Painkillers – such as oxycodone, Percocet, and morphine – interact with the brain’s reward system in ways that can lead to dependency. While highly effective in treating and relieving pain, these medications can also have side effects like relaxing the body, reducing anxiety or stress, and creating feelings of euphoria. Over time, the body can develop tolerance, necessitating higher or more frequent doses, or even switching to more powerful opioids.
Many personal, psychological, and genetic characteristics, as well as environmental aspects and circumstances, can contribute to developing an addiction. This makes it a complex and deeply personal struggle for many individuals.
OxyContin and oxycodone, commonly referred to as “oxy,” can be highly addictive if not consumed properly as indicated by a medical or healthcare professional. Oxycodone comes in other forms and brands, such as Roxicodone (also known as “roxies”). Opioids like these make up a large number of painkillers, and all opioids can lead to addiction. Similar to other painkillers, oxy works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in reduced pain but also inducing a high sense of euphoria. With long-term use, the brain adapts, requiring higher dosages to achieve the same effect, leading to dependence and addiction.
Get help for oxy addiction now and verify your insurance with Eleanor Health today.
Recovering from addiction requires a combination of medical and psychological support. In Eleanor Health clinics, as well as our online outpatient rehab program, addiction treatment commonly includes medication assisted treatment for safer detox and withdrawal; medication management to balance addiction medications with other prescriptions you have; different instances of individual and group therapies; and a support group or system, depending on your situation.
Effective addiction treatment combines medical interventions, psychological therapy and strong support systems to help people regain control of their lives. By exploring your drug addiction treatment options, you can equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to confidently take the next step towards recovery and increase your chance of accomplishing long-term sobriety.
Addiction is often fueled, in part, by mental and physical health challenges. Those struggling with addiction and depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can worsen the risk of relapse and severity of withdrawal. In the case of painkiller prescription addictions, the experience of pain is another significant challenge to overcome.
Some people may resort to opioid abuse as a desperate measure to deal with physical and or mental pain that feels unmanageable, growing dependent on opioids like OxyContin as a result. In the same way, prolonged use of pain-killing medicine can worsen preexisting mental health conditions that the person might suffer, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break without professional help.
Eleanor Health offers expert care for people facing co-occurring addiction with physical/mental health disorders. This is called a dual diagnosis and can be faced with the right treatment and therapy.
OxyContin is a branded name medication containing the opioid oxycodone, often used as a pain reliever. OxyContin, with its extended release formula, was designed to provide long-lasting relief by blocking the pain signals sent by the central nervous system to the brain. As a secondary effect, this also relaxes the person and induces a euphoria-like state. When consumed over extended periods of time, this can alter the brain chemistry, making the user dependent on it to achieve that state of mind.
Doctors monitor for and manage the possibility of withdrawal, and taking OxyContin more frequently or in larger doses will both increase the risk of addiction and put your doctor at a disadvantage to prevent dependence and withdrawal issues. Understanding the risks and effects is essential for anyone prescribed this medication or struggling with opioid dependence.
OxyContin and oxycodone are both opioid-based painkillers, but the difference lies in their formulation and effect:
Due to its release characteristics, OxyContin is often prescribed for patients suffering from chronic pain. This also makes it a target for substance abuse, as tampering with the tablets or pills can speed up the release process, delivering a high dose of oxycodone all at once.
Multiple elements contribute to the addictive nature of OxyContin and constitute the risk factors for this medication. Being aware of the dangers is key to preventing and addressing opioid dependence.
Mixing oxy and alcohol can have life-threatening consequences as both work as central nervous system depressants. These types of substances slow down brain activity, relaxing the user’s body and vital functions. Abuse can increase the risk of suffering respiratory failure, falling into a coma or even overdosing.
Like any addiction or substance abuse case, there frequently are signs or tells that one could look out for when suspecting or dealing with it.
Some addiction to painkiller signs could include:
When treating with common symptoms of painkiller addiction include:
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these indicators, seeking guidance and professional help can be the first step toward reclaiming control over your life. Recognizing the need for help and getting a proper diagnosis can also be the stepping stones in which to start the path of recovery. Comprehending the nature of addiction and addressing it with the right support can make all the difference in achieving long-term recovery.
OxyContin addiction is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. Eleanor Health offers online outpatient rehab in several states and, for some areas, in-person addiction treatment.
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