Oxycodone and Oxycontin Addiction
You're not alone
Oxycodone is a powerful prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. OxyContin is a brand of modified-release oxycodone.
Dependence and addiction can develop, particularly with prolonged use, higher doses or use outside medical guidance.
You are not alone, and confidential help is available when you are ready.
What is Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid used for severe pain. It is available under several brand names, including OxyContin.
Because oxycodone acts on the brain’s opioid receptors, repeated use can lead to tolerance, physical dependence and addiction. Dependence can occur even when the drug is prescribed, which is why medical supervision is important.
Using oxycodone in ways other than prescribed, or combining it with alcohol or other sedating substances, can significantly increase the risk of overdose.
Recognising the Signs
Oxycodone addiction can affect behaviour, physical health and mental wellbeing. These signs may indicate that use is becoming difficult to control.
Behavioural Signs
- Neglecting personal appearance or hygiene
- Avoiding friends and family
- Missing work or family commitments
- Borrowing money or selling possessions
- Using more often or in larger amounts
- Finding it difficult to stop despite negative consequences
Physical & Psychological Signs
- Fever, sweating or clammy skin
- Muscle stiffness or twitching
- Nausea, vomiting or constipation
- Agitation or confusion
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Depression or anxiety
What Causes Oxycodone Addiction?
Oxycodone addiction can develop as the brain adapts to repeated opioid exposure. Tolerance may build, dependence can develop and cravings can make it increasingly difficult to control use.
Pain Relief & Reward
Oxycodone reduces pain and can also produce relaxation and euphoria, reinforcing repeated use.
Tolerance
With regular use, larger or more frequent doses may be needed to achieve the same effect.
Dependence
When the body becomes dependent, stopping can trigger withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings.
The Impact on Your Health
Oxycodone can affect physical and mental health, and overdose risk increases significantly when it is combined with alcohol or other sedating substances.
Physical Health Risks
- Extreme drowsiness or drifting in and out of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Loss of coordination
- Respiratory depression or respiratory arrest
- Overdose, coma or death
Mental & Behavioural Risks
- Agitation or confusion
- Depression and anxiety
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Strong cravings
- Impaired judgement
- Increasing preoccupation with obtaining or using oxycodone
- Mixing oxycodone with alcohol can be especially dangerous
Combining oxycodone with alcohol can greatly increase the risk of overdose, respiratory arrest, irregular heartbeat and coma. If someone is severely drowsy, unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call 999 immediately.
Your Path to Recovery
Recovery from oxycodone addiction is possible with professional support. Treatment usually involves safely managing withdrawal, addressing addictive behaviour and providing ongoing support to reduce relapse risk.
Medical Detox
Oxycodone withdrawal can be very uncomfortable. Medical supervision can help manage symptoms safely and reduce the risk of relapse during the early stages of recovery.
Residential Treatment
Residential rehab can provide a structured environment away from access to oxycodone, with medical care and therapy focused on both dependence and the underlying causes of addiction.
Ongoing Support
After detox or residential treatment, counselling, relapse-prevention work and aftercare can help manage cravings and support longer-term recovery.
Important: Do not stop prescribed oxycodone suddenly without medical advice. If you suspect an overdose, call 999 immediately.
Common Questions
FAQs
Here are some common questions based on the information already covered on this page. If you would rather speak to someone privately, our team is available to help.
What is oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. It can cause tolerance, dependence and addiction with repeated use.
What is OxyContin?
OxyContin is a brand of modified-release oxycodone designed to release the drug over a longer period.
Is oxycodone addictive?
Yes. Oxycodone can be addictive, particularly with prolonged use, higher doses or use outside medical guidance.
What are the signs of oxycodone addiction?
Signs can include neglecting responsibilities, withdrawing from loved ones, borrowing money, using more than intended and continuing despite negative consequences.
What are oxycodone withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms can include cravings, diarrhoea, dilated pupils, muscle aches, anxiety, irritability, abdominal pain and insomnia.
Why is mixing oxycodone with alcohol dangerous?
Alcohol and oxycodone both depress the central nervous system. Combining them can greatly increase the risk of respiratory arrest, overdose, coma and death.
How is oxycodone addiction treated?
Treatment may include medically supervised detox, residential or outpatient treatment, counselling and ongoing relapse-prevention support.
Other Addictions We Treat
Oxycodone is an opioid prescription medication. Step By Step Recovery also provides information and treatment support for other drug and alcohol addictions.
Prescription Drug Addiction
Learn more about prescription drug addiction, warning signs and treatment support.
Cannabis Addiction
Learn more about cannabis addiction, dependency and treatment support.
Cocaine Addiction
Learn more about cocaine addiction, its effects and available treatment support.
Three specialised Clinics
Drug and Alcohol Treatment in Essex, London and Birmingham
Step By Step Recovery operates three specialist clinics providing residential detox and rehabilitation in Essex and outpatient treatment in London and Birmingham. Wherever you are in the country, help is closer than you think.
RESIDENTIAL
Essex Clinic
- 1A Southchurch Avenue, Southend-On-Sea, SS3 9BA
- 01702 296 006
outpatient
London Clinic
- Finsgate House, 5 Cranwood Street, London, EC1V 9EE
- 0207 118 9400
outpatient
Birmingham Clinic
- Suite 201c Bradford Court Business Centre, 123 – 131 Bradford Street, Birmingham, B12 0NS
- 01702 296 006
Start Your Oxycodone Recovery Safely
Our team is available now for a free, confidential conversation about oxycodone addiction and your treatment options.
Your enquiry is completely confidential. We’re here to help, not to judge.