Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

August 27th, 2024

Oxycodone withdrawal and detox

Undergoing oxycodone detox is the first but perhaps the single most important step in breaking free from dependency on the drug. It sets the foundations for everything that comes after in the battle against oxycodone addiction and allows your body to begin healing. At Banbury Lodge, we offer comprehensive and compassionate OxyContin detox treatment with our support and guidance beginning the moment you get in touch and continuing long after you leave our clinic.

Oxycodone detox

What is OxyContin detox?

OxyContin detox is a type of prescription drug detox that helps individuals overcome physical dependence on OxyContin and allow their body and brain to readjust and heal. OxyContin detox offers a range of benefits, including:

Breaking the physical dependence on OxyContin
Reducing the severity of OxyContin withdrawal symptoms
Managing any medical or psychiatric complications that may arise during OxyContin detox
Providing a safe and supportive environment to begin the journey towards recovery.

All of these benefits can be life-changing which is why it is crucial you start oxycodone detox as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will eventually be to overcome oxycodone withdrawal and begin the healing process.

How does oxycodone detox work?

When you take oxycodone, it triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and well-being. Regular use of oxycodone then causes the brain to become less responsive to its effects, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria. This process is called tolerance and it can quickly transition to physical dependence when the body and brain become accustomed to the presence of oxycodone and require it just to function normally.

When OxyContin use is stopped or reduced, you then experience OxyContin withdrawal symptoms because your body and brain essentially miss the drug. OxyContin detox works by gradually tapering your dosage of the drug, allowing your body to slowly adjust to the decreasing levels in your system, minimising the severity of OxyContin withdrawal. As the levels of the drug in the body decrease, the brain begins to re-establish its natural balance of neurotransmitters and begins to restore normal functioning.

What are common OxyContin withdrawal symptoms?

The severity and duration of OxyContin withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors including your history of OxyContin use, the dosage and duration of use and any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions. However, some common OxyContin withdrawal symptoms include:

Anxiety
Sweating
Insomnia
Muscle aches and pains
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea
Dilated pupils
Rapid heartbeat
High blood pressure
Cravings for OxyContin

Oxycodone detox - man experiencing nausea

OxyContin withdrawal timeline

The OxyContin withdrawal timeline also varies from person to person but in general, it will usually look something like this.

Early symptoms (twelve to twenty-four hours)

For most people, the early symptoms of OxyContin withdrawal may appear within 12-24 hours after the last dose. During this time, the body begins to adjust to the absence of the drug, and OxyContin withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and irritability may surface. These symptoms may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle aches, sweating and dilated pupils.

Peak symptoms (one to three days)

As your body continues to detoxify from the drug, OxyContin withdrawal symptoms may intensify, reaching their peak within 1-3 days of the last dose. During this time, you may experience severe physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. The psychological symptoms may also become more pronounced and you may experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

Mid-Late Symptoms (four to fourteen days)

As your body continues to adjust to the absence of the drug, the intensity of the symptoms may begin to subside. However, this process can take time and may last up to two weeks. During this time, you may continue to experience OxyContin withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, fatigue and depression.

It’s important to note that the withdrawal timeline can be unpredictable, and some individuals may experience longer-lasting symptoms known as PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome). These can occur after an individual has completed the acute phase of opiate detox, including oxycodone detox. PAWS can last for weeks or months after the acute phase has ended and involves ongoing emotional and psychological symptoms.

PAWS can make recovery challenging but with the right support from medical professionals like those at Banbury Lodge, you can successfully manage PAWS and maintain your recovery.

