The Most Effective Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options

Oxycodone is a potent semi-synthetic opioid drug around 1.5 to 2 times stronger than morphine. It is used for both severe pain and chronic pain relief in a number of brand-name prescription medications like OxyContin and Percocet as well as their generic equivalents.

As with other Schedule II prescription drugs like hydrocodone, morphine, oxymorphone, and fentanyl, oxycodone has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Those who abuse oxycodone and develop an opiate use disorder are strongly urged to seek substance abuse treatment provided by professional addiction treatment centers like Bedrock Recovery Center.

The most effective, evidence-based treatment options that may be recommended for substance use disorders involving oxycodone and similar prescription opioid painkillers include:

• medical detoxification
• inpatient/outpatient treatment
• behavioral therapy
• dual diagnosis treatment
• medication-assisted treatment
• aftercare planning

Medical Detoxification

When someone becomes dependent on oxycodone due to a prolonged period of oxycodone use or misuse, and then abruptly stops taking the drug or cuts their dosage, they may experience challenging oxycodone withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid withdrawal syndrome can involve a combination of flu-like physical symptoms and other psychological symptoms that frequently include:

• cravings
• anxiety
• stomach cramps
• muscle aches
• sleep disturbances
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• fast heartbeat
• high blood pressure

While uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening on their own, these symptoms can increase the risk of relapse, oxycodone overdose, and other serious physical or mental health challenges.

Medical detox services provide guidance, support, and security through the withdrawal process. Trained healthcare professionals provide comfort medications when needed as well as help transition participants safely from detoxification to other treatment services once stabilized.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment, or residential treatment, is a format for addiction recovery that requires participants to stay in a residential treatment facility for an extended period of time.

Inpatient rehab programs are the most effective option for opioid addiction recovery, featuring benefits such as:

• 24/7 access to clinicians
• removal from usual triggers and habits
• regimented structure and routine for positive habit formation
• intensive treatment options including counseling, behavioral therapy, dual diagnosis care for other mental health conditions, and early use of medication-assisted treatment options (MAT)
• time and presence to build relationship with clinicians and peers

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient programs vary from regular outpatient programs scheduled weekly to more intensive part-time (IOP, or intensive outpatient programs) or full-time (PHP, or partial hospitalization programs) treatment schedules.

In all cases, participants travel to their treatment center and then head home afterwards, allowing those who receive treatment to continue to live with their families, sleep in their own beds, and continue in their work, studies, chores, and other responsibilities.

This makes outpatient treatment a good option for those who have a less-severe form of opioid use disorder as well as those in need of step-down services following an inpatient program.

Behavioral Therapy

There are many forms of psychotherapy (talk therapy) that can be used to treat substance use disorders, including:

• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on understanding and changing negative beliefs and thought patterns that contribute to one’s substance abuse
• contingency management, designed to use positive reinforcement and pre-planning to support long-term sobriety
• motivational interviewing, which explores and defines a participant’s reasons for receiving treatment to increase their motivation and commitment
• family therapy, which focuses on restoring effective communication and emotional support between family member’s whose relationships have been impacted by substance abuse and addiction
• group therapy, where participants can learn from others experiencing similar issues while promoting social skills and other relapse prevention tools

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Those with mental health disorders may use the euphoric effects of oxycodone to self-medicate against psychological distress. Likewise, those struggling with the effects of substance abuse are at a higher risk for developing many mental health disorders.

In either case, substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders should be treated using a dual diagnosis treatment plan that considers both conditions and addresses them both at the same time.

This commonly involves the use of both medication and psychotherapy in an inpatient setting that’s administered by a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Three specific medications are used in combination with counseling to support an individual’s long-term recovery from opioid drugs like oxycodone, including:

• • methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist that can relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings
  • buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist with an even lower potential for abuse than methadone
  • naltrexone, an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioid drugs

MAT is considered a highly effective option for supporting those struggling with opioid use disorders.

Aftercare

After leaving a rehab center, participants should be assisted using proven aftercare services that may include case management, participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, employment assistance, sober living housing, alumni activities, and more.

If you or your loved one struggle with oxycodone misuse or addiction, our compassionate treatment teams at Bedrock can help.

At our inpatient/residential treatment center, we offer every effective treatment option for oxycodone addiction. To learn how to get started, please contact us today.

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• Oxycodone Side Effects