With thousands of people taking oxycodone (oxy), it is little wonder this addiction is reaching epidemic proportion. There is a good chance that you or someone you love is already taking it. Oxy is an extremely addictive painkiller that works much like morphine and heroin.

When you start to notice the signs of addiction, it is time to try to help. Unfortunately, many people do not know how to help an oxy addict. One way to find the information you need is to call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) . We can help you find the right treatment for your friend or loved one.

What is Oxycodone?

The first thing that you need is to understand what oxy is. Oxy is an additive painkiller that doctors use to treat chronic or acute pain. Some of the conditions that oxy treats are:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Pain due to accidental damage
• Pain due to surgery
• Cancer pain
• Arthritis

These are the basic reasons that a person would use oxycodone or OxyContin. It is important to remember that oxy also acts on the pleasure centers of the brain. This means that some people use it recreationally.

When you understand what oxy is and what oxy does, you will see what a problem this addiction can be. Fortunately, you can help the addict in your life onto the road to recovery. One of the first steps is to know what to look for.

Signs of Oxy Addiction

Since oxy is a very effective pain killer, you need to know the difference between someone who is using because they need it and someone who is an addict. This is a very fine line. According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs you need to look for are:

• Stealing from you or others
• A need to get the drug regardless of from where
• An obsession with oxy (talking about it a lot or asking if you are taking it)
• Continuously going to the doctor for the same complaint
• Spending money constantly without records of where it goes
• Spending money marked for rent or bills on prescriptions or doctors visits
• Lack of energy or motivation
• Borrowing money
• Loss of employment or changing jobs frequently
• Constant problems at school or work
• Neglecting their appearance or hygiene

Although there are more, these are the basic signs of addiction. By recognizing these signs, you will know that it is time to help the person find treatment. You should call 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) , for information and advice about getting your loved one into oxy addiction treatment.

Research the Types of Treatment

After you are sure a person is an addict, you can start to research the types of treatment available. There are many treatment methods available. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one of the best types is medication assisted treatment. During medication assisted treatment, they will participate in:

• Individual counseling
• Family counseling
• Group counseling
• 12 step facilitation
• Medication management
• Physical and emotional support
• Evaluation
• Education such as parenting and job skills
• Wellbeing programs
• Alternative therapies

Many centers have a variety of different types of therapy. The type that your friend or loved one chooses is up to what they want out of their treatment. Medication assisted treatment contains many forms of treatment in one program. Although most people are resistant to treatment at first, a good quality treatment center can change their minds and their lives.

Talk to Your Loved One

In order to help an oxy addict, you have to talk to them about their addiction. This is one of the hardest parts of finding them treatment. There are places and times to talk, as well as how to talk to an addict. Don’t confront the individual in a public setting, and remember that you are trying to HELP, not hurt, the individual.

Places

The place to talk to a person about their addiction is in a private, comfortable setting. Talking about addiction is a difficult thing to do. Talking about it in a crowd of people is even more difficult. You want to pick a place that is:

• Quiet
• Private
• Isolated
• Calm

Find a place where the addict is comfortable.

Time

The time to talk is as important as the place. The most important time to have the talk is when they are sober. There is no point in talking to them while they are actively using narcotics. Other important factors are:

• It is good to talk after something bad has happened such as an accident or encounter with the law.
• Talk to them while you and they have some time. You do not want to be rushed.
• Catch them when they are in a good or decent mood.
• Try to find a time when others are not around.

How to Talk to the Oxy Addict

Talking to an addict can be extremely difficult. You need to remember:

• Do not be judgmental.
• Assure the person that you are talking to them because you care about them.
• Do not get angry no matter how angry that they get at you.
• Do not yell or show that you are upset.
• Do not let them hurt you, remember it is the addiction talking not them.
• If talking does not work the first time try again until you begin to convince them.

If you do not feel that you can talk to them in a calm respectful manner or they continue to meet your efforts with anger, you might need to call in someone who specializes in interventions.

An intervention is basically getting a group of people together in order to talk about the addiction. There are therapists who specialize in guiding these groups.

Find Treatment as Soon as Possible

Various types of OxyContin addiction treatment are available. When trying to help an addict it’s essential to find a treatment center as soon as possible. Having a qualified treatment center on hand is very important. You can find a treatment center simply by calling 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) . Let us help you.