Helpline information

Get Help Now

100% Free and confidential

800-923-9141

24/7 Treatment Help

800-923-9141
For immediate Treatment Help Call:
800-923-9141

Recover with us - We're here to help. 24/7 Treatment Help:

Trusted content

Oxymorphone Addiction, Side Effects, and Rehab

ON THIS PAGE
Oxymorphone pills in RX prescription drug bottle

Published: April 19, 2024

Oxymorphone addiction is a serious condition that can alter your life entirely. And without proper care, substance addiction can be life-threatening.

Treatment options for drug addiction are plentiful, making recovery an individualized experience. Many people seek out a range of treatment services on their addiction recovery journey.

Read on to learn about oxymorphone addiction including the effects of oxymorphone abuse, risk factors, and treatment program options.

How Does Oxymorphone Lead to Addiction?

Oxymorphone hydrochloride is an opioid analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, similar to OxyContin (oxycodone), codeine, hydromorphone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, and is associated with a high risk of abuse and addiction.

Formulations include immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Oxymorphone is typically ingested for its analgesic effects, but illicit use can involve injecting or snorting the drug.

Opioid medications, like oxymorphone, often lead to addiction because of the way they work and interact with your brain.

To relieve pain, these medications bind to opioid receptors in your brain to block pain signals from the central nervous system (CNS) which is made up by your spinal cord and brain.

This, along with the release of endorphins that occurs when you take an opioid can cause addiction as your body can become reliant on the chemical and physical effects of these processes. Over time, your brain chemistry can even become altered from opioid misuse.

What’s The Difference Between Oxymorphone Abuse & Addiction?

Oxymorphone, sometimes called brand names like Opana or Opana ER, is a prescription drug that can be used safely when proper instructions are followed.

However, it can also be abused and cause addiction. It’s important to note that addiction and substance abuse are different conditions. Let’s discuss what sets them apart.

Opioid abuse is any use of oxymorphone that is not recommended or prescribed. This can include taking the drug without a prescription, taking a higher dose than prescribed, or taking the drug more frequently than prescribed. Opioid abuse is very dangerous and often leads to addiction.

On the other hand, oxymorphone addiction is a condition that occurs once you start to mentally rely on a substance to function. In other words, your brain may convince you that you are unable to get through your day without oxymorphone.

Does Oxymorphone Misuse Cause Dependence?

Yes, oxymorphone misuse can cause dependence. Above, we discussed psychological dependence which causes addiction and is very dangerous.

However, many people also develop physical dependence when they abuse a drug. Physical dependence causes the body to rely on oxymorphone to work properly.

Physical dependence occurs alongside oxymorphone abuse frequently because overtime the body builds up a tolerance to the medication. This is particularly common with repeated, long-term abuse. The higher your tolerance to a drug gets, the more of the drug you’ll need to feel its effects.

On top of this complication, physical dependence is associated with withdrawal symptoms. When individuals try to stop abusing a drug their body is dependent on, they often experience unpleasant side effects called withdrawal symptoms. This can exacerbate addiction.

Signs of an Oxymorphone Addiction

When it comes to opioid addiction, there are several signs and symptoms that can point to the condition. Becoming familiar with signs of opioid addiction can save your life and even someone else’s.

Signs and symptoms of oxymorphone addiction include:

  • Constipation
  • Social withdrawal
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Euphoria
  • Vomiting
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Restlessness
  • Party-seeking behavior
  • Taking oxymorphone frequently
  • Inability to stop thinking of oxymorphone
  • Taking larger doses of oxymorphone than prescribed

Oxymorphone Withdrawal Symptoms

Opioid drug abuse also comes with withdrawal symptoms. Essentially, withdrawal symptoms are your body’s reaction to the lack of a substance it has become reliant on.

Opioid withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Irritability
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Anxiety
  • Yawning
  • Runny nose
  • Dilated pupils
  • Shaking
  • Increased pain
  • Sweating
  • Increased body temperature
  • Hyperventilation
  • Goosebumps
  • Depression

Side Effects of Oxymorphone Abuse

While opioid abuse can lead to addiction, it can also come with many serious side effects, both short-term and long-term.

Short-term effects can include:

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Euphoria
  • Pain relief
  • Sedation
  • Clammy skin
  • Impairment
  • Stomach pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Stiff muscles
  • Appetite suppression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Decreased heart rate
  • Respiratory depression
  • Pupil constriction
  • Opioid overdose
  • Death

Long-term effects may include:

  • Organ failure
  • Chronic constipation
  • Sleep-disorder breathing problems (sleep apnea)
  • Mental illness
  • Memory problems
  • Hyperalgesia
  • Increased risk of bone fractures
  • Increased risk of overdose

Risk Factors for Oxymorphone Addiction

There are several risk factors that can make it much more likely for you to develop an opioid addiction. However, anyone who uses oxymorphone has the potential to abuse it or become addicted to it.

Risk factors for substance addiction:

  • Mental illness
  • Family history
  • Peer pressure
  • Lack of family involvement
  • Early exposure to addictive substances

Risk factors for oxymorphone addiction:

  • Being prescribed oxymorphone
  • Being prescribed high doses of oxymorphone
  • Taking oxymorphone for an extended period of time
  • Having chronic pain
  • Engaging in risky behavior
  • Being in your teens or 20s
  • Having easy access to oxymorphone

Diagnosing Oxymorphone Addiction

Though there are signs and symptoms that can heavily indicate an oxymorphone addiction, substance addiction can only be properly diagnosed by a licensed healthcare professional.

