When you’re in pain, the last thing you want to worry about is becoming addicted to prescription medication. One of the drugs that have become popular for pain relief is oxycodone, which is an opioid.
Oxycodone is a prescription drug that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a narcotic analgesic, which means it works by blocking the signals of pain from the nerves to the brain. While oxycodone can be an effective way to manage pain in the short term, it also comes with a risk of addiction
Oxycodone can be addictive, and it is important to know how long it takes to get addicted to oxycodone to avoid becoming dependent on this medication.
But how long does it actually take for oxycodone addiction to set in? And what are the warning signs? In this blog post, we will explore how long it takes to get addicted to oxycodone, the factors that affect addiction, and what you can do if you or a loved one is struggling with oxycodone addiction.
Can I Get Addicted to Oxycodone Even If I Have a Prescription?
Yes, even if you have a legitimate prescription, you can get addicted to oxycodone.
After a surgery or an illness that causes you extreme pain and discomfort, it’s normal to be prescribed a painkiller. This is to relieve this pain so that you can heal properly.
Many of these painkillers contain opioids, one of which is oxycodone.
If you’re in this situation, you’re probably thinking that you’re safe from addiction. You continue taking the oxycodone round the clock believing that since it was prescribed to you. It must be okay, right?
What many people do not realize, however, is that anyone can get addicted to oxycodone, even if it is prescribed by a doctor. Many people struggling with oxycodone abuse shared that they started taking the drug as prescribed. But over time, they find that they need more and more of the drug to get the same pain relief.
This is because their body builds up a tolerance to oxycodone. And before long, they’re struggling with an addiction.
How Much Time Does It Take to Get Addicted to Oxycodone?
Oxycodone addiction can happen after just a few days of taking the drug but this will depend on the person and several other factors.
The risk of long-term use of opioids can increase sharply after 5 days or 1 month of opioids being prescribed. The probability is much lower if a person only takes an opioid one time.
There have also been accounts of people getting addicted to the oxycodone-containing drug Percocet after just one prescription.
These real stories only cement the fact that oxycodone addiction can happen quickly, and it can happen to anyone. It does not take much to trigger an addiction so you must be very careful when taking this drug.
What Factors Affect the Time Before You Get Addicted?
While it has been found that addiction to opioids can be triggered after just a few days of use, several factors affect the exact time before you can get addicted. Take note that it is always different for everyone. Addiction is not instant, it can start gradually by being dependent on the drug and then to being addicted.
Here are some of the factors that affect how soon you get addicted to oxycodone:
Dosage
How much oxycodone are you taking? Are you taking more doses than what is prescribed? Are you crushing the pills and snorting them or injecting them? All of these can increase your risk for addiction.
Frequency of Use
Are you taking oxycodone every day? Are you using it more often than what is prescribed? frequency of use is another factor that can affect how quickly you get addicted to oxycodone.
History of Drug Use and Mental Health Issues
People who have a history of drug abuse or mental health issues like anxiety and depression are more likely to get addicted to oxycodone. These people often use substances as a coping mechanism for their underlying issues.
Getting Help for Oxycodone Addiction in California
Oxycodone addiction is a serious and real problem. And if you or a loved one is struggling with it, please know that there is help available.
Seeking help from an oxycodone addiction treatment facility in California that can provide the help and support you need to overcome your addiction is very important. A customized treatment program will be designed for you based on your unique situation. This will ensure that you get the best chance at recovery.
If you’re not sure where to start, please contact us today.
