Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

There are a number of reasons why overcoming oxycodone addiction is extremely difficult. The most commonly abused form of oxycodone is OxyContin. OxyContin produces similar effects as those experienced with heroin. In addition, sudden cessation of drug use leads to unbearable withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, if the addiction to OxyContin was the result of taking the drug for pain relief, the pain may reemerge during detox.

Oxycodone Abuse

Oxycodone is an opiate, therefore, it is classified in the same group as heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and methadone. Some opiates are derived from poppy seeds while others, such as oxycodone are synthesized in a lab. Opiates stimulate the release of endorphins and enkephalins in the brain. These chemicals act to reduce pain and anxiety. They also create a feeling of euphoria which is the response that leads to abuse of opiate drugs.

Many people who become addicted to oxycodone are legitimate users who have been prescribed the medication for pain relief. With continued use, a tolerance may be developed requiring larger dosages to achieve the same affects. Once addicted, the user may take higher dosages of the drug than prescribed or take it more often than directed. This is considered drug abuse and is a sign that oxycodone addiction treatment may be needed.

Oxycodone is also used as a recreational drug. Most people who use oxycodone recreationally obtain it illegally either through the black market or by using medication that was prescribed for a friend or family member. Those who use the drug illegally frequently dissolve the time-release coating in solution for injection or crushing them to inhale. This produces an immediate release and more intense high than when taken as directed. Crushing, chewing or dissolving the tablets increases the risk of overdose or death.

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

Evidence has shown that medically managed drug treatment is the most effective way to treat opiate addictions. The use of drugs such as Suboxone and Subutex that contain buprenorphine makes detoxification much more successful. Suboxone is a prescription medication used for oxycodone addiction treatment. The drug has also been used successfully for treatment of heroin codeine and Vicodin addictions. Since these drugs are chemically related to opiate analgesics such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, Suboxone has been proven successful in treating addictions to these drugs as well.

Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone. Since it is a semi-synthetic opiate derivative, it will produce effects similar to but more moderate than drugs such as oxycodone. Buprenorphine suppresses withdrawal symptoms but doesn’t produce the euphoria common in drugs that typically produce opioid dependence. Therefore, the abuse potential is much lower than with methadone treatments. Suboxone helps reduce cravings and alleviates opiate withdrawal symptoms to increase the probability that patients will continue treatment.

Medically managed detoxification is not offered at every treatment facility. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that early withdrawal from oxycodone increases the probability that users will turn to heroin for relief of withdrawal symptoms when no oxycodone is accessible. Heroin use introduces even greater health risks in the form of poor quality heroin and the danger of HIV and hepatitis infections from contaminated needles.

Oxycodone treatment or treatment for any illicit drug is rarely successful using detox alone. In addition to medication-assisted drug treatment, counseling, and in many cases, a residential treatment program are required to achieve long term results. Oxycodone treatment must address both the physical and psychological aspect of the addiction simultaneously to be effective.

Northbound Treatment Services can help individuals struggling with oxycodone addiction develop coping mechanisms by adopting a lifestyle of recovery. They understand that no two individuals are the same and offer customized treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. Northbound offers medically assisted treatment for drug addictions as well as counseling and education to treat the underlying causes. Northbound has helped thousands regain control of their lives and function as a productive member of society.

Article Reviewed by Paul Alexander