When seeking a substance use disorder (SUD) diagnosis, you’ll want to find a medical professional who can provide an addiction evaluation. During this evaluation, they’ll ask you questions about your oxymorphone use, behaviors surrounding the drug, and questions about your mental health. They’ll also look for any signs of addiction.

From there, they may start by prescribing certain treatment methods or rehab programs.

Opioid use disorders (OUD) are serious and getting a proper diagnosis can be life-saving. If you suspect addiction in yourself or a loved one, encourage them to seek professional support.

Oxymorphone Addiction Treatment Options

Oxymorphone addiction treatment comes in many shapes and sizes as different addictions and different people come with different needs. Read more about some of the most common types of treatment below.

Opioid Detox

One of the most common treatment services you may encounter is a medical detoxification service. Detox is the process of removing any remaining opioids from your body prior to treatment.

Detox services are designed to make the detoxification process safe and effective as going through it on your own can be very dangerous.

While you detox, your care team will monitor your vitals, administer any medications or treatments they deem necessary, and help you manage withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment service that is particularly common in the treatment of opioid addictions. It can be used for other substance addictions, but has been found to be particularly effective in OUD.

An evidence-based treatment method, MAT uses Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat addiction by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and decreasing the risk of relapse. The most common MAT drugs are Suboxone, methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine.

MAT is a long-term treatment service used in conjunction with several other treatment methods. When the time is right, you’ll be tapered off your medication.

Opioid Rehab Programs

Oxymorphone rehabilitation programs are also commonly used in the road to recovery. Rehab programs are broken into two categories: inpatient and outpatient (though there are some in-between variations).

Inpatient rehabilitation offers the highest level of care of any addiction treatment services. Patients are expected to live in a treatment facility for the length of their rehab program in order to provide round-the-clock care and precise schedules.

Outpatient rehabilitation does not require individuals to live in a care facility during the program. It is still a very effective treatment option, but requires individuals to travel to a treatment center several days a week. It might be well-suited as second-line treatment or for people who cannot leave their home for the length of a program.

Aftercare for Oxymorphone Recovery

Finally, after completing your treatment program, you’ll transition into aftercare or continuing care. Both terms refer to the addiction recovery care you receive after a treatment program.

Aftercare looks different for everyone as it is designed to reduce the risk of relapse and ease the transition from treatment to day-to-day life.

You may choose to live in sober housing, attend a support group, continue counseling, continue therapy, or continue MAT as part of aftercare. Some people even seek out alternative therapies.

Who Can Benefit From Oxymorphone Rehab?

Anyone who abuses oxymorphone or is addicted to oxymorphone can benefit from oxymorphone treatment. In fact, opioid rehab can greatly improve many areas of your life.

Benefits of opioid treatment may include:

  • Reduced risk of oxymorphone overdose
  • Reduced risk of death due to oxymorphone
  • Improved overall wellness
  • Improved relationships
  • Improved career
  • Improved financial health
  • Improved social life
  • New, healthy coping skills
  • New relationships

How to Prevent Relapse After Oxymorphone Rehab

Preventing relapse after oxymorphone rehabilitation can seem like half the battle. Luckily, having a relapse prevention plan can help you cope with the stresses and triggers of the outside world that may encourage relapse.

Relapse prevention methods include:

  • Attending regular therapy or counseling sessions
  • Creating a support system among your loved ones
  • Joining a support group
  • Learning new, positive coping mechanisms
  • Joining new, healthy hobbies and activities

By partaking in relapse prevention, you can not only reduce the risk of relapse but encourage long-term sobriety.

Oftentimes, individuals will devise a relapse prevention plan with their healthcare provider close to the end of their treatment program. Some programs also offer relapse prevention education.

Find Help for Yourself or a Loved One with Oxymorphone Addiction

Many Americans develop opioid addictions like oxymorphone addiction after abusing a medication. It can be incredibly dangerous and completely change your life. With the right treatment, it’s possible to start anew and live a life of sobriety.

Ready to take the first step in your journey to recovery? Give our helpline a call today.

Oxymorphone Addiction FAQs

How long does opioid addiction take to form?

Opioid addictions can develop fairly quickly, though it differs from person to person. Knowing the signs and symptoms of an opioid addiction can make it possible to detect addiction early on, however.

Long-term abuse is more likely to cause addiction, but this does not mean it will always take a long time to develop an addiction. Dosages, frequency of use, and physical characteristics can affect the time it takes to develop an OUD.

Can you cure an oxymorphone addiction?

No, you cannot cure an oxymorphone addiction, but you can treat it. Substance addictions are not curable, unfortunately. Although, proper professional treatment can help you manage your addiction and achieve long-lasting recovery.

Can you quit oxymorphone cold turkey?

It is very difficult and potentially dangerous to quit oxymorphone cold turkey. This is because most people who abuse oxymorphone have a physical dependence on it.

When you try to stop taking oxymorphone suddenly, your body will respond to the lack of the drug with withdrawal symptoms. These can be extremely unpleasant and even dangerous. It’s best to seek out a medical detox program to quit oxymorphone.

© 2024 RehabNet.com. All Rights reserved.