There are many different highly addictive substances within our contemporary society. Some of those substances are illicit, while others are legal. One of such legal substances is opiates. Opiates have a very important purpose within the medical realm. They are used for the purpose of relieving pain and discomfort caused from injuries, cancer, post-surgery, or other similar conditions. While it does have much value for this purpose, it can also create very severe dependencies and addictions in individuals who are using them. One of such opiates that many have ended up addicted to is oxycodone, a semisynthetic opiate.

Oxycodone can be a powerful medical aid, as well as a dangerous drug if not used correctly. There are several things that should be known about oxycodone for one to understand more about it.

Here are 15 Facts About Oxycodone:

1. Oxycodone is a Semisynthetic Opiate – What this means is that while it is derived from the opium poppy, it is created mainly from the codeine compounds rather than the plant.

2. Oxycodone compounds bind to receptors in the brain – Meaning the drug binds to certain receptors in the brain, affecting the way they function.

3. Oxycodone has a slew of possible side effects – The side effects of oxycodone include but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and depression.

4. It can have very acute withdrawal symptoms – The withdrawal from oxycodone and other opiates can have some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms, which can include some such as body aches, bone aches, fever, and even heart attacks

5. There can be long term effects of using oxycodone – Long term effects can include such things as possible liver or kidney damage.

6. The United States Consumes the Most Oxycodone Per Capita – Meaning that the amount taken per each individual is the highest in our nation.

7. It is classified as a Schedule II Drug – Drugs within the category of Schedule II have a high possibility of being abused.

8. It Produces Desirable Effects in the Person’s Body – The desirable effects are what many individuals continue to use the drug to keep producing, which leads to an addiction. These effects include relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria.

9. Detox Can Be Dangerous – Since oxycodone produces such a severe dependency in the body, detox can become dangerous if not done correctly.

10. Receiving treatment can help with it – Even though oxycodone addiction can be very difficult, many treatment centers have the capacity to be able to handle the addiction. They are able to safely detox it, as well as provide counseling and other treatment to overcome the addiction.

11. Abuse of it can lead to heroin addiction – When oxycodone is no longer producing the desired effects or is harder to obtain, many turn to heroin.

12. It is classified as a depressant Depressants affect the brain by reducing arousal or stimulation in certain areas.

13. It has several different forms – It can be consumed through pills, liquid, or intravenously.

14. Young Adults have the highest non-medical use rate of Oxycodone – According to the 2014 NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health), 9.5 percent of individuals aged 18-25 have used oxycodone products for non-medical purposes.

15. Use can end up in overdose – When an individual continues to use oxycodone, they build up a tolerance, requiring them to use more for the same effects. As they continue to up their dosage, it can lead to overdose from using far too much

Get help at WinGate Wilderness Therapy

If your son or daughter has developed a substance abuse problem, it’s time they get professional help. The environment at Wingate Wilderness Therapy is ideal for those who have substance abuse problems because they invoke the power of nature and force individuals to “unplug” from both their routines and their electronics. Their therapeutic program has been known to get long-lasting results faster, and building stronger, healthier young men and women in the process. Don’t wait. Get your child the help they need.

Originally written by Best Drug Rehabilitation

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