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How to Help Someone Addicted to Oxycodone

While oxycodone is a prescription medication, it is also an opioid that can be misused.1 In 2020, over 2.5 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD).2 It is never too late to get help for oxycodone addiction, and being in treatment can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.3

It can be overwhelming if you or someone you love struggles with oxycodone addiction. It can also be difficult to know how to help someone addicted to oxycodone. This page will discuss how you can broach the initial conversation with your loved one, how to help them start rehab, and how to provide continual support throughout the treatment process.

How to Help Someone with an Oxycodone Addiction

The sooner a person seeks treatment, the greater the chance for positive results.4 Therefore, if you notice signs that a loved one might be misusing oxycodone, it is important to address your concerns with them sooner rather than later.

Otherwise, without treatment, there is a greater risk of oxycodone overdose and serious side effects of oxycodone misuse, such as organ failure or even death.2 If you are struggling with how to approach someone about their oxycodone misuse, know that there is no single right way.

How to Get Someone into Rehab for Oxycodone

Those who feel supported by loved ones while they are working through addiction often have better treatment outcomes.5 There are different ways for how to get someone into oxycodone rehab and remain in treatment. This starts with a conversation and includes providing emotional and practical support along the way.

Talking to Someone about Oxycodone Addiction

The most helpful conversations tend to be initiated by those to whom the person is close or highly respects.6

Helpful conversations also tend to be those that:6,7

  • Are initiated by someone who understands addiction and recovery.
  • Express empathy, such as by saying, “What you’re going through must be so hard.”
  • Offer practical support, such as offering to go to an appointment with them or calling rehab centers to gather information.
  • Tend to occur after an incident related to oxycodone misuse because it is recent and thus fresher in your loved one’s mind.

The least helpful conversations are ones that tend to be hostile, hypocritical, or initiated by someone with whom the person has a strained relationship.6

In addition, you might adjust the conversational style you use when speaking with your loved one based on their personality or circumstances. Some people may prefer a non-directive style that respects their autonomy and others might prefer a style that gives them some structure and specific things to do.6

Getting Someone into Oxycodone Detox

Detox is often the first step in the treatment process for someone who is physically dependent on oxycodone.8 This means that their body has gotten so used to the presence of oxycodone that it needs the substance to function.9 The person can experience very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop using oxycodone or significantly reduce the amount they use.9

Medical detox, on the other hand, involves the safe removal of a substance from the body.8 It occurs in a medical facility with providers who help patients avoid severe withdrawal with supervision and medication.8 It is important to note that detox is not treatment for OUD but rather, it is the initial stage where oxycodone is removed from the body.8

American Addiction Centers can help you and your loved one locate a detox program. Call to speak with one of our admissions navigators.

Inpatient Treatment for Oxycodone Addiction

Inpatient or residential addiction treatment is a fit for someone with a severe OUD.10 It involves living at the facility and includes receiving different services, such as medication, therapy, and education.11,12

Some inpatient or residential programs include detox, in which case the person can remain at that facility for treatment.11 Otherwise, you can help your loved one by locating residential programs. You can call American Addiction Centers and identify programs based on factors such as location and cost.

Supporting Someone in Outpatient Oxycodone Treatment

Sober living or outpatient addiction treatment is typically the next stage in the treatment process for someone with oxycodone addiction. It can be step-down care from residential rehab or allow a person to receive intensive care if they need to live at home to continue work or attend school.11 Intensive outpatient treatment involves attending a treatment facility a few times per week for a few hours each time.11 While your loved one is not in a residential facility at this stage, they are still in treatment. As such, they still need the support of others, like transportation assistance or emotional support.5

Sober living is an alcohol– and drug-free residence where adults in recovery live together.13 No treatment services are provided but sober living can help your loved one transition from treatment to living back home.13

Supporting Someone after Oxycodone Addiction Treatment

Aftercare or follow-up care means that someone has completed a rehab program.11 However, they still attend counseling to maintain sobriety and the progress made in rehab.11 In fact, it is recommended that the person engage in counseling or therapy for at least one year after completing rehab to help prevent relapse.11 This would involve attending a counseling session once per week at a mental health clinic or a counseling private practice.11

Maintaining positive relationships can help your loved one avoid those who were influential in their decision to misuse oxycodone.5 Therefore, even after rehab, they still need your ongoing emotional support and for you to be a regular part of their life.

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