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How Oxycodone Use Can Affect Emotional Health

Oxycodone is an opioid narcotic painkiller that has become famous for its addictive properties. Like other opioid drugs, oxycodone has many life-threatening effects on physical health. It can also cause major problems for emotional health, relationships, finances, and mental health.

Long-term use of oxycodone will rewire the brain to some extent, although these changes can be corrected with proper treatment. The human brain produces natural opioid-like painkillers of its own, but once an outside drug, like oxycodone, OxyContin, or Percocet are introduced, the brain begins to stop producing its own natural painkillers. This leads to dependence, which can lead to cravings, uncomfortable withdrawals, and intense pain sensations. Along with the physical dependence, long-term use will make an individual emotionally dependent on the drug.

If you are dependent on oxycodone, your emotions can become highly unpredictable. Mood swings are common; one minute, you may feel calm or elated and then quickly become irritated, angry, or restless. These irregular, uncontrolled emotions are difficult to cope with and will interfere with your relationships and overall sense of happiness.

How Oxycodone Use Can Affect Your Loved One’s Emotions

Woman Drug AddictOnce a person is caught up in oxycodone abuse or addiction, opioid use becomes the primary focus of his or her everyday life. Your loved one may become very distracted and neglect the feelings of everyone around. While under the drug’s influence, your loved one may be so affected that his behavior changes drastically. He may disrespect friends, family, coworkers, or even strangers. He may say or do things while using that he would be ashamed to even talk about once sober.

Inappropriate, false, or hurtful words and behavior can take place and you may begin to turn away from the relationship. You and your family may feel emotionally neglected or even abused by your loved one. Friends and family may become greatly worried, concerned, and scared for the health and safety of the oxycodone user. These issues can develop into serious anxiety, depression, or shame.

Once a person is caught up in oxycodone abuse or addiction, opioid use becomes the primary focus of his or her everyday life.

Opioid use impacts families, friend groups, and businesses every day. Oxycodone use can lead a person to seek other opioid drugs, even heroin. It ultimately leads people to steal from loved ones, lie to the people they care about, and spiral into a cycle of shame and desperation. It’s not always completely clear when a person has become dependent on opioid drugs.

You may develop insecurities about why your relationship is no longer important, not understanding that your loved one has been consumed by drug use. Once a person becomes physically dependent on opioids, emotions run high for everyone. Family and friends may experience guilt and question their influence over the opioid-dependent person’s behavior or wonder what they could have done to prevent this.

Fortunately, treatment can help everyone involved.

 

Oxycodone Addiction Recovery

brain puzzle piece illustrationTreating oxycodone addiction is both a physical and psychological process. Safely treating the physical symptoms of withdrawal is vital to the recovery process, but it is only the beginning of oxycodone addiction treatment. Opioid addiction treatment requires a whole-person approach in order to dig into what caused the addiction in the first place.

Treating these issues now, in-full, will lead to better chances of lasting recovery and greatly reduce the chances of relapse. People who are dependent on oxycodone (or any opioid) must treat the psychological and emotional ties to the drug. Underlying physical health issues and mental health issues (such as depression, PTSD, or anxiety) all contribute to opioid dependence. Comprehensive, evidence-based treatment is a vital component to recovery.

Would You Like to Learn More About Oxycodone Recovery Services?

If you or a loved one’s oxycodone use has become a problem and you need recovery help, we would like to help. Skywood offers a wide range of comprehensive programming, including opioid recovery services.

We understand the immense pain and destruction that can result from a battle with substance use, but you can overcome these struggles and find happiness in recovery. Call 269.280.4673 today to learn how.
 

By Kathryn Millán, LPC/MHSP, Contributing Writer