There has been a tremendous increase in opioid misuse and overdoses in recent years. In 2019, about 50,000 people died from an opioid overdose, with 73% of these deaths involving synthetic opioids. Since then, this figure has risen significantly. Provisional data from the CDC places the number of opioid overdoses in 2021 at approximately 75,000.
Opioids come in different forms sold under a range of brand names. One of the most common types of opioids is oxycodone, a powerful synthetic opioid present in prescription painkillers such as Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin, and Tylox. The drug usually binds itself to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and interrupts pain signals from traveling along the nerves to the brain. Oxycodone also has a euphoric effect and causes a sense of relaxation since it stimulates the production of dopamine. It can be hard to recognize when a loved one is slipping into oxycodone addiction, especially if you don’t know the signs to look out for. To help you, here are some common warning signs of oxycodone abuse. If you or someone you know is suffering from opioid abuse and is looking for opioid treatment in Kansas City call us today!
Signs of oxycodone abuse
Oxycodone abuse presents itself in various ways. The symptoms may grow severe and overwhelming with continued use.
Physical signs
• Dilated pupils
• Drowsiness
• Weight loss
• Short attention span
• Faint pulse
• Shallow, slow, or labored breathing
• Numbness to pain
• Coordination or balance problems
Cognitive signs
• Impaired judgment
• Impaired memory
• Difficulty concentration or focusing
• Poor spatial relations
Behavioral signs
• Visiting multiple doctors to secure prescriptions
• Lying, secrecy, and deception
Psychosocial symptoms
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Loss of interest in important activities
• Uncontrollable anger
The dangers of oxycodone
Oxycodone is indeed highly effective at treating pain. Unfortunately, its dangers can be just as profound. Because of its euphoric effects, oxycodone is very addictive, hence the reason many will abuse it despite the risks. Like most opioids, oxycodone usually interacts with areas of the brain that control respiration and heart rate. With continued abuse, a person runs the risk of experiencing cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks. Abuse can also lead to seizures, comas, soft-tissue infections, liver disease, kidney disease, and much more. In the worst-case scenario, an opioid abuser can potentially experience a fatal overdose.
Once addicted, a person is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit. Some common withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings for oxycodone, profuse sweating, runny nose, and watery eyes, irritability, insomnia, diarrhea, body aches, headaches, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and more.
Treatment
Like other opiates, oxycodone withdrawal is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. That’s why it’s recommended that abusers get medical-assisted treatment. Medical-Assisted Treatment of oxycodone addiction does not only reduces withdrawal symptoms but it can also foster long-term recovery by reducing cravings.
At National Suboxone Doctors, we offer highly effective opioid treatment in Kansas City to help patients overcome opioid addiction. Reshape your life’s path with our comprehensive and personalized Suboxone treatment. Get in touch us with today to schedule a consultation with one of our highly experienced Suboxone doctors.