Oxycodone is a powerful opioid painkiller with a high potential for addiction. Understanding the oxycodone detox timeline is essential for those seeking recovery. Detoxing from oxycodone can be difficult without proper medical support.
How Do People Get Addicted to Oxycodone?
Doctors prescribe oxycodone to treat moderate to severe pain. Over time, the body builds tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. Some individuals misuse oxycodone for its euphoric effects, leading to dependence. Long-term use changes brain chemistry, making it hard to stop without withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone addiction often begins with a legitimate prescription. Oxycodone releases dopamine and endorphins, neurotransmitters that relieve pain and create euphoria. This reinforces continued use, leading to prescription drug dependency.
Those struggling with chronic pain, stress, or mental health disorders may misuse oxycodone to escape discomfort. Over time, their brain relies on the drug to feel normal, making quitting difficult.
Some people become addicted by self-medicating as tolerance builds. This leads to people unknowingly developing dependence. Then, they continue to increase their dosages as they no longer experience the desired effects.
As tolerance increases, some individuals may seek oxycodone through illicit means. They might transition to heroin, as it provides similar effects at a lower cost.
What Causes Oxycodone Withdrawal?
Withdrawal occurs when the body becomes dependent on and addicted to oxycodone and someone suddenly stops or reduces use. Oxycodone is an opioid that interferes with neurotransmitters. The body produces endorphins, natural pain relievers. Oxycodone forces the release of these, depleting their normal levels. When someone cuts back or stops using oxycodone, the body enters opioid withdrawal since there are insufficient neurotransmitters.
As a result, the body experiences pain and discomfort. When the drug is removed, the body struggles to regain balance, causing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal severity depends on factors like duration of use, dosage, and individual health. Those who have used oxycodone for a long time or in high doses experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Oxycodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms range from mild to severe. Early withdrawal symptoms resemble the flu. As symptoms peak, they become more severe, making quitting without medical supervision challenging.
Common symptoms include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Increased heart rate and high blood pressure
- Fatigue and lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
How Withdrawal Symptoms Cause People to Relapse
When people attempt to cut back or stop on their own, they usually relapse. Oxycodone withdrawal is physically and emotionally exhausting. One reason people relapse is due to the intense cravings they experience. Without support, they give in to their cravings and resume using the drug.
Another reason people relapse is to make the physical withdrawal symptoms that are causing the pain and discomfort stop. In addition, the psychological effects of withdrawal contribute to relapse. Anxiety, depression, and insomnia make individuals vulnerable. This is why medically supervised detox and support are vital to reduce the risk of relapse.
Why Medically Supervised Detox Is Needed to Quit Oxycodone
Medically supervised opioid detox provides a safe environment for withdrawal. Doctors monitor symptoms, manage pain, and prevent complications. Detox programs offer emotional support and medications to ease discomfort. Professional supervision reduces the risk of relapse and increases the chances of long-term recovery.
Medical detox addresses both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. People may receive FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms as part of their comprehensive treatment plan. These medicines can make the detox process more manageable.
Individuals also have access to:
All of these therapies help lay a solid foundation for long-term recovery success.
Oxycodone Detox and Withdrawal Timeline
Understanding the oxycodone detox timeline helps individuals prepare for recovery. The detox timeline varies based on factors like:
- Metabolism
- Overall physical and mental health
- Oxycodone usage history
- Presence of co-occurring mental health disorders
- Polysubstance use
Keeping this in mind, the typical oxycodone detox withdrawal timeline progresses through several phases. The phases occur over the course of one to two weeks as follows:
- 6-12 hours: Early withdrawal symptoms begin, including anxiety, muscle aches, and sweating.
- 24-48 hours: Symptoms peak with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense cravings.
- 3-5 days: Symptoms gradually decrease, but insomnia and mood swings persist.
- 1-2 weeks: Physical symptoms fade, but psychological symptoms like cravings, anxiety, and depression may continue.
- 1 month +: Psychological symptoms may continue. Continued support and therapy are crucial to prevent relapse.
Oxycodone and PAWS
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) results from long-term opioid use altering brain function. Individuals with PAWS need ongoing support. Therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) help manage lingering symptoms.
PAWS can last for several months, sometimes longer. Symptoms include mood swings, anxiety, sleep problems, and cravings. PAWS makes recovery challenging, increasing relapse risk. Ongoing therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes help manage symptoms.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Oxycodone?
Many wonder, “How long does it take to detox from oxycodone?” The process typically lasts one to two weeks, though some symptoms persist longer. PAWS may cause anxiety, depression, and cravings for months.
The oxycodone detox timeline duration also depends on the individual. For instance, a person using high doses for several years may need a longer detox. Medically supervised detox helps ensure individuals manage withdrawal symptoms while receiving the support they need. Using MAT medications can sometimes shorten the withdrawal period because they help ease symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Oxycodone Withdrawal
MAT helps ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Common FDA-approved medications used to help manage oxycodone withdrawal include:
- Methadone: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine: Blocks opioid effects and prevents severe withdrawal.
- Naltrexone: Prevents oxycodone from creating a high, discouraging relapse.
MAT is most effective when combined with therapy and counseling, leading to higher success rates.
Start Oxycodone Detox in Fort Lauderdale Today
Retreat of Broward provides safe, medically supervised oxycodone detox in Fort Lauderdale. Our caring and compassionate team offers comprehensive detox treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. We also provide access to MAT medications when they are beneficial to the oxycodone detox timeline. Start your journey to recovery today. Contact us today to start the admissions process and the path to a brighter, opioid-free future.
