As one of the strongest prescription opiates on the market, oxycodone has trapped more than a few recreational users inside the web of addiction. Oxycodone, a prescription-based drug, exists under different brand names, some of which include:
- OxyContin
- Tylox
- Percocet
- Percodan
Opiate drugs in general carry high abuse and addiction risks. According to the University of North Carolina, in the year 2007 an estimated 27,500 overdose-related deaths resulted from prescription opiates alone.
While already highly addictive in pill form, smoking oxycodone only works to increase the drug’s addiction potential. As with any form of opiate abuse, the risks and dangers associated with smoking oxycodone only grow in number the longer a person keeps using.
For help overcoming an addiction to oxycodone call 888-810-2643 toll free today.
Oxycodone Effects on the Body
Oxycodone acts as a psychoactive agent, meaning it interacts with the brain’s chemical system. Over time, these interactions have a cumulative effect on overall brain function.
Whether smoking oxycodone or taking it in pill or injection form, this substance slows brain and central nervous system processes by increasing neurotransmitter secretion rates, according to the University of Delaware. Since neurotransmitters play a central role in regulating most every major bodily system, any changes in output can cause considerable problems.
Major systems affected by oxycodone include:
- Heart functions
- Respiratory functions
- Circulation
- Movement and coordination
Effects of Smoking Oxycodone
Smoking oxycodone usually involves crushing up tablets into powder form and heating it on foil. Users then inhale the vapors as it burns. This method of use delivers the effects of the drug much faster since vapors are quickly absorbed into the nasal passages and lungs.
As oxycodone tablets contain other additive ingredients, users inhale these residues as well. Over time, inhaling vapors can irritate the respiratory tract causing inflammation to form. With continued use, bacteria-based sinus infections can develop and even travel to the lungs.
As a general rule, the faster a drug “high” takes hold, the greater the addiction potential. In turn, smoking oxycodone can drive users to seek out stronger drugs as the body develops a tolerance for oxycodone’s effects. Consequently, many hardcore oxycodone users graduate to other more dangerous drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin.
Call 888-810-2643 toll free today to find help overcoming oxycodone addiction.
Physical Dependence & Addiction
When abused in pill form, a physical dependency on oxycodone can take hold within a month’s time. When smoked, a physical dependence can develop in half the time.
Oxycodone breaks down brain cell structures, making them less responsive to the drug’s effects. This means users have to ingest increasingly larger amounts in order to get “high.” Before long, a psychological dependency develops, at which point addiction has taken hold. Ultimately, smoking oxycodone speeds up the addiction process.
Overdose Potential
Oxycodone’s slowing effects on central nervous system functions place users at considerable risk of overdose when abused on a regular basis. More oftentimes than not, overdose causes the body’s respiratory system to shutdown resulting in respiratory failure.
Signs of overdose typically take the form of:
- Skin discoloration
- Nausea
- Comatose-like behavior
- Problems breathing
- Hallucinations
Smoking oxycodone places users at even higher risk of overdose since tolerance levels tend to rise quickly with ongoing use.
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