How Problematic is OxyCodone Nowadays?

Throughout the years, there is usually an addictive drug that is more prevalent in the news than others. Recently, fentanyl has stolen the stage with warnings of its high potency and dangerous overdose risks. And at one point, marijuana was a hot-button issue as states worked to determine the benefits of legalizing it. 

But what about oxycodone? Is it still abused? Does it still pose a threat to the health of the American people? 

What is oxycodone?

Oxycodone is an opioid medication commonly prescribed for the relief of moderate to severe, chronic and acute pain. It is derived from thebaine, an alkaloid found in the opium poppy, and operates by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce the perception of pain.

Oxycodone is primarily used to manage pain that cannot be relieved by over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is often prescribed following surgical procedures, traumatic injuries, or medical conditions where pain is intense and persistent. Physicians may also prescribe it for patients with chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis or lower back pain when other treatments have proven ineffective.

However, oxycodone prescriptions do not come without risks, the most notable being its high potential for addiction and abuse. Oxycodone works by stimulating the brain’s reward centers, leading to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and euphoria. This effect can create a strong urge to use (and possibly even abuse) the drug even when it is no longer medically needed.

The risk of addiction increases the longer the drug is used and the higher the dose gets (known as tolerance, where more significant amounts of the drug are needed to achieve the same pain-relieving effects). This can, in turn, lead to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, nausea, muscle pain, etc) may then arise if use is abruptly discontinued. 

Oxycodone’s potential for abuse is also a significant concern. The drug can be misused by taking it in ways not prescribed, including crushing and snorting the tablets or dissolving them in water and injecting the solution. These methods can intensify the drug’s effects, increasing the risk of overdose and serious health complications. An oxycodone overdose can be fatal, as it can lead to respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether. 

Do people still abuse oxycodone? 

While it does not necessarily make headline news every morning, oxycodone abuse is still a huge issue. Because oxycodone is an opioid, it is one of the drugs playing a prominent role in the opioid crisis. 

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), millions of Americans misuse prescription opioids each year, with oxycodone being one of the most commonly abused substances. In 2019, an estimated 10.1 million people aged 12 or older misused opioids in the past year, and oxycodone was frequently cited among these misused substances.

Additionally, oxycodone abuse continues to affect a broad spectrum of the population. While adults aged 18 to 25 have the highest rates of misuse, significant numbers of older adults and adolescents are also impacted. This wide range highlights the widespread nature of the crisis.

The opioid crisis has also had devastating effects in terms of mortality. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that opioids were involved in nearly 70% of all drug overdose deaths in 2019. Specifically, synthetic opioids, including oxycodone, have been significant contributors to this alarming trend. In 2019 alone, there were over 14,000 deaths involving prescription opioids, a category that prominently includes oxycodone.

Opioid abuse statistics in North Carolina 

While those numbers reflected the vast majority of the states, North Carolina has, unfortunately, not been left out of the suffering. 

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), opioid overdoses have been a leading cause of accidental deaths in the state. In 2021, “4,041 people in North Carolina lost their lives to overdose. This is the highest number of overdose deaths in a single year on record in the state.” This marks a substantial increase from previous years, highlighting the growing severity of the issue.

Opioid abuse in North Carolina affects a wide range of demographics, although certain groups are more vulnerable. Data from NCDHHS indicates that middle-aged adults, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 54, are most affected. Additionally, Males are disproportionately affected compared to females. In 2020, males accounted for approximately 67% of opioid overdose deaths in North Carolina. 

Furthermore, opioid misuse does not stay within racial or economic boundaries. However, there has been a notable impact on rural communities, where access to medical care and addiction treatment is often limited.

Need help with an oxycodone or opioid problem?

If you or a loved one is battling misuse of opioid prescription medications, including oxycodone abuse, help is available. Contact October Road anytime to learn more about our treatment programs and addiction detox options. 

Call 888-201-5086 or fill out an online contact form to get started today.