Oxycodone is a powerful opiate that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Unfortunately, this drug is often abused and continuous abuse can lead to addiction if the user is not careful. In fact, even unsuspecting users who are legitimately prescribed Oxycodone can become addicted to the drug after taking it consecutively for a period of time.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “any illicit use of a substance (is) drug abuse; this includes the nonmedical use of prescription drugs.” NIDA further defines drug addiction as a, “chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences as well as neurochemical and molecular changes in the brain.”

How Abuse Leads to Addiction

When an individual abuses Oxycodone, they aren’t thinking about Oxycodone addiction or the fact that their misuse of the drug may lead to serious consequences. Unfortunately, as the frequency of drug use increases and the tolerance to the Oxycodone increases, the user is more and more likely to develop signs and symptoms of physical dependence and addiction.

Oxycodone abuse can develop as a result of a legitimate need to get rid of or cope with physical pain but often times it develops for other reasons. Many people will take the drug to cope with emotional problems, to mask troubles that they are dealing with, to feel accepted or to fill a void in their lives. Any such abuse of Oxycodone can lead to addiction if the drug use continues.

Frequent drug use is often responsible for addiction. In fact, Oxycodone abuse generally turns into addiction without the user even realizing that he or she is in danger. It starts out with take a few extra doses here or there, gradually those few extra doses turn into daily doses over the limit. As time progresses, the user’s tolerance will increase and the number of extra doses of Oxycodone taken is also increased. Ultimately, the addiction has already begun to take over the user’s life despite his or her disbelief.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know has become addicted to oxycodone, there’s no better time than the present to get help. Getting help for Oxycodone abuse early on can prevent you from having to deal with certain elements of addiction such as physical dependence, psychological dependence, withdrawal and other consequences. If you’re already addicted, don’t let fear of withdrawal prevent you from getting the help that you need. Although withdrawal can be scary, there are medications and other means of treatment now available to make the process more comfortable and safe for you.

Call  800-934-1582(Who Answers?) now to find oxycodone addiction treatment programs near you!