Overcoming Addiction: A Comprehensive Guide to Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Addiction Goes Beyond Illicit Drugs

Usually, when people talk about addiction, they do so in reference to illicit drugs. But, it is important to note that even prescription medications can cause addiction.

This often results when they are not used properly, as is the case with oxycodone.

What to Expect from This Article

In this article, we will explore what oxycodone is and how oxycodone addiction occurs. We will also talk about the variety of oxycodone addiction treatment options available.    

Are you looking for help for addiction? Are you curious about what oxycodone addiction treatment might look like? Read on to find out more about oxycodone addiction and treatment.

What is Oxycodone Addiction?

Oxycodone addiction is a chronic medical condition. It is characterized by the compulsive use of the prescription opioid medication oxycodone. This use continues despite the harmful consequences of the drug.

This addiction results from changes in the brain caused by prolonged oxycodone use.

What is Oxycodone?

Oxycodone is commonly prescribed for pain management.²

It is a potent opioid with a high potential for misuse. This is due to its ability to produce feelings of euphoria and intense relaxation.

The Cycle of Addiction

To fully understand oxycodone addiction, it’s crucial to examine the cycle of addiction. It’s also important to examine how it leads people to seek oxycodone addiction treatment.

Initially, people may take the medication as prescribed for pain relief. But, over time, some people begin to use the drug outside the boundaries of a medical prescription. This can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

Physical Dependence​

Physical dependence is characterized by the body’s adaptation to the presence of the drug. It causes withdrawal symptoms when the use of oxycodone is reduced or stopped.

Psychological Dependence

Psychological dependence is characterized by an intense desire or compulsion to continue using the drug. This persists despite an awareness of its harmful consequences. This is when oxycodone addiction treatment becomes necessary.

Fortunately, oxycodone addiction treatment can be effective in treating addiction.

What are the Available Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options?

Medically Supervised Detoxification

The first step in any oxycodone addiction treatment is detoxification. Detoxification is the process by which the body is cleansed of the drug.

Given the severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur during detox, it’s crucial for this process to be medically supervised. Healthcare professionals can monitor and manage symptoms.

This helps to ensure the patient’s safety and comfort.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

This is an essential part of many successful oxycodone addiction treatment plans. MAT involves the use of medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. It also helps to reduce cravings and normalize body functions.³

Drugs Used in MAT

Some commonly used drugs in MAT include:

• Methadone: This slow-acting opioid agonist. It helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Note that methadone does not produce the “high” associated with oxycodone use.

• Buprenorphine: Like methadone, buprenorphine manages withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings. It’s a partial opioid agonist. This means it produces less euphoria and poses a lower risk of misuse.

• Naltrexone: This medication works differently than methadone and buprenorphine. Instead of managing withdrawal symptoms, naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids. This reduces the desire to use oxycodone.

Behavioral Therapies

These are a core part of any oxycodone addiction treatment plan. 

Behavioral therapies can help patients change their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. They can increase healthy life skills and be combined with other forms of treatment, such as medication.

Below are some examples of therapies.⁴

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a common therapeutic approach in oxycodone addiction treatment. This therapy helps people understand their thoughts and feelings that lead to drug misuse.

It also helps them develop coping strategies to deal with situations that might trigger drug use.

Contingency Management (CM)

This therapeutic approach offers tangible rewards to people who demonstrate desirable behaviors. This can include behaviors like remaining drug-free.

CM is an effective part of an oxycodone addiction treatment plan.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a counseling approach to oxycodone addiction treatment. It helps people resolve their ambivalence about engaging in treatment and stopping drug use.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT involves standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation. It combines them with concepts of:

• Distress tolerance
• Acceptance
• Mindful awareness

This therapy can be beneficial for people struggling with dual diagnoses.

Residential and Outpatient Treatment Programs

Both of these options play crucial roles in oxycodone addiction treatment: 

Residential Treatment

Residential treatment offers a supportive and structured environment. This environment is beneficial for people with severe addiction or those with a dual diagnosis.

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs offer flexibility. They allow individuals to continue with their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.

Support Groups

Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can play a vital role in oxycodone addiction treatment. They offer a community of people who are experiencing similar struggles. These groups can provide:

• Emotional support
• Shared experiences
• Coping strategies

Which Method is Best?

The best oxycodone addiction treatment plans are a combination of these methods. They are tailored to the person’s needs and supervised by a team of healthcare professionals.

With the right treatment, people with oxycodone addiction can recover and return to a healthy, productive life.

What Does the Process of Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Look Like?

Oxycodone addiction treatment is a comprehensive process that involves several key stages. These steps may overlap or recur. Individuals may need to return to earlier stages at times.

Below is a step-by-step overview of a typical treatment process.

Recognition and Acknowledgment

Oxycodone addiction treatment starts with the recognition of the problem. The person needs to acknowledge the issue of addiction to make treatment effective.

Intervention

The person struggling with addiction may fail to recognize their condition. In such cases, a formal or informal intervention may be necessary to start the oxycodone addiction treatment process.

