Oxycodone is an opioid sometimes used to relieve severe pain. Though this drug can be useful in some medical situations, it also comes with many downsides. Oxycodone, like many other opioids, is highly addictive. If you’re experiencing addiction, getting help is vital.
If you’re currently taking oxycodone or considering it, you may be wondering about its effects. Specifically, you may want to know how long it takes to develop an addiction. Learning more about the addictive effects of this opioid can help you understand the risks associated and whether addiction treatment is right for you.
How long does it take to become addicted to oxycodone?
Oxycodone addiction can happen quickly, even within a few weeks and even if taken as prescribed by a doctor. If you are taking oxycodone in high doses (more than 10-15 mg per day), you may be at an especially high risk of developing addiction. Oxycodone affects the brain by triggering feelings of pleasure and relaxation. These feelings can be intense but short-lived, causing those who take oxycodone to want more. Even short-term use of oxycodone can lead to opioid use disorder (OUD) (the medical term for opioid use disorder). In some cases, people who take oxycodone for a period of even a few or weeks end up experiencing addiction.
Oxycodone use, whether accompanied by addiction or not, comes with many risks and negative effects. Some potential negative effects of oxycodone use include:
- Overdose risk — As with other opioids, oxycodone use can come with a risk of overdose. The effects of overdose may include nausea, stomach spasms, and shallow breathing. In some cases, overdose can lead to coma and death. Using oxycodone while also taking alcohol or other “downers” like benzodiazepines is especially dangerous. Also, using oxycodone again after a period of abstinence is associated with a particularly high overdose risk, experts say. This may be due to a lowered tolerance and misjudging dosage.
- Health challenges — Full-strength opioids like oxycodone are not good for your body, even if taken as prescribed. Long-term use impacts almost every organ system in your body, especially your nervous system (brain, nerves, mood, pain tolerance, etc.), and your endocrine system (hormones). The liver especially may be affected. Damage to your organs can lead to further health problems later on, such as breathing problems. Underscoring these risks is the research finding that people who take oxycodone long term (whether addicted or not) have a significantly higher risk of death (from all causes) than the general population.
- Financial struggles — Obtaining oxycodone, especially without a prescription, can be expensive. When someone is experiencing addiction, they may see buying drugs as a necessity. This can lead to financial struggles, as they may spend money on opioids instead of essentials like food and housing. Opioid addiction can also lead to increased financial burdens such as additional health care costs. One study found that the monthly health care cost among those with opioid use disorder was $1,049, compared to $173 for the control group.
- Legal difficulties — Using oxycodone without a prescription is illegal in the United States. Oxycodone is a controlled substance. Possessing and using oxycodone illegally may lead to major fines and even prison time. According to one 2022 government report, 46% of all people in federal prison were serving time for a drug-related offense.
- Relationship strain — Experiencing addiction can cause people to withdraw from friends and family. This can happen for many reasons. If you’re experiencing addiction, you may find yourself pulling away from family due to shame. You may also see social withdrawal as a way to protect yourself or others. This social withdrawal can strain your relationships with close friends and family members. You may have a hard time maintaining trust, and the relationships that are important to you may suffer as a result.
How can addiction treatment help you?
If you want to start working toward recovery, seeking treatment can be a key first step. A good treatment provider can offer the compassionate support and guidance you need to maintain your recovery efforts. Some ways addiction treatment might help you include:
- Improved health — Treatment can help you improve your overall well-being. During treatment, you might notice progress in your physical, emotional, and mental health. Your provider may help you maintain progress through frequent support group meetings. You may also benefit from medications like Suboxone. Suboxone works to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Taking Suboxone can help you find relief and focus on improving your health while you’re in recovery.
- Social connection — Group therapy can provide a sense of social connection and belonging. It can also bring encouragement through peer support. Talking to other people who understand your experience can help you get insights into your own situation and stay motivated.
- Life-goal assistance — Life-goal assistance is a major benefit of getting treatment. It centers on helping you achieve goals outside of maintaining recovery. These goals might include finding a new job or getting access to food programs. With life-goal assistance, your treatment provider can help you build the life you want and deserve.
Work toward opioid use disorder recovery with Groups
If you’re looking to recover from oxycodone addiction, finding a good treatment provider is important. Groups can be a great option. At Groups, recovery is our top priority. Our treatment approach is comprehensive and customized to each member’s needs.
Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today to learn more about how we can help you or to begin your recovery. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your state, you can locate other treatment options here.
