Oxycodone is an extremely potent prescription opioid medication. Due to its strength, prescriptions are typically reserved for terminally ill or post-surgery patients. Diluted forms of oxycodone are more commonly prescribed for less severe ailments. These diluted forms are commonly available in combination with other analgesics such as aspirin or acetaminophen. 

Under Purdue Pharma, oxycodone was manufactured and marketed as “Oxycontin” beginning in 1995. Praised as a medical breakthrough in pain management, Oxycontin generated billions in revenue for Purdue Pharma since its inception; However, there have been over 400,000 Oxycontin-related deaths in the last twenty-five years, which has resulted in over 2,000 lawsuits against Purdue Pharma. Due to the discovery of unethical marketing practices by Purdue, OxyContin is no longer in circulation. Oxycodone, however, continues to be prescribed for pain. 

Due to it being twice as potent as morphine, oxycodone is highly addictive and life-threatening when abused. As stated in the CDC’s National Vital Statistics Report, oxycodone use ranked first in overdose deaths in 2011 with 5,587 overdose fatalities that year. 

There has been a slight decline in oxycodone use in recent years due to the growing presence of fentanyl, a cheaper, more potent synthetic opioid. Despite this decrease, oxycodone remains a very serious concern in the United States in comparison to other parts of the world. 

The Oxycodone Addiction & High

Oxycodone is typically taken orally in pill form but can also be injected or crushed and snorted. Oxycodone relieves severe pain when if taken as directed; However, if abused, oxycodone produces a long-lasting high due to the extended-release qualities of the drug. When misused or abused, the user experiences: 

• Feelings of euphoria

• Depressed breathing 

• Numbness

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Decreased heart rate 

• Confusion 

Signs of Oxycodone Abuse 

Long-term oxycodone addiction can cause irreversible damage and overdose fatality. There are indicators that an individual may be abusing this opioid. These signs include: 

• Hallucinations 

• Depression

• Weight Loss

• Extreme fatigue

• Insomnia

• Seizures

• Heart failure

• Coma

• Death 

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Oxycodone is highly addictive and life-threatening when abused. It is extremely important to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling with this addiction. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists utilize a 12-step program and practice holistic rehabilitation. 

Addiction Services at the center include:

Partial Hospitalization Program – At Asheville Recovery Center we offer a partial hospitalization program for clients who need post-residential treatment as well as for clients who need primary treatment but are unable to enroll in inpatient programs. Our PHP track offers a variety of therapeutic services and benefits to individuals in early recovery from substance addiction. Our day program is full-time, offering all of the clinical hours provided in residential treatment (from 9 am to 5 pm) with the benefit of allowing clients to return home to a structured sober living environment at night. This gives individuals the opportunity to build a community of peers and practice life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and self-care, while still participating in immersive and intensive clinical addiction and trauma treatment.

Outpatient Rehabilitation – During intensive outpatient treatment, clients live at home or in a sober living residence which can help keep them accountable for their recovery commitment. Our staff coordinates with local, reputable sober living homes to ensure that our clients are living in a safe place and that their needs are being met, even when they are not at clinical sessions. During this time, clients are also encouraged to become involved in local twelve-step fellowships, to find sponsors, and to begin working the steps of recovery through participation in these groups. IOP is a place where clients can process their experiences in twelve-step fellowships and support one another in those individual journeys.

Addiction is difficult to overcome alone. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with oxycodone abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call (828)518-6996 and speak with an addiction expert today.