Oxycodone Addiction

Oxycodone refers to an opioid analgesic medication, made from opium derived 'thebaine'. In short, it is your friendly painkiller, available over the counter. Painkillers having oxycodone are generally prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is primarily a nervous system depressant. This means that its modus operandi is stimulation of opioid receptors found in the central nervous system activating the responses ranging from pain relief to respiratory depression to euphoria. The flip side, though, is that it is addictive, thanks to the substance it is derived from, opium. It makes an individual easily dependent on it and then it leads to addiction.

Symptoms of Addiction
Usual and common addiction signs include shallow breathing and constipation, primarily. Dizziness, fatigue, lack of appetite and allied things which lead to umpteen other problems. For instance, shallow breathing leads to pulmonary failure and consequently death. Circulatory collapse, impotence, enlarged prostate gland, cold, clammy skin, hypotension and decreased testosterone secretion are few other signs and effects of overdose of oxycodone.`

Withdrawal Symptoms
There are several withdrawal symptoms when it comes to oxycodone drug addiction. These symptoms can be really horrific and pathetic. These symptoms are

• Perpetual tiredness
• Hot and cold sweats
• Heart palpitations
• Constant pain in joints and muscles
• Nausea
• Cough
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Watery eyes
• Sleeplessness
• Excessive yawning
• Depression

These withdrawal symptoms are the same as other opiate based painkillers.

Oxycodone Addiction and Pregnancy
Oxycodone addiction has dire consequences on the mother as well as the fetus. The effects are respiratory depression as well as withdrawal symptoms in the baby. As mentioned earlier, death of the mother as well as fetus is a possible consequence of addiction of oxycodone. Okay, this was pre-delivery. What happens when the baby is born to an addict mom? Well, the baby has to bear the brunt of the withdrawal, leading to strain on its organs, which are not even fully developed. This hampers the growth of the baby. Unfortunately, the withdrawal symptoms in infants are far more painful, than they are in adults.

Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction
One of the first things that are helpful in kick-starting the process of recovery from addiction is detox. This is akin to any other drug detoxification. Need I explain what is detoxification? To put it simply, detoxification means getting the toxins out of the body. In this case, oxycodone. One thing, though, must be kept in mind that all those who get addicted are not typical and hardcore drug addicts. The detoxification is done through accelerated neuro-regulation, which has by far been the most effective method in detoxification. This is also called the Waismann method. What happens here is patient sleeps during the phases of withdrawal. This leads to elimination of cravings which come along with traditional opiate detox treatment.

In addition to that, there is medical as well as a non-medical treatment for addiction to oxycodone. Needless to say, the non medical course of treatment involves stopping the consumption of the drug. This could be done in a rehabilitation center, or other patient support system. As far as medical treatment is concerned, one of the main approaches is to cut down on the dosage. Now this is done with the administration of Methadone. Methadone is a drug usually used for heroin addicts during withdrawal. In addition to that, Clonidine co administration is also a common practice. A behavior therapy too, could prove useful for getting out of this rut. Primarily, the aim of every detoxification program is to lower the dose gradually, till the person no longer craves for that.

Ultimately, oxycodone addiction stories tell a lot about how difficult it is to get out of this problem. Strong determination, will power and a support system of people close to you can help in getting the person out of this problem.

This is where I sign off! Take Care!