Simply put, for people suffering from chronic pain or recovering from an intricate surgery, painkillers are a natural and essential part of life. After all, the last thing we want is to cope with agonizing pain over the course of several weeks (or even months). Despite the ultimate benefits, however, opioids are still some of the most dangerous drugs on the planet and have become the central point of the Opioid Crisis, a deadly public health epidemic that has continued to ravage our country without mercy. However, for people suffering through recovery from opioid addiction, one of the most difficult painkillers to overcome is oxycodone, a semi-synthetic drug that is hard to shake. Let’s take a closer look at some side effects of oxycodone addiction.
Constipation
In the same manner as other narcotic painkillers, oxycodone can wreak havoc on the digestive system and put a damper on the gut’s ability to break down food and expel it through the rectum. Ultimately, medical professionals define chronic constipation as a situation where a person only has two bowel movements per week and can only pass a rock-hard stool. Additional side effects include hemorrhoids, tearing, and intestinal bleeding.
Organ Failure
Besides the digestive tract, oxycodone can also damage the circulatory and filtration systems in the body. Unless the addicts undergo immediate medical treatment, they will die from liver, kidney, or heart failure. Rapid heartbeat and severe chest pains may signal this dangerous problem.
Tinnitus
Both oxycodone and hydrocodone (another opioid) can trigger hearing problems. As a result of long-term use, addicts or abusers may fall victim to tinnitus, characterized by severe and continuous ringing in the ears. While medical care and intervention may reverse this problem, doctors cannot guarantee a full recovery.
Hyperalgesia
As strange as this may sound, addicts who take too much of a painkiller can actually fall victim to hypersensitivity to pain, a condition known as hyperalgesia. After a while, oxycodone will rewire the brain’s pain detection system. As a result, pain will increase twofold.
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
