Many people confuse oxycodone vs hydrocodone. Moreover, this confusion comes easily, as they have similar names and uses. Each of these provides an almost equal pain killing benefit, as well as bad side effects. However, both also lead to strong risk for addiction.
Potential Side Effects
As both of these substances come from the class of drugs known as opioids, they present very similar side effects. They can change slightly based off an individuals reaction to them. Then what exactly are the side effects of oxycodone vs hydrocodone? For example, the effects include:
- Respiratory problems
- Constipation and sometimes diarrhea
- Nausea, dizziness and vomiting
- Itching and dry mouth
- Sweating and lost bladder control
- Lost appetite
With so many bad side effects, you likely wonder why people abuse these drugs. However, their painkilling effects give the answer to that question. People overusing the two pain killers enjoy the intensely pleasurable high they produce. This starts their abuse and leads right to oxycodone or hydrocodone addiction.
About Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone
Prescription painkillers lead the American drug epidemic. In the past 15 years, use of these drugs skyrocketed. In fact, according to research, 75 percent of people abusing opioids turn to oxycodone and hydrocodone as their drug of choice.
Oxycodone, or “oxy,” usually leads hydrocodone in widespread abuse. This preference comes down to how drug makers mix oxy with acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. This makes the pain relief quicker and stronger. Sometimes, however, hydrocodone also combines with acetaminophen.
Also according to research, oxy provides slightly greater risk of addiction over hydrocodone. Beyond these two differences, the drugs really provide the same pain relief, for both short-term and long-term pain. Both work in about 30 minutes, causing the same high and side effects.
Addiction to Oxy and Hydrocodone
In comparing oxycodone vs hydrocodone, it helps to look at their risk for addiction. Both drugs have a risk of dependency. As previously mentioned, oxy comes with only slightly higher risk of addiction and dependence. Specifically, both of these drugs lead among opioid abuse and addiction in America’s prescription painkiller crisis. Between these two, most of the rehab patients you’ll find in treatment for opioids will be for oxy or hydrocodone.
Treatment for Your Painkiller Addiction
When addiction to either of these drugs happens, you need help from a quality addiction treatment program. In Asheville, North Carolina, this treatment takes place at Crest View Recovery Center. CVRC promotes complete wellness using a variety of therapies and methods proven for lasting recovery.
For example, programs at Crest View Recovery Center include:
- Rehab treatment program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Gender-specific group therapy
- Trauma treatment
- Reality therapy
- Nutritional counseling and recreational therapy
- Recreational therapy, yoga therapy, acupuncture treatment and meditation therapy
If you or someone you love suffers addiction to prescription painkillers, Crest View Recovery Center provides the treatment you deserve. Getting past addiction will prove difficult for nearly everyone. However, with Crest View Recovery Center’s help, you can gain lasting recovery. Call CVRC now at 866-327-2505 for more information about available programs.
