Addiction is a complex and challenging issue that millions of people in America and the rest of the world face every day. If you or someone you care about has succumbed to the allure of oxycodone, it’s important to know that there is a way out. Here’s what to expect on your journey to recovery. 

Understanding Oxycodone  

Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, a constituent of natural opium. Opium has been used as a pain reliever since 3400 BC or perhaps even earlier. Contrary to popular belief, oxycodone is not the same as heroin, which is illegal, but it does share many of the same effects.

Oxycodone typically works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals. This results in a sensation of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. It is also good at alleviating anxiety and depressive states of mind.  

Forms of Oxycodone 

Endone, OxyContin, and OxyNorm are the three main brands of oxycodone available on the market. Each of these brands has different potency and duration of effect. Endone is a short-acting form of oxycodone with an average half-life of three hours. It is usually taken four to six times a day to maintain all-day pain relief. Doctors often prescribe it for acute pain, such as post-surgery or trauma pain.

OxyContin is a slow-release version that can last up to 12 hours, requiring only twice-daily dosing. It is suitable for chronic or long-term discomfort, such as pain caused by cancer or severe arthritis.

OxyNorm is another short-acting form of oxycodone but with a faster onset of action than Endone. It takes only about an hour to reach peak concentration in the blood, making it a more immediate option for pain relief. 

The Addictive Nature  

The addictive nature of oxycodone can be attributed to the rapid desensitization of the brain’s reward system. When you use this drug for some time, the opioid receptors start to become less receptive to its effects, leading to tolerance. This means that the user needs larger doses to achieve the same level of pain relief and euphoria experienced previously.

As a result, people often find themselves developing physical, psychological, and emotional dependence on oxycodone. They may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug, leading to cravings and a cycle of addiction. 

Signs and Symptoms of Oxycodone Abuse  

Early detection of oxycodone abuse is a critical step in addressing the problem. Recognizing the symptoms, which may be physical, psychological, or behavioral, can prevent the addiction from spiraling further out of control. 

Physical Indications  

Symptoms can vary from smaller, seemingly inconsequential changes, such as altered sleep patterns and a vague sense of being unwell, to more pronounced and distressing physical manifestations, including intermittent or chronic stomach issues, respiratory complications, and irregular heartbeats. You may also notice your pupils becoming dilated, especially when you start to reduce the frequency and dosage of oxycodone use.  

Psychological Indications

Mood swings are common in people who abuse oxycodone. You will notice increased irritability, depression, anxiety, and even aggression in someone who is frequently using this drug. Also, they may seem to lose interest in activities that once brought them joy and meaning.

On top of that, oxycodone is known to reduce cognitive performance, particularly in memory, language, and attention. Research indicates that individuals prescribed opioids have a 20% increased risk of intellectual decline beyond what is typical for normal aging. Opioids like oxycodone can also cause hallucinations, confusion, and delirium in certain cases. 

Behavioral Indications 

An individual’s behavior can also change after prolonged use of oxycodone. They may have difficulty concentrating or seem to be excessively lethargic and unmotivated. The drug takes hold of their mind and body, leading them down to a path of neglecting responsibilities, missing work or school, and neglecting personal hygiene.

Drug-seeking behavior is also common in those dependent on oxycodone. They may go to great lengths to obtain the drug, including lying, stealing, or manipulating others. As their tolerance for the drug increases, they may resort to taking higher doses or using it more frequently, risking dangerous and potentially lethal consequences. 

The Impact of Oxycodone Addiction 

Oxycodone dependency can lead to organ damage, increased susceptibility to infections, and changes in the functioning of the nervous system. It can also have serious effects on an individual’s mental health, leading to the development of mood disorders and worsening pre-existing conditions. In severe cases, it may even lead to coma or death.

Moreover, addiction to oxycodone can have a devastating impact on relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. The drug can cause individuals to become isolated, pushing loved ones away and straining relationships.

Frequent oxycodone use can lead to significant financial strain, as people may spend large amounts of money on obtaining a dose that meets their increasing tolerance levels. In case of addiction-related issues like arrests due to drug possession or driving under the influence, individuals may also face legal consequences, adding further stress and strain to their lives. 

The Road to Recovery: Understanding Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options  

The first step to recovery is realizing that you may have oxycodone use disorder and being willing to take the necessary steps to overcome it. Oxycodone rehabilitation centers only put you in a better position to stop using the drug, but the motivation to recover must come from within.

Rehabilitation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. In the case of oxycodone addiction, various treatment paths may be recommended, from inpatient medical options that provide round-the-clock care to outpatient programs offering more flexible scheduling. Here’s a closer look. 

Option 1. Detoxification 

When a person depends on something to the point where their body needs it to function, you cannot suddenly and completely take it from them. The body might go into shock and cause severe psychological reactions. In this case, a professional oxycodone addiction treatment plan will gradually wean a client off oxycodone through the use of other medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

For starters, oxycodone recovery programs mandate the appointment of a professional to evaluate your overall health, medical history, and opioid use pattern so as to determine a fitting detox regimen that works best for you. At Liberty Bay Recovery, we will factor in personality characteristics, like introversion vs. extroversion, to help build a supportive environment in which you’re likely to thrive.

