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Treating Oxycodone Addiction

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Some patients develop opioid addiction due to misuse of oxycodone, which is also known by the brand name OxyContin®. This opioid painkiller helps many patients get relief from severe pain, but it also has associated risks. Learn more about oxycodone, its proper uses and how professionals help people with oxycodone addiction.

About Oxycodone and OxyContin®

Oxycodone can come as a liquid solution, a capsule or a tablet in addition to compound drugs that include other painkillers. OxyContin® has a controlled-release formula and comes in the form of a tablet. Doctors prescribe oxycodone medications for short-term, severe pain or long-term pain that hasn’t responded to other treatment options. A patient takes standard oxycodone every four to six hours and extended-release oxycodone every 12 hours.

What Makes Oxycodone and Other Opioids Addictive?

Opioid medications like oxycodone trigger an endorphin release in your brain. These extra endorphins reduce pain and cause feelings of euphoria that make taking opioids pleasurable. When someone takes opiates for an extended period, even if for a legitimate medical purpose, they can build a tolerance. They don’t receive the same effects from the amount of medication have been taking, so some patients feel that they need more. Patients may begin to misuse their opioids when they reach the upper limit of their approved amount and continue to take opioids to achieve the level of euphoria or pain relief they are seeking.

Patients can safeguard against addiction by following their doctor’s directions. Not taking opioids as prescribed can put you at an added risk of opioid use disorder. Taking opioid painkillers for more than a few days also raises your risk. Remember to tell your physician if you think you have built a tolerance to opioids so you can explore your options for alternative painkillers.

Signs of Opioid Use Disorder Involving Oxycodone

Everyone has a unique experience with opioid use disorder. These signs could indicate that you or someone you know has an addiction:

  • Taking oxycodone for a longer time than prescribed or more than prescribed
  • Frequent urges to use oxycodone or other opiates
  • Difficulty with home, work or school because of disrupted sleep
  • Symptoms such as sweating, digestive issues and mood changes when not taking opioids
  • Spending excess time thinking about oxycodone or opioid-related activities, such as sourcing from providers
  • Seeking the same prescription from multiple doctors to gain access to oxycodone or other opioids
  • Engaging in risky behavior that puts oneself or others in danger
  • Borrowing medication from others or otherwise beginning the chase for more
  • Looking toward illicit opioids when no longer able to source them from a medical provider

If you or a loved one shows these traits, you can get professional assistance.

How to Get Help for Oxycodone Addiction

An opioid treatment program can give you the help needed to recover from an oxycodone addiction. It can provide the following types of support:

  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that relieves your symptoms
  • Addiction counseling that gives you the recovery skills needed to succeed
  • Referrals to community resources that assist with housing, food, transportation and other necessities
  • Patient groups that give you the opportunity to connect with peers

Your treatment center will support you in the physical, psychological and social aspects of addiction recovery so you can work toward an opioid-free life.

Oxycodone and OxyContin® Addiction Treatment at MedMark Treatment Centers

You can find MedMark Treatment Centers clinics and our affiliates across the United States. Our MAT programs give you the tools you need to get on the path to recovery and achieve your goals. Let us help — call us at 866-840-6658 or contact our team online.

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