While oxycodone and heroin are different drugs, they both have a huge potential for dependence and tolerance. Because of this, oxycodone can lead people to heroin addiction. Once someone develops an addiction, a detox center can help them become sober again.
Can Oxycodone Lead to Heroin Use?
Many people use oxycodone according to their doctor’s instructions and never end up developing an addiction. Unfortunately, oxy is one of the most abused prescription drugs. The longer you take this drug, the more likely you are to develop an addiction.
Once someone is addicted to oxycodone, their body requires more of the drug to feel normal. Because of this, oxycodone leads to heroin for some people. They end up trying heroin when their normal dose of oxy no longer gives them the same effects.
Oxycodone vs Heroin
Heroin is an illegal street drug, and oxycodone is legal when it is given through a doctor’s prescription. While there are no medical reasons to use heroin, you may be prescribed oxycodone because of a medical ailment.
Oxycodone and heroin are both opioids, which means they can both be highly addictive. They work similarly in the body to change the way the mind perceives and responds to pain. When they are used recreationally, they can produce a sense of euphoria or a “high.”
While oxycodone can be legal, both oxycodone and heroin can cause life-threatening side effects. When you take these drugs, you can develop slow, depressed breathing. This may lead to respiratory distress, coma, and death.
How to Get Help for Oxycodone or Heroin Addiction
Whether you have an oxycodone addiction or a heroin addiction, it’s critical to detox in a professional treatment center. Opioids can cause potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, so you should only detox under professional supervision.
An estimated 10 percent of Americans will have some kind of drug use disorder during their lifetime. Unfortunately, only a fraction of those people will get the treatment they need. If you or a loved one have been struggling with an addiction, the best thing you can do is call a treatment center to get the help you need today.
When you reach out to a detox center, an intake specialist will answer your call. They will learn more about your addiction history and what types of substances you use. To get you the right treatment options, they will also ask about co-occurring disorders, like depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and other health or medical concerns.
While many insurance plans will cover treatment, the intake specialist can also talk to you about payment plans. Next, you will go through a medical exam. This exam will help the detox center learn more about your unique situation and how to treat your substance use disorder.
Because detoxing from opioids can be extremely uncomfortable, medical staff members will be on hand to supervise the withdrawal process and provide supportive care. Detox is a physical, emotional, and mental process, so counseling sessions will be offered during your treatment as well.
After you have finished detox, you can begin recovery support, where you will get a blend of therapies and aftercare options to support your long-term recovery.
Begin Your Detox Now
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, or you have questions about how oxycodone leads to heroin, Matthew’s Hope Foundation Intensive Outpatient Program can help. Reach out to our professional team today to begin the journey to lifelong recovery.
