OxyContin is a painkiller prescribed to treat severe pain. The active ingredient, oxycodone, blocks internal receptors that trigger pain. Due to altering levels of dopamine in the brain, taking this medicine can also produce feelings of euphoria thanks to artificial dopamine generation in the brain. Once a person stops taking the medicine and the brain stops generating dopamine, it generally leads to oxycodone withdrawal.
Suddenly stopping oxycodone use can send a person’s central nervous system into a tailspin. The brain tries to regulate itself, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Physical and psychological side effects can be dangerous. Therefore, attempting to stop taking Oxy without professional help is not recommended.
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Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Stimulating chemical messengers in the brain over an extended period of time causes a physical dependence. It expects the drug to stimulate the receptors. Typically, withdrawal symptoms mimic the flu and may include:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Chills
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
More serious side effects include an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and trouble breathing. While these symptoms usually aren’t fatal, close professional supervision can limit the potential for hazardous complications.
There are also psychological side effects that occur once an individual stops taking oxycodone. Previous levels of chemicals that cause positive emotions and motivation in the brain need time to recover.
Some psychological withdrawal symptoms of oxycodone include:
- Brain fog
- Feeling agitated
- Depression
- Inability to sleep
- Irritable
- Thoughts of suicide
Just stopping drug use offers limited recovery options. Support groups and therapy sessions are necessary to achieve long-term recovery success. This is possible with help from addiction specialists in a safe and secure environment.
Duration of Detox and Oxycodone Withdrawal
The duration of a detox treatment program usually begins before an individual experiences withdrawal symptoms. Around-the-clock monitoring is critical during the first five to seven days. Medical professionals can regularly check vital signs.
An individual who is heavily dependent on oxycodone may need up to 10 days for detoxification. This is also true if the individual was on the drug for a long time or has a personal or family history of addiction. It’s necessary to make sure the individual is stable before beginning a comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program.
Another factor contributing to when withdrawal symptoms begin is how an individual chose to take oxycodone. The drug goes rapidly through the bloodstream when snorted, injected, or smoked. It’s only active for a short period of time. Digesting a pill or tablet form may have a longer effect.
Oxycodone withdrawal can begin within 8-12 hours and peak in the first 72 hours of taking the drug. Some cravings and psychological effects persist for a long time. Other symptoms may subside after a week.
Maintaining Sobriety after Overcoming Oxycodone Withdrawal
Although detox is a vital first step to getting past oxycodone addiction, continuing care with comprehensive addiction treatment programs is even more important. Drug addiction has taken control over your life. Serenity Lodge offers men a chance to take it back.
Our 22-acre, amenity-rich facility is the ideal atmosphere to help you heal. Along with evidence-based addiction therapy, we also provide holistic healing options that promote health, fitness, and relaxation.
Don’t let oxycodone addiction control your future for another moment. At Serenity Lodge, we provide resources that allow each aspect of the self to be healed from the confines of addictions. Call us now at (855) 932-4045.
