Roxicodone abuse has become increasingly popular since 2010. When OxyContin and other Oxycodone products received stricter regulation due to their high abuse, Roxicodone’s popularity soared. As a result, Roxicodone soon became the drug of choice for opiate addicts. However, many addicts remain unfamiliar with many of the risks of this potent medication. Let’s explore some shocking Roxicodone addiction facts to learn more about this drug.
What’s Roxicodone?
Generally, Roxicodone, the brand-name for Oxycodone, is a prescription medication that helps treat severe pain. Other important Roxicodone addiction facts to point out include that the drug is commonly misspelled as Roxycodone. The drug was first synthesized in 1916 and abused for its euphoric effects straightaway. The semi-synthetic opioid analgesic is highly addictive, and as a result of its high abuse, is a Schedule II narcotic.
As a result, many users struggle with dependency issues, both physically and psychologically, on the medication. There are several reasons why “Roxys,” the slang term for the drug, have become the drug of choice for many opiate pill users over the last several years.
In fact, many addicts report receiving their first opiate prescription from a medical professional or family member. Surprisingly family members of addicts often fail to realize that the first drug of choice of many young addicts was easily accessible in the family medicine cabinet. As a result, it is critical that parents properly dispose of their unused medications, sleeping pills, and other prescriptions drug as a way to prevent substance abuse.
Let’s explore more about this medication and other Roxicodone addiction facts
What’s the Difference with Oxycodone?
Roxicodone and Oxycodone are both classified as Opioid drugs. However, the first one, Roxies, affects the central nervous system almost immediately. Roxy medication acts fast to tackle moderate to severe pain. As a result, the instant rush of pleasure and pain-relieving medicine is what makes it highly addictive.
Oxycodone, on the other hand, helps with sustained pain relief. It gives people an ongoing satisfaction that calms pain for a prolonged time, due to the medication’s time-released properties.
What Causes Roxicodone Addiction?
There isn’t a single cause of Roxy addiction. Instead, it’s a combination of factors that build up to a Roxicodone addiction. Everything from genetics, brain chemistry, and even environmental factors plays a significant role. The large number of prescriptions written for the drug also contributes to the drug’s popularity.
Genetics
There’s research that says addiction can be genetic. Those with first-degree relatives with an addiction are more likely to develop a substance dependency in the future.
Brain Chemistry
Opiates like Roxicodone affect the central nervous system. In fact, some researchers suggest that individuals lacking the proper function of this system, or have a chemical imbalance, are more prone to abuse narcotics. Additionally, narcotics like Roxicodone are fast-acting, leading to the user experiencing an instant rush.
Environment
It is important to realize, people who grow up in environments surrounded by chaos and addiction are more likely to believe drug abuse is normal. When children see narcotics as normal behavior in the home, they are more likely to try them later. Additionally, people who start experimenting with drugs at an earlier age have a higher chance of becoming an addict.
Psychological
Is there a relationship between mental illness and addiction? Studies show that people with undiagnosed or untreated mental conditions are more likely to abuse substances. Drugs and alcohol are generally used as a coping mechanism to deal with emotional pain or discomfort. In general, drugs are a way for individuals to self-medicate and treat their mental illness symptoms.
Roxicodone (Roxycodone) Addiction Signs
Although Roxicodone abuse symptoms vary, they fall into mood disturbances, behavior, psychological functioning, and physical functioning. Here are some of the signs and symptoms someone is misusing Roxicodone.
Mood Disturbances:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Anger
- Irritability
- Euphoria
Behavioral Disturbances:
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Financial problems
- Forging prescriptions
- Tampering with prescriptions
- Borrowing or stealing from family or friends
- Using more than one doctor to obtain prescriptions
- Failing to meet demands at work, home, and school
- Withdrawing from hobbies and pleasurable activities
- Frequent trips to emergency rooms with vague complaints of pain
Psychological Disturbances:
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Clouding of consciousness
Physical Disturbances:
- Shock
- Sweats
- Itching
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Nodding off
- Constipation
- Cardiac arrest
- Urinary retention
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Circulatory depression
- Decreased respiratory rate
- Increased respiratory infections
Am I Addicted to Roxicodone?
People don’t become full-blown Roxicodone addicts overnight. It’s vital to ask yourself and those you love these questions to spot the early stages of Roxicodone addiction.
- Have you tried to stop or control your use of this medication without success?
- Do people around you complain about your sudden mood changes?
- Has someone brought up the idea that you might be addicted to Roxicodone or other drugs?
- Are you in financial or legal stress?
- Do you have trouble at work or at school?
