Signs Your Loved One Needs Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone is an opiate analgesic that is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Because the drug is habit-forming, patients are told not to deviate from the prescribed dosage they are given. However, addiction does occur and treatment at a rehab facility can be necessary when abuse gets out of hand. Here are some of the signs that your loved one needs treatment for oxycodone addiction.

Who Becomes Addicted to Oxycodone?

Anyone can become addicted to oxycodone if it is readily available and the individual is abusing the drug’s effects. Prescription opiates are often abused for the euphoric high and sense of calmness that they give the user, which is why many individuals increase their dosage without a doctor’s consent and become addicted. Even though it is possible for someone to abuse oxycodone when prescribed it, many individuals abuse it without a prescription and obtain the drug through illegal channels. According to the DOJ, the abuse of Oxycontin, one of the brand names for oxycodone, among high school students is an important issue. “Four percent of high school seniors in the United States abused the drug at least once in the past year.”

If your loved one cannot stop using oxycodone on their own they need help for addiction.

Behavioral Signs

Since anyone can become addicted to oxycodone, it is important to watch your loved one closely and make note of any strange behavioral signs, especially ones associated with the drug itself. These signs could potentially mean that your loved one is addicted to oxycodone:

• Your loved one hides oxycodone tablets in the house.
• Your loved one gets angry when you ask about his or her drug use.
• Your loved one has gotten more of the drug through questionable means (ex. switching doctors, buying the drug illegally).
• Your loved one feels that he or she cannot get out of bed without oxycodone or that the need for the drug is stronger than anything else.
• Your loved one displays restlessness, anxiousness, or complains of strange muscle and bone pains when unable to get more of the drug.

Physical Signs

There are also many strong physical signs that a person you love could be addicted to oxycodone. When abused, the regular side effects of the drug can become more pronounced and complicated. According to the DOI, here are some of the physical signs of oxycodone addiction:

• Respiratory depression
• “Slowed reflexes”
• Low blood pressure
• Constricted pupils
• “Nausea and vomiting”
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

The dangers don’t stop there unfortunately. Oxycodone addiction can lead to withdrawal (which includes symptoms of “anxiety, nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, fevers, and other flu like symptoms,” according to CESAR). This is another important sign for which to look. Withdrawal from oxycodone is not life-threatening but it can be very uncomfortable. The threat of overdose is also prevalent for those addicted to oxycodone.

Treatment for oxycodone abuse will help a person who is struggling with addiction. Looking for these behaviors and physical symptoms will help you determine whether or not your loved one is addicted to the drug. If the individual is exhibiting these signs of addiction, you should consider treatment as soon as possible. According to the NIDA, “treatment does not need to be voluntary to be effective,” and your loved one will later realize that your involvement was in his or her best interest.