It started out as a simple prescription, and you didn’t give it a second thought. You never misused a medication before, so why should this be any different? But in what seemed like no time, the oxycodone stopped relieving the pain, and you found yourself needing just a bit more. As time went on, the need for higher doses increased, while your overall health decreased. And now you’re left wondering, “could this possibly be an addiction?”
Oxycodone addiction is accompanied by many physical, behavioral, and mental health symptoms. Dilated pupils, slowed breathing, efforts to fraudulently obtain more oxycodone, and obsessive thinking about it are hallmark signs that you may have a substance use disorder.
In West Virginia, roughly 83% of all overdose deaths are from opioids. If you have questions about oxycodone, substance use disorders, or addiction, we’re here to help. At Hope for Tomorrow, we believe that treatment today makes tomorrow a whole lot better. We specialize in dual diagnosis, so if you also have a mental health condition, recovery is possible, and you are welcome here.
It’s important to note that taking a prescription medication with a risk of physical dependence doesn’t mean you will develop a substance use disorder. This is true for oxycodone, too. However, there may be times when you don’t realize how your relationship with oxycodone has changed.
This is where knowing the signs of an oxycodone use disorder is helpful. The following physical changes are important signals, and may indicate it’s time to seek help:
In an overdose situation, symptoms can escalate quickly and dangerously. Watch carefully for signs such as:
If you observe a slow heartbeat, loss of consciousness, or difficulty waking them, seek emergency medical help immediately—these symptoms indicate a life-threatening overdose.
An oxycodone use disorder not only impacts your physical health, but it can also affect your mental and emotional well-being. Understanding these psychological signs can help you decide whether it may be time to seek professional help.
Oxycodone overuse can lead to noticeable shifts in your behavior and social interactions. For example, you may find yourself increasingly withdrawn from friends, family, and activities you once enjoyed. Obtaining and engaging with oxycodone can become your primary focus, causing you to neglect other parts of your life. This may lead to a decline in your performance at work or school, as well as habitual absences. Financial difficulties may arise, prompting behaviors such as borrowing, stealing, or deceiving others to support your addiction.
Common behavioral changes include:
Emotionally, long-term oxycodone use, outside of medical guidance, can cause changes to your brain’s balance. Your mental health may experience heightened anxiety, panic attacks, depression, or hopelessness. You may notice yourself becoming irritable or feeling disconnected from the world around you. If you also have a co-existing mental health condition, it’s likely to become more difficult to manage.
Mental health symptoms typically include:
Prolonged oxycodone use can impair cognitive functions that are critical for daily life, such as memory, judgment, and decision-making.
Key cognitive impacts include:
Denial and minimization are common side effects of any substance use disorder. You might downplay the severity of your substance use or blame other things for problems caused by your oxycodone use. This defensive thinking can make it tough to reach out for support and treatment when you really need it.
Indicators of denial include:
Recognizing these psychological effects is one of the first steps toward recovery. With compassionate support and treatment, overcoming oxycodone addiction and reclaiming your emotional and mental health is entirely possible.
Being aware of what increases the risk of developing an oxycodone use disorder can help you spot vulnerabilities early. This allows you or your loved one to take steps toward prevention or early intervention.
Genetic influences: Just like other health conditions, genetics can play a role in substance use. If other family members have a substance use disorder, you may be at higher risk due to genetic factors. These inherited traits can influence how your body and brain respond to opioids, potentially making them more appealing or habit-forming.
Environmental factors: Your surroundings and experiences can significantly influence your risk of developing an addiction to oxycodone. For instance, having easy access to prescription opioids, whether at home, through friends, or elsewhere, increases temptation and the likelihood of misuse.
Peer pressure and social circles: Stressful life experiences such as trauma, loss, or major transitions can increase vulnerability for substance use disorders. Certain socioeconomic conditions, like financial hardship, can also leave an impact.
Psychological aspects: Mental health is one of the leading causes of substance use disorders. If you have untreated depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health disorders, oxycodone use might feel like a temporary escape or relief. This can make it easier to develop dependence.
By recognizing these factors early, you can seek guidance and support. Awareness is a powerful step toward prevention and recovery.
Prolonged oxycodone use can affect your respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and cognitive function. It also puts you at risk of an overdose and, if injected, increases your chances of contracting an infectious disease.
Long-term use of oxycodone comes with significant health risks. If you’ve been using it outside of a doctor’s care, it may be time to consider reaching out for help.
If you’re concerned a loved one may be using oxycodone, watch for key signs such as withdrawal from social activities, unexplained financial troubles, secrecy, or discovering pills and drug paraphernalia.
Physically, they might exhibit any of the symptoms listed above. Emotionally, you might notice increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or declining performance at school or work. Withdrawal symptoms, like sweating, chills, nausea, intense cravings, and insomnia, may also indicate dependence.
Recognizing these signs early can help you step in compassionately and support your loved one’s journey toward recovery.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with an oxycodone use disorder, the first step is reaching out for professional help. You don’t need to navigate this alone—support, treatment, and recovery are within your reach.
At Hope for Tomorrow’s oxycodone rehab facility, we understand that everyone’s path to recovery is unique. We proudly welcome all individuals, including pregnant women, veterans, couples, and people with complex medical conditions. Our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you receive treatment today for a better tomorrow. Take that first step toward reclaiming your life today by calling us at (877) 679-8162. We’re here for you—ready to help, whenever you’re ready to start.
What are the most common signs of opioid abuse disorder?
The most common signs of opioid abuse disorder include increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, behavioral changes, physical symptoms like pinpoint pupils, and continued use despite negative consequences.
What are the symptoms of taking too much oxycodone?
Symptoms of taking too much oxycodone (overdose) include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, shallow or slowed breathing, slow heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and potentially coma or death.
What are some red flags associated with opioid addiction?
Red flags of opioid addiction include frequent requests for medication refills, unexplained financial difficulties, secretive behavior, social withdrawal, mood swings, changes in appearance or hygiene, noticeable weight loss, persistent drowsiness, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug isn’t available.
