Cliffside Malibu - Hazy Beach Cliffs

Roxycodone Addiction

Roxycodone is an opiate analgesic painkiller. Your doctor may prescribe Roxycodone when you have moderate to severe pain or sudden breakthrough pain — such as the chronic pain caused by neuropathy. It may also be prescribed before surgery, to sedate and sooth you throughout the process.

Like other narcotic drugs from this family, Roxycodone can become addictive when taken for long periods of time. Special care should be taken when using this drug. When taken incorrectly, it dulls the pain receptors in your brain which can also depress your respiratory system, resulting in death.

Like other opioid drugs, Roxycodone can build up in your system causing a tolerance of sorts. After a while, it stops working — prompting some patients to increase the dosage to obtain the same pain-numbing effect. This is the beginning of addiction, and unless you seek help to stop abusing the drug, it will eventually take over your life.

KICKING YOUR ROXYCODONE ADDICTION FOR LIFE

Startling Facts

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, after Cannabis, painkillers like Roxycodone are the number-one most-abused drug in America — accounting for 5.1 million addicted people. Of those addicted, just under two million are dependent upon opioid drugs. Since 1999, overdose deaths resulting from the improper use of opioids have quadrupled, outnumbering deaths from cocaine and heroin combined.

This is due, in part, to an increase in written prescriptions for the drug. Between 2004 and 2009, prescriptions for opioid painkillers more than quadrupled — meaning that most people who develop a person with substance use disorder to prescription painkillers such as Roxycodone were introduced to them through legitimate means. Exactly how the addiction formed is unclear. The patient may have ceased medical treatment, switched doctors, or began using illegal means to obtain the drug. Regardless, the outcome is the same — improper administration of the drug in ways not medically intended.

Is Someone You Love Addicted?

The Mayo Clinic publishes a long list of symptoms associated with the abuse of opiate analgesic painkillers. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or in your loved one, it may be signs of a Roxycodone addiction:

  • person acts sedated, numb or like he’s in a stupor
  • experiences lethargy and loss of motivation
  • has trouble feeling pain
  • seems depressed or confused
  • suffers from constipation
  • exhibits slowed breathing

If you notice these symptoms and suspect you or your family member may be addicted to Roxycodone, seek professional help right away.

In addition to the physical changes taking place in a person addicted to painkillers, you may notice a change in behaviors. Addicts frequently “doctor shop” — moving between physicians in varied locations to obtain new prescriptions. They may lie about symptoms, beg family members for access to leftover prescriptions, begin using emergency rooms in different counties as their main source of medical attention, or cajole other family members into lying to obtain prescriptions which they then confiscate. None of these behaviors involve buying drugs outright on the street, but they’re illegal, nonetheless. Even the straightest arrow will wander off course once substance use disorder takes hold.

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THE TOLL ROXYCODONE ADDICTION TAKES

A Roxycodone addiction wreaks havoc on your body. The normal side effects associated with this drug include sweating, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness and more. When taken incorrectly or with medications that interact — cough and cold medicines, allergy medications or sleeping pills — Roxycodone can cause shallow breathing or severe drowsiness. Other drugs such as anti-fungals or anti-seizure medication can affect the removal of Roxycodone from your body. It’s important to let your doctor know what other medications you’re taking before using this drug. The most severe side effect attributable to Roxycodone addiction is death.

As with other narcotic drug addictions, a person’s values and inhibitions may change as he becomes consumed with obtaining and taking the drug. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, common problems experienced by drug addicts include:

  1. frequent arrests and incarcerations
  2. neglect of children
  3. domestic violence
  4. estrangement from family and friends

An addict’s life takes on a bizarre, surreal quality as his drug of choice slowly gains the number one spot in his life — outweighing family, work and financial responsibilities. Addicts often lose jobs and fall into financial distress, lose interest in their own appearance, and alienate doctors and medical staff in their quest to obtain more drugs.

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SEEKING TREATMENT

Recognizing and admitting that you have a substance use disorder is the first step is getting help. Very few people are able to end a narcotic addiction without outside treatment and help.

The safest and easiest method to conquer your addiction to an opiate analgesic drug involves checking yourself into an inpatient or outpatient treatment facility.

According to information published by Harvard Medical School, the detoxification, or controlled withdrawal, from opioid drugs is best done under the supervision of medically trained professionals. But even a successful detox doesn’t mean you’re cleared of your addiction. Without further support and assistance in the way of therapy, counseling and support groups, your addiction can easily regain it’s foothold on your life.

WE CAN HELP

At Cliffside Malibu, we understand the toll Roxycodone addiction takes on you, your family, your life, your job and your self-esteem. We see the person behind the addiction.

Cliffside Malibu employs some of the top medical professionals in the community. Our belief in your recovery is backed by our commitment to success — you will experience a positive outcome when you choose Cliffside Malibu because we give you the tools you need to successfully kick your Roxycodone addiction for life.

THE BEST CALL YOU WILL EVER MAKE

Call now to speak confidentially with an admission counselor.

(424) 320-3061