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Oxycodone Addiction (OxyContin, Percocet)

Oxycodone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant and an opioid analgesic medication. Currently it is best known as the main active ingredient in a number of oral medications commonly prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone medicine can be combined with inert binders (e.g., OxyContin); with acetaminophen (e.g., Percocet, Endocet, Tylox, and Roxicet); with aspirin (e.g., Percodan, Endodan, Roxiprin); and with ibuprofen (Combunox). Of the oral medications containing oxycodone, OxyContin is most notable for its potentials for hazardous use, harmful use, dependence, and diversion.

Oxycodone is derived from morphine (a naturally occuring opiate extracted from the opium poppy) and is legally prescribed for pain relief; it works by blocking the nerve receptors in the brain. This is opposed to over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which work differently by going to the site of the pain and blocking the signals at the site. Because of the nature and side effects of oxycodone, people may become highly addicted and build up a tolerance to it, thereby requiring large amounts to be taken over time to experience the same effects. Oxycodone produces a state of comfort and euphoria similar to that of heroin and the lesser opioid codeine. Oxycodone pills are designed to be swallowed whole; however, abusers ingest the drug in a variety of ways. Oxycodone abusers often chew the tablets or crush them and snort the powder. Because oxycodone is water-soluble, crushed tablets can be dissolved in water and the solution can be injected. The latter two methods lead to the rapid release and absorption of oxycodone, which leads to a quicker, more intense high. Some of the common and street names of oxycodone are:

› OxyContin
› Oxy
› Kicker
› OC
› OX
› Blue
› Oxycotton, oxycotin, oxycodone, oxycoton
› Hillbilly Heroin

How Oxycodone Affects the Body

The most serious risk associated with opiods including oxycodone is that a large single dose could cause severe respiratory depression that can lead to overdose and death. Oxycodone is particularly dangerous in abuse situations because crushing it and snorting nasally directs the chemical to the bloodstream very quickly. All opiates work on the part of the brain that controls breathing; an overdose of any of them can cause a user to stop breathing. If the user is alone at the time of overdose, he or she could die of suffocation. The inability to breathe is one of the leading causes of death in oxycodone overdose cases. (Warning labels on each bottle alert the user to this possibility.)

Oxycodone Withdrawal, Detox, Rehabilitation and Recovery

Withdrawal from oxycodone is very dangerous and should be done under medical supervision. The withdrawal can be very traumatic and sometimes fatal. A medically supervised opiate detox program is the safest way to rid the body of oxycodone and its effects. Many patients require assistance beyond pharmacological treatment of withdrawal symptoms and are treated with behavioral therapies and inpatient treatment.