Next, we will put you on an alternative drug that mimics the effects of oxycodone, like methadone or buprenorphine. These substances have longer half-lives, so they take a lot more time to exit the body, thereby minimizing withdrawal symptoms, and are less potent than oxycodone.

After a while, the body will adjust to the gradually reducing oxycodone levels, and the substitute drug will also be withdrawn. This process is known as tapering off and should only occur under medical supervision to avoid relapse or dangerous side effects.

The oxycodone detoxification process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual’s level of addiction and overall health. You’ll experience cravings, insomnia, gastrointestinal distress, and flu-like symptoms within the first two days of detox, but these will gradually subside as the body adjusts to the absence of oxycodone. 

Option 2. Behavioral Therapy  

Another oxycodone addiction therapy involves discovering and addressing the underlying psychological issues that may be driving your addiction. This method of treatment is achieved through behavioral therapy, which comes in different forms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and contingency management.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most common type used in oxycodone rehab centers. It helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to drug abuse. For instance, you may discover that your addiction is fueled by feelings of low self-esteem or past traumas. A therapist will work with you to develop coping mechanisms and healthier ways of dealing with these underlying issues.

Dialectical behavior therapy, on the other hand, focuses on helping you regulate your emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. It teaches skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation to help you manage difficult situations without turning to oxycodone for relief.

Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to promote abstinence from drugs. Through this method, you may receive rewards or incentives for remaining drug-free, such as vouchers, prizes, or privileges.

Overall, behavioral therapy is a crucial aspect of our oxycodone addiction treatment in Maine, as it helps address the physical dependence on the drug and the underlying psychological factors that contribute to addiction. It equips you with the necessary tools and skills to cope with triggers and cravings, manage stress and emotions, and maintain a drug-free lifestyle.  

Option 3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)  

MAT is a method that combines medication with behavioral therapy to treat oxycodone addiction. This approach is based on the understanding that addiction is a chronic brain disease, and medications can help alter brain chemistry and reduce cravings for drugs.

Three main FDA-approved medications are used in MAT for oxycodone addiction: Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone is a full opioid agonist. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as oxycodone but with a slower onset and longer duration of action. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that produces similar effects as methadone but with less intense and less addictive properties. It also has a ceiling effect, meaning that taking more of the medication will not result in increased effects. This makes it a safer option for long-term use.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks the effects of opioids by binding to receptors in the brain and preventing them from producing euphoria. It has no addictive properties and is typically used after detoxification to prevent relapse.

In addition to medication, MAT includes behavioral therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction. This may include individual or group counseling, support groups, and other therapeutic techniques. 

Liberty Bay Recovery: The Best Choice for Treatment  

Liberty Bay Recovery stands at the forefront of addiction treatment, offering comprehensive programs designed to support individuals through every step of their recovery. We provide a residential inpatient program, a partial hospitalization program, an intensive outpatient program, and a regular outpatient program.

We offer the best oxycodone addiction treatment Maine has to offer, with a team of experienced and compassionate professionals who are dedicated to helping clients overcome their substance use disorder and achieve lasting recovery. We emphasize an open-door policy to make our facility feel more like a home than a hospital, creating a comfortable and supportive environment for recovery. Our clients do not wear hospital gowns. We encourage them to bring their own comfortable clothes and provide access to laundry facilities.  

A Holistic Philosophy  

At Liberty Bay Recovery, our holistic philosophy is rooted in addressing every facet of addiction. This means treating the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person’s well-being. Our treatment plans are individualized to meet the unique needs of each client.

We offer activities such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to help clients manage stress and cravings in healthier ways. We also offer nutritional counseling and provide meals that are nutritious and appealing because proper nutrition is crucial in supporting the body’s healing process. 

Oxycodone Abuse Help: A Proven Record of Success  

Maine residents who have relied upon Liberty Bay Recovery have access to a proven record of success. Our treatment programs are evidence-based and rooted in the latest research and best practices in addiction treatment. We get five-star reviews from our clients and their families, and many of our alumni go on to live fulfilling, sober lives. 

Aftercare and Continued Support  

Rehabilitation is just the beginning. We also follow up with our clients after they complete their treatments, providing them with the necessary resources and support to maintain sobriety in the long run. This includes relapse prevention techniques, access to support groups, and ongoing therapy and counseling.

If a client prefers an individualized maintenance plan that caters specifically to their personal, social, and professional life, we can put that in place. Our goal is to support our clients in their recovery every step of the way. 

Empowering Oxycodone Addiction Recovery  

Recovering from oxycodone addiction is a challenging goal, but it is one you can attain with the right support and resources. Begin your journey with Liberty Bay Recovery, and experience the comprehensive, personalized care you need to rise above your addiction.