When people hear the term "drug addiction" their first thoughts are normally of illegal substances. But the reality is that, in Western society, addiction to pain meds is a far more widespread and serious problem. It accounts for more deaths annually than heroin and cocaine combined.
Oxycodone HCL is a prescription only narcotic, that functions in a similar way to morphine. It is prescribed for conditions that can cause moderate to severe pain such as arthritis or bone fractures. Patients must be carefully monitored when taking the drug as it is highly addictive, and it is all too easy for a dependency to develop.
When a person with an oxycodone addiction ceases taking the drug they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These include muscle cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. There are also severe psychological side effects such as anxiety or panic attacks.
The same is true of many other opiate based medications that are taken for pain relief. These include oxymorphone and meperidine. Typically, these are prescribed for short periods only but the patient can get hooked on the euphoric high associated with narcotics, and may continue to take them after their physician has recommended they stop.
Hydrocodone is another highly addictive narcotic that can cause very real and frightening symptoms when an addiction has taken hold. The addict may find that when they do not take the drug they develop chills, fever, sweating and exhibit other physical signs such as dilated pupils.
It is important to seek professional advice if you believe you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction to pain medication. A medical detox must be undertaken, but due to the nature of withdrawal symptoms and the high rate of relapse this should always be done under the care and supervision of a medical professional.
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