If your spouse had knee surgery, their doctor likely prescribed pain medication, such as oxycodone, for them to take the first few days after surgery. If they continued to feel pain, their doctor probably prescribed more pain medication and may have prescribed a higher dose. Over time, your spouse may rely on these pills and eventually become addicted to them. If so, they will find ways to get more, such as doctor shopping. If this is happening to your spouse, there are ways you can help them get off this drug.

Symptoms for Oxycodone Addiction

The signs and symptoms of oxycodone varies from person to person. Some common symptoms you will find include:

• Euphoria
• Itching
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Sweating
• Drowsiness

Your spouse may alienate himself from you and other family members. They may miss a lot of work, and you may find money missing in your home. Items may also be missing, especially items that can be easily sold, such as a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Inpatient Drug Treatment

Oxycodone is highly addictive and your spouse will need help getting off it. Inpatient drug treatment may work well for them. With this treatment, your spouse will stay at the treatment center 24/7 so they are constantly watched. There are nurses and doctors on staff to help your spouse as they go through withdrawal. Their length of stay is planned when they arrive. How long this is depends on their level of addiction.

With most drug treatment programs, your spouse will follow a strict schedule. The program will help your spouse come to terms with what they have done, admit to themselves and others the trouble they have caused, and help them learn ways they can deal with their addiction once they are released.

Outpatient Drug Treatment

Once your spouse is out of inpatient drug treatment, outpatient drug treatment would be beneficial. This will help them as they will face many triggers and situations that could cause them to take oxycodone again. The drug treatment center will suggest how many days per week your spouse should attend.

There are different types of outpatient drug treatment programs your spouse can choose from, including:

• Day: With day programs your spouse will commit to meeting with a counselor several days per week, and this may also be multiple times each day.
• Intensive outpatient: With this type of program, your spouse will have less sessions per week. How many this is depends on how your spouse is doing, which is beneficial if they have to work full time.
• Continued care: Your spouse may go once or twice per week for an indefinite period, where they will have group therapy sessions so they will be with other people going through the same thing.

Study a variety of treatment programs to find one that best fits your spouse. For more information, contact local professionals like Evergreen Recovery Centers.