Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline and Detox

Oxycodone, a prescription opioid used primarily for severe pain relief, has a high risk of abuse and addiction. Individuals who regularly consume or misuse oxycodone will experience severe oxycodone withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly discontinue or significantly reduce their usage. We’ll look at the causes, symptoms, duration, and severity of oxycodone withdrawal, as well as potential detoxification and rehabilitation options.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Oxycodone substance abuse or withdrawals, the We Level Up Treatment Centers can help. Speak with our hotline specialists and discover the support and professional-accredited addiction treatment programs we offer.

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Understanding Oxycodone Addiction

People may develop a dependence on a substance without necessarily being addicted. However, dependence frequently accompanies addiction. Addiction, clinically known as a substance use disorder, refers to the compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of a substance despite its detrimental effects.

It extends beyond physiological alterations like dependence, encompassing various harmful behavioral changes that negatively affect all facets of a person’s life. The progression of addiction involves significant alterations in brain function, influencing an individual’s drive, motivation, cognition, and behaviors, often leading to prioritizing drug use over everything else. Addiction development is influenced not only by repeated substance use but also by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors.

Causes of Oxycodone Withdrawal

The causes of Oxycodone withdrawal primarily stem from the body’s adaptation to the drug. When someone consistently uses Oxycodone, their system becomes accustomed to its presence. Over time, the body adjusts to the drug’s effects, resulting in tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. When the drug is suddenly stopped or significantly reduced, the body reacts negatively, leading to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms arise due to the body’s struggle to function normally without the presence of Oxycodone. Withdrawal from Oxycodone can be uncomfortable and painful, prompting some individuals to relapse or continue using the drug to avoid the discomfort associated with withdrawal.

Oxycodone Misuse Side-Effects

Oxycodone is classified under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its heightened potential for abuse. This designation signifies the substance’s capability to induce severe physical or psychological dependency. Despite being available for prescription use by healthcare providers, the heightened risk of addiction, dependence, adverse interactions, and potential overdosing necessitates strict adherence to prescribed medical guidelines when consuming this medication.

The euphoric and calming sensations produced by oxycodone make individuals susceptible to developing an addiction, even when following professional medical recommendations. Additionally, the body often builds a tolerance to the pain-relieving effects of the medication, prompting the individual to escalate their dosage, subsequently elevating the likelihood of dependency and addiction.

Oxycodone addiction can lead to several detrimental side effects, including:

• Chronic sinus infections.
• Intense headaches.
• Sleep apnea.
• Withdrawal symptoms in case of irregular dosing, such as muscle cramps, restlessness, perspiration, vomiting, heightened heart rate, and insomnia.
• Respiratory issues.
• Swallowing difficulties.
• Hepatic complications.
• Diminished kidney function.

Potential Warnings on Oxycodone Overdose

Oxycodone carries a potential risk of abuse and addiction, increasing the possibility of overdose and fatal outcomes. It might also result in severe, potentially life-threatening breathing difficulties. To minimize these risks, your healthcare provider should prescribe the lowest effective dose of oxycodone for the shortest duration possible.

Breathing problems may be more pronounced when beginning this medication, after dosage adjustments, or when an incorrect dose/strength is taken. Combining this medication with alcohol or other substances that induce drowsiness or respiratory issues can lead to severe side effects, including death.

Additionally, other drugs may impact the elimination of oxycodone from your system, affecting its efficacy. Familiarize yourself with oxycodone’s administration guidelines and medications that should be avoided. Review the Drug Interactions section for more information. Seek immediate medical attention if severe side effects like slowed or shallow breathing, unusual dizziness, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty awakening occur.

Safeguard this medication to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. If someone unintentionally ingests this drug, seek immediate medical assistance.

For women of childbearing age, discussing the risks and benefits with their doctor(s) before using this medication is crucial. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary, as it may slightly heighten the risk of birth defects within the first two months of pregnancy. Prolonged or high-dose usage close to the expected delivery date might negatively impact the unborn baby.

To mitigate these risks, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Newborns born to mothers who used this medication extensively may exhibit severe (possibly fatal) withdrawal symptoms. Notify the doctor promptly if you observe persistent crying, slowed breathing, irritability, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, feeding difficulties, or inadequate weight gain in your newborn.

Precautions on Oxycodone Doses and Medical History

Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any allergic reactions to oxycodone, other opioid pain relievers, or any other allergies you may have. The inactive ingredients present in this product could trigger allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your pharmacist for more information.

Before commencing this medication, disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This includes any brain disorders, breathing problems like asthma or sleep apnea, kidney or liver disease, mental or mood disorders, history of substance use disorder, gastrointestinal issues, urinary difficulties, gallbladder or pancreatic disease.

Oxycodone Detox

Detoxification from Oxycodone involves a supervised process aimed at managing withdrawal symptoms. It represents the initial phase of treatment to cease Oxycodone use, although continued care is usually necessary to tackle the psychological and social factors contributing to opioid use disorder (OUD).

The detox process typically comprises three stages:

1. Evaluation, where a comprehensive assessment determines the treatment needs, including monitoring or addressing co-existing physical or mental health conditions.
2. Stabilization involves symptom observation, administering medications if needed, and preparing the individual for further treatment.
3. Facilitating the individual’s entry into treatment, ensuring they comprehend the necessity of post-detox care, and assisting in accessing a rehab program.

The duration of detox programs varies based on individual requirements, but the average duration is approximately seven days.

Oxycodone Withdrawal and Addiction Treatment

Upon completing detox, individuals may undergo various therapies and treatments as part of an extensive treatment plan. Rehab after detox is crucial for addressing underlying addiction causes. Rehab occurs in different settings:

1. Residential or Inpatient Rehab: This involves residing onsite throughout treatment, receiving constant care, and participating in diverse therapies. Suited for severe addiction cases or those lacking supportive home environments.
2. Outpatient Rehab: Requires traveling to the facility for treatment and returning home afterward. Suitable for individuals with supportive environments and reliable transportation.

Ongoing medication maintenance is integral for maintaining sobriety and averting relapse. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone may be part of this maintenance. Naltrexone, functioning as an opioid antagonist, blocks opioid effects, preventing highs if opioids are used again.

Treatment for opioid use disorder encompasses diverse therapies and supports:

• Counseling: Addresses addiction-related issues.
• Behavioral Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management (CM), or motivational interviewing foster positive behavioral changes.
• Family Therapy: Repairs relationships affected by addiction.
• Vocational Training: Assists in employment post-rehab.
• Case Management: Aids with social services such as securing basic needs and legal aid, allowing individuals to focus on recovery.

Aftercare is essential for ongoing recovery. Post-treatment, participating in individual counseling, mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP), attending support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA), utilizing recovery apps, or engaging in recovery management checkups with treatment providers are beneficial.

Comprehensive treatment should address substance use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal issues tailored to individual needs.

Why Choose Level Up Treatment Center?

At Level Up Treatment Center, our dedicated team of professionals is committed to guiding you through every step of your recovery journey. We prioritize your well-being and provide a nurturing environment conducive to healing and growth.

Take the first step towards recovery today. Contact us to begin your journey to a drug-free life. You don’t have to face addiction alone—we are here to help you reclaim control and achieve lasting sobriety.

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