- Do you find yourself using more of the drug to manage your mental health?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, you might have a problem. We recommend that you seek immediate medical attention and consider talking to an addiction specialist. It appears you might be in the early stages of developing an addiction to your prescription medication.
Statistics Around Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone is a highly addictive drug. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Roxicodone statistics show:
- More than 232,000 Americans have died to an overdose involving prescription opioids from 1999 to 2018.
- In 2017, there were 58 opioid prescriptions for every 100 Americans.
- In 2018, 41 people died each day from an opioid-related overdose.
- Over 9 percent of all Americans will abuse opiates in their lifetime.
- Over 13 million people abuse Oxycodone (the active ingredient in Roxicodone).
While there is no doubt prescription opioid deaths are decreasing, over six years, prescriptions for high-dosage opioids remain stable. Thus, to fight the substance abuse epidemic, prescribers need to look for other pain relief medications that aren’t as addictive.
Side Effects Of Roxicodone Addiction
Roxicodone is an immediate-release form of Oxycodone. Because of this quick release, many use this medication recreationally, which quickly forms a physical dependency. The effect of Roxicodone is the reaction the receptions have on the brain and central nervous system.
Roxicodone attaches itself to the same receptions as heroin, which, as a result, creates a rush of dopamine. Thus, the user continually desires to chase the rush of dopamine again and again.
Additionally, there are several adverse effects of the medication. The most common side effects are vomiting, drowsiness, hypotension, and insomnia. Users of the drug are encouraged to speak to a medical professional before stopping the medication.
If taken with medicines that interact, such as over the counter medicines, allergy medications, or sleeping pills — Roxicodone can cause shallow breathing or drowsiness. Common side effects of Roxicodone abuse also include reduced respiration and heartbeat, constipation, loss of appetite, and pupil size reduction.
More severe side effects of Roxicodone abuse include seizures, severe muscle weakness, and respiratory failure.
Most Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Roxicodone withdrawal symptoms can be intense and life-threatening. Patients shouldn’t abruptly stop Roxicodone use. As a result, addicts are encouraged to seek detox treatment to lower their drug dose slowly. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cold or allergic reactions
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Irritability
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia
Withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the dosage, time abusing, and other personal indicators. Medical help is always necessary when trying to stop using medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate Abuse and Addiction In the United States
Chronic pain affects more than 25 million people in the United States, according to recent studies from 2020. As a result, doctors must find a way to integrate pain management practices while reducing the risk of addiction.
There are non-narcotic prescriptions available; however, most consumers are unaware of these medications and their benefits. The medical community must become more aware of alternative options before prescribing narcotic drugs for minor pain. Alternatively, patients should also expand their knowledge of alternative medications that have a lower risk of adverse health effects.
Treatment Options
People who want to stop the misuse of prescription drugs should again consult with medical professionals. Having appropriate medical assistance is essential for drug addiction recovery.
Roxicodone Detox
Generally, the first step of recovery is medical detox. Here, patients receive monitoring to ensure they are safe while alleviating the harsh symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
While some people might be wary of medications to treat addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be helpful. The idea is to prescribe medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone in a controlled environment.
With time, these medications help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and minimize the urge to continue using Roxicodone. To emphasize, this isn’t a standalone treatment. Ideally, medication-assisted treatment complements behavioral therapy to help manage a person’s addictive behavior.
Drug Addiction Therapy
In the long run, therapy is a vital part of drug addiction treatment. Some addicts choose an inpatient drug rehab program, while others prefer an outpatient program instead. Regardless of the type of treatment plan, they all incorporate behavioral therapies to help individuals learn to cope with skills to manage triggers that lead to substance use.
For example, one of the most popular therapies includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Here, patients generally focus on their thoughts and behaviors that relate to their substance use. It can also help address underlying mental health issues that may contribute to addiction.
Additionally, family support programs that involve family and friends to encourage someone’s recovery are frequently part of drug rehab.
Dual-Diagnosis Programs
Most people struggling with addiction to Roxicodone also experience co-occurring disorders, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Borderline personality disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Schizophrenia
Enlisting in a dual-diagnosis program can be equally important. Through these types of treatments, patients can seek help for their addiction and mental health illnesses. Generally, when they don’t treat the underlying mental health condition, addicts tend to relapse more often.
Find Roxicodone Addiction Treatment Today
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe in individual treatment programs to promote success. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to Roxicodone, our drug rehab center can help you or a loved one recover from various addiction types. Remember, you do not have to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction alone. Allow us an opportunity to help you reclaim your life on the road to recovery.
