As of 2021, Oxycodone is one of the top five causes of drug overdose deaths in the United States.
No one wants to think about that possibility, especially if they’re prescribed oxycodone by a doctor. The good news is that taking oxycodone exactly as prescribed by your doctor is perfectly safe. Those overdoses happen when people take oxycodone outside of its intended purposes – whether it be against doctors’ orders, or they didn’t obtain it from a doctor at all.
If you have an opioid use disorder, we know what you’re going through. Many of our staff at Wolf Creek are in recovery now, and were once in your shoes. We still remember the pain that drove us to try opioids, and how quickly it spiraled out of control. It impacted our relationships, our jobs, and eventually, it felt like our entire lives revolved around taking (or thinking about taking) opioids. We know if you’re here, you or your loved one are experiencing something similar.
There is hope. You can take your life back. Wolf Creek’s oxycodone addiction treatment will empower you to do it.
What We Treat: Oxycodone Addiction
Our personal experience with substance use disorders gives us special insight into your experiences and what works and what doesn’t. We remember what helped us during our road to recovery, and we want to introduce you to evidence-based, individualized treatment that will change your life.
Oxycodone is just one of many substance use disorders we treat, but rest assured – we know it requires a different approach than a fentanyl use disorder or a heroin addiction. Even though they’re all opioids, they aren’t the same, and the care you receive shouldn’t be either.
What Happens in Oxycodone Addiction Treatment at Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek isn’t like other treatment centers. Instead of staying at our facility full-time, or returning to an environment that might not be conducive to your recovery, we provide supportive housing. That means you’ll have a safe place to live while undergoing treatment, without worrying about it feeling like a hospital, or losing all of your freedom.
You’ll attend various therapies during the day, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma therapy, and many other options we can work into your treatment plan based on your goals. We incorporate both individual and group therapy.
Recovery is an adventure in itself, but a little more so with Wolf Creek. Our beautiful location in Prescott, Arizona enables us to camp, canoe, paddleboard, and play all kinds of sports during treatment, and we do! It builds teamwork and problem-solving skills, but it’s also fun, and that’s an important part of healing, too.
Signs of an Oxycodone Addiction, According to the DSM-5 and Otherwise
It’s a good idea to get help for your oxycodone use if you’re worried about it at all. At the very least, contact your doctor. They can help you with the next steps. You can also call Wolf Creek, and we’ll give you an assessment to determine the kind of treatment that might benefit you.
There’s another way, though: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. This is the tool medical professionals use to officially diagnose substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder, which oxycodone addiction falls under. Here are just a few signs the DSM-5 says might indicate an oxycodone addiction:
- Taking more oxycodone than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop taking oxycodone
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from oxycodone
- Continuing to take oxycodone despite relational and/or health consequences
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Oxycodone Use
Oxycodone can have both beneficial and negative effects right away, even when you take it as prescribed. When you take it long-term, which is rarely recommended, it can have more serious health consequences.
Short-Term Effects
- Pain relief
- Constipation too much or not enough
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Relaxation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trouble breathing
Long-Term Effects
- Hormonal changes
- Sleep problems
- Higher risk of infections
- Higher risk of bone fractures
- Tolerance
- Higher risk of overdose
- Developing an opioid use disorder
The Dangers of Oxycodone Addiction: Can It Be Fatal?
People with opioid use disorders often develop a tolerance to the medication. That means they have to take higher doses to get the effects they want. This is the case for oxycodone, too. At higher dosages, you run the risk of overdosing on oxycodone, which can be fatal without immediate medical attention.
Aside from that, the long-term effects in the chart above are a concern. Even heart and lung problems are possible with excessive oxycodone use.
Finding Oxycodone Addiction Treatment in Prescott, AZ
If you’re wondering what the next step is, we have the answer: get started with treatment at Wolf Creek Recovery. We know it’s not that simple, though. It might be a scary and overwhelming step to take, but it’s the right one, and it will transform your life.
Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to meeting people in need exactly where they are, with treatment rooted in honesty, integrity, respect, compassion, and courage. Whether you’ve only been using oxycodone outside of its intended purpose for a little while, or it’s been several years – we want to hear from you and help you build a life you love. Call us at 833-732-8202 today.
FAQs
How can I help my loved one with an oxycodone addiction?
The best thing you can do is encourage your loved one to seek treatment.
How do I set up an intervention for someone with an oxycodone addiction?
Practice and write down what you want to say ahead of time. Know your facts, both about oxycodone, and your loved one’s habits of taking it. Approach them with honest concern and empathy. It might be helpful to research treatment centers ahead of time so you have something to propose to your loved one during the conversation. Involving other loved ones can also be helpful.