OxyContin detox at Banbury Lodge

At Banbury Lodge, we understand that each individual’s journey to recovery is unique, and we are committed to providing individualised, compassionate care that meets your specific needs and goals. To ensure you have the best possible chance of healing, our comprehensive OxyContin detox programmes include:

Comprehensive medical assessment upon arrival: This will allow us to evaluate your physical and mental health, history of OxyContin use, and any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions that may affect your response to Oxycontin detox.
An OxyContin detox plan tailored to your specific needs: Based on the results of your medical assessment, our team will develop an individualised OxyContin detox plan that takes into account your level of physical dependence, the amount and duration of OxyContin use and your likelihood of experiencing severe OxyContin withdrawal symptoms. This plan will be fluid and our team will adjust it where necessary if any challenges arise during OxyContin detox.
24-hour access to medical support and care: At Banbury Lodge, we provide round-the-clock medical support and care to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the OxyContin detox process. Our medical staff is available to monitor your progress, manage any complications that may arise, and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Medically assisted OxyContin detox: If you require medically assisted OxyContin detox, our team can provide medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smooth transition to recovery.
Access to our Oxycodone rehab programme: In addition to our OxyContin detox programme, we offer therapy, counselling and other support services to help you build the skills and strategies needed to maintain long-term recovery. In unison with your OxyContin detox programme, this provides a holistic approach in a safe and supportive environment.

All of this and more is delivered at our state-of-the-art inpatient oxycodone detox centre where you will be shielded from triggers and negative influences, will have no access to oxycodone and will be able to focus purely on healing.

Oxycodone detox checklist for loved ones

If your loved one is beginning oxycodone detox, it is important to understand how challenging the process can be and to provide additional support.

There are several things you can do to help ensure that your loved one’s oxycodone detox and recovery are successful:

Help your loved one research oxycodone detox options and choose a centre that meets their needs – Consider factors such as location, cost, treatment approach and level of care (to find out more about oxycodone detox at Banbury Lodge, contact us today.)
Help your loved one prepare for oxycodone detox – This can include helping them pack essential items, arranging transportation and making sure they have any necessary documentation such as insurance information or medical records.
Offer emotional support and encouragement throughout the oxycodone detox process – Let your loved one know that you are there for them and that you believe in their ability to overcome their dependency and make the necessary changes in their life.
Educate yourself about the oxycodone detox process – This can help you understand what your loved one is going through and how you can best support them.
Set boundaries and communicate expectations with your loved one – While it’s important to offer support and encouragement, it’s also important to set healthy boundaries and communicate your expectations for their recovery. This can include things like how many times a week you can visit them and red lines such as no drug use in your house.
Take care of yourself – Supporting a loved one through oxycodone detox and recovery can be emotionally and physically taxing. Make sure you are taking care of your own needs and seeking support when needed.

Supporting a loved one through oxycodone detox and recovery can be a challenging but rewarding journey. By following this oxycodone detox checklist, you can be a driving force in your loved one’s healing journey.

How to start oxycodone detox

If you or a loved one is struggling to come off OxyContin, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. At Banbury Lodge, we offer a safe and supportive environment for OxyContin detox. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to develop an individualised treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

To start your journey towards recovery, simply contact us today to schedule an initial assessment. We are here to help you break free from your addiction and start living a healthier, happier life.

Frequently asked questions

Can I withdraw from OxyContin at home?

It is not recommended to withdraw from OxyContin at home without medical supervision. Severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures and heart palpitations, can occur, and there is an increased risk of overdose if you attempt to resume using OxyContin to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. At Banbury Lodge, we provide a safe and supportive environment for OxyContin detox, with 24-hour access to medical care and support.

Can OxyContin withdrawal be fatal?

While OxyContin withdrawal is not typically fatal, it can be a very uncomfortable and distressing experience, and in rare cases, it can lead to medical complications that may be life-threatening. In some cases, individuals may experience severe dehydration, seizures or other serious medical issues that require immediate medical attention. Detoxing from OxyContin at a professional detox centre like Banbury Lodge can greatly reduce the risk of complications and provide the necessary support and treatment to make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible.

How long does Oxycodone detox last?

Oxycodone detox duration varies based on factors like the individual’s usage history, metabolism, and overall health. Generally, acute withdrawal symptoms peak within 1-3 days and may last up to a week. However, post-acute withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings and cravings, can persist for several weeks or months. Seeking medical monitoring during detox can help manage symptoms and ensure safety.