking into a rehab facility, the person can get the help they need to overcome their addiction and put this abuse in the past.