Oxycodone, often known on the streets as “blues”, is a medication used to treat serious pain. It’s called “blues” because of the color of the common 30mg pills. While it’s really effective for pain, it’s also very easy to become addicted to.
What Exactly Are “Blues”?
“Blues” is slang for oxycodone, a strong painkiller that doctors prescribe. But outside of doctor’s offices, “blues” are often sold illegally and used in ways that are not safe.
How Do People Start Using “Blues”?
Many times, people start using “blues” after getting a prescription from their doctor for pain. However, because oxycodone can be very addictive, some people find they can’t stop taking it. When their prescription runs out, they might turn to buying it on the street.
The Problem with “Blues” on the Street
One of the big problems with buying “blues” on the street is you can’t be sure what you’re getting. Many of these pills are fake and can be mixed with dangerous drugs like fentanyl, which is much stronger and can easily cause an overdose.
What Can Be Done?
To deal with the problem of “blues”, it’s important to make sure people understand the risks and know where to get help if they’re struggling with addiction. It’s also crucial to make treatments for addiction more available and to ensure that people using pain medication are carefully monitored.
The Transition from Prescription to Misuse
The story of oxycodone misuse often begins in a very ordinary way – with a doctor’s prescription for legitimate pain management. However, the line between use and misuse can blur quickly, leading to serious consequences.
Starting with a Prescription
Oxycodone is prescribed for managing moderate to severe pain, such as after surgery or for chronic conditions. It’s effective, but its potential for addiction is high. Many people who misuse oxycodone start with a legal prescription.
Crossing the Line into Misuse
Misuse can look different from person to person. It might mean taking more pills than prescribed, taking them more often, or taking them in a way they’re not meant to be taken, like crushing and snorting them. Misuse can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
The Role of Prescription Practices
The way doctors prescribe oxycodone has come under scrutiny. Tightening prescription guidelines and monitoring programs aim to reduce the risk of addiction and limit the supply of oxycodone on the street. However, these changes also mean that some people who genuinely need pain relief might find it harder to get.
From Prescription to the Streets
When prescriptions run out or doctors stop prescribing oxycodone to prevent addiction, some people turn to the street to find “blues.” This is risky, not just because of the legal implications, but because street drugs are often mixed with other dangerous substances.
The Impact of Misuse
Misusing oxycodone can lead to serious health problems, including overdose. It also has a ripple effect, impacting families, careers, and communities. Overdose deaths from opioids, including oxycodone, have reached epidemic levels in some areas.
The Dangers of Street-Sourced “Blues”
As oxycodone misuse shifts from prescription pills to street buys, the dangers escalate dramatically. Not only do individuals face legal troubles and increased risk of addiction, but the health risks also multiply due to the uncertain composition of street-sold pills.
The Rise of Counterfeit Pills
A major risk in buying “blues” off the street is the prevalence of counterfeit pills. These fakes often look just like real oxycodone but can contain anything from harmless fillers to deadly doses of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid much stronger than oxycodone, and even a tiny amount can be fatal.
Identifying Counterfeit Pills
Recognizing counterfeit pills is challenging because they are designed to mimic legitimate medication closely. Some signs might include variations in pill size, color, texture, and markings, but these differences can be subtle. This uncertainty significantly increases the risk of overdose.
The Overdose Risk
Overdose is a severe danger when it comes to misusing oxycodone, especially with the potential for counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Symptoms of an opioid overdose include shallow breathing, unconsciousness, and unresponsiveness. It’s a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, often treated with naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug.
Harm Reduction Strategies
To combat the risks associated with street-sourced “blues,” harm reduction strategies play a crucial role. These include educating individuals about the dangers of counterfeit pills, promoting the use of fentanyl test strips to check drugs for fentanyl, and increasing access to naloxone.
Tackling the Oxycodone Crisis: Steps Towards Recovery
The road from oxycodone misuse to recovery is fraught with challenges, yet it remains a path back to health and stability for many. Understanding the nuances of addiction, the available treatments, and how to support those in recovery can make a significant difference in addressing the opioid crisis.
Understanding Oxycodone Addiction
Addiction to oxycodone, like other opioid addictions, is a complex condition that affects both the brain and behavior. It can result in a compulsive urge to use the drug despite harmful consequences. This condition stems from oxycodone’s ability to produce intense feelings of euphoria, which can lead to its misuse. Over time, individuals may develop a tolerance, needing larger doses to achieve the same effect, and may experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
The transition from use to addiction involves several factors, including genetics, environment, and personal behavior. Understanding these can help in addressing the root causes and facilitating effective treatment strategies.
The Role of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a critical component in the treatment of oxycodone addiction. MAT combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. The medications used in MAT for opioid addiction, such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, relieving physiological cravings, and stabilizing body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.
MAT has proven effective in reducing the need for inpatient detoxification services and is a cornerstone of a comprehensive approach to the opioid crisis. It addresses the whole patient and is tailored to individual needs, significantly improving the chance of recovery.
Behavioral Therapies and Support
Alongside MAT, behavioral therapies play a crucial role in treating oxycodone addiction. These therapies help individuals change their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use, strengthen life skills to handle stressful circumstances and environmental cues that may trigger intense craving for drugs, and increase healthy life choices.
Support from family, friends, and recovery groups is also vital in the treatment process. It provides a network of encouragement and understanding, crucial for long-term recovery. Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery offer community support that can significantly impact an individual’s journey to recovery.
Public Health Strategies and Community Support
Addressing the oxycodone crisis requires a concerted public health approach that includes increasing awareness of the dangers of opioid misuse, improving access to treatment, and supporting harm reduction strategies. Communities play a significant role in this effort by fostering environments that support recovery and making resources available to those affected by addiction.
Policies that regulate prescribing practices, enhance the availability of MAT, and increase the distribution of naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses are essential components of a broad strategy to combat the opioid crisis.
Are You or Someone you Love Struggling with Oxycodone?
If you or someone you love has been struggling, the best time to reach out for help is now. You can contact the caring and professional staff members of Liberty Health Services in New Hampshire. We believe you and your family can heal and achieve long-term recovery. We offer comprehensive programs for almost any substance use disorder:
Give us a call at 855.959.4521, and let us tell you how we can help. You can also fill out our online contact form and let us get back to you.