Assessment and Diagnosis

The initial phase of oxycodone addiction treatment is a thorough assessment. It is often conducted by a healthcare professional specializing in addiction.

This assessment will help to establish the severity of the addiction and identify any co-occurring disorders (like mental health issues). It will also help determine the most suitable treatment approach.

Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are often used.

Detoxification

Detox is often the first step in active oxycodone addiction treatment. During this stage, the body clears itself of oxycodone and any other substances.

Because withdrawal from oxycodone can be severe and sometimes life-threatening, detox should always be medically supervised.

Medications like buprenorphine or methadone may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient/Residential Treatment or Outpatient Treatment

Based on the initial assessment, patients may get directed to either residential (inpatient) or outpatient oxycodone addiction treatment.

Residential Programs

Residential treatment programs offer around-the-clock care and a structured treatment environment. It is ideal for individuals with severe addiction or those with a dual diagnosis.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs, on the other hand, provide more flexibility. They are often better suited for people with less severe addiction.

They are also good for people with substantial responsibilities at work or home.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MAT is a core component of many successful oxycodone addiction treatment programs. MAT involves the use of medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

These medications also help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapies are a key component of comprehensive oxycodone addiction treatment. It helps people learn healthy life skills and adhere to their treatment plans.

Aftercare and Ongoing Support

Once the initial phase of oxycodone addiction recovery is complete, aftercare becomes essential. This stage can include:

• Ongoing counseling
• Support groups
• Other recovery resources

The goal of aftercare is to support long-term recovery and prevent relapse. It also helps individuals adapt to life without oxycodone.

Family Involvement

Families can play a crucial role in oxycodone addiction treatment. Family therapy can help to repair relationships and improve communication. It can also help create a supportive home environment.

This can enhance the effectiveness of treatment.

The process of oxycodone addiction treatment is multi-dimensional and individualized. But each of these processes is important in affecting recovery from addiction.

What to Expect During the Oxycodone Detox Process

The detoxification phase is a crucial stage in oxycodone addiction treatment. But, it isn’t always straightforward. It is important for you and your loved ones to know what to expect during this phase to facilitate recovery.

Below is an explanation of what the detoxification process in oxycodone addiction treatment looks like.

Supervised Medical Detoxification

Detoxification in oxycodone addiction treatment should always be medically supervised. This is because withdrawal from oxycodone can be highly uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous without proper care.

Medical supervision ensures safe, effective detox and immediate response to any complications.

Withdrawal Symptoms

During the detox phase of treatment, the person is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include symptoms such as:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Rapid heartbeat.

How Long Do These Symptoms Last?

The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary based on different factors. Some of these factors include:

• The length of addiction
• The amount of drugs used
• Individual health conditions

Medication Management

As part of the detox process in oxycodone addiction treatment, healthcare professionals may administer medications. These help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. 

Emotional Support

Emotional and psychological support is also an integral part of the detox stage in addiction treatment. This can involve counseling or therapy. It helps the person cope with the emotional impact of withdrawal.

The Duration of Detox

The duration of detox in oxycodone addiction treatment can vary based on several factors. But, the major determinant is the person’s level of dependency on the drug. 

Generally, withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours to a few days after the last dose. They can last from a week to several weeks.

Physical Monitoring

Regular physical check-ups are part of the detox process in oxycodone addiction treatment. Healthcare professionals monitor vital signs and overall health status. This helps them ensure the patient is safely navigating withdrawal.

Post-Detox Transition

Following detox in the treatment process, it is crucial to transition to the next phase of treatment. This typically involves therapeutic interventions, such as:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy,
• Group therapy
• Family therapy

The aim is to address the psychological aspects of addiction and equip the person with strategies to prevent relapse.

Important Note About Detox

Remember, the detoxification phase is just the first step in oxycodone addiction treatment. Detoxification mainly manages physical dependency. But, the psychological component of addiction is addressed in subsequent treatment phases.

It is essential to continue with a comprehensive addiction treatment program following detox. This will enhance the chances of long-term recovery.

Get Effective Oxycodone Addiction Treatment at Rockland Recovery

Are you currently struggling with oxycodone addiction? Do you know someone struggling with oxycodone addiction? If so, and you are looking for effective oxycodone addiction treatment, then Rockland Recovery is here to help.

Our Treatment Approaches

At Rockland Recovery, we offer a wide variety of treatments. They range from evidence-based clinical approaches to more holistic therapies. All of these are aimed at helping heal the whole person.

Our treatment approaches are tailored to an individualized course of treatment that will suit your needs.

Our Treatment Programs

We also offer several treatment programs ranging from inpatient treatment to a partial hospitalization program (PHP). With so many options, you will always be able to select one that’s perfect for you.

Contact Rockland Recovery Today

Overcoming oxycodone addiction is challenging, but it is not impossible. Rockland Recovery is ready to help you meet your recovery goals.

Reach out to us today for more information about our programs.