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Oxycodone Addiction Treatment & Rehab

Written by Thomas Christiansen

& Medically Reviewed by Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

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Last Updated - 08/15/2020

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Updated 08/15/2020

Key Takeaways

  • There are several different components to oxycodone treatment
  • People with a mental health disorder and oxycodone addiction will require specialized treatment
  • Inpatient rehab is a good option for people who have anything more than a mild oxycodone addiction
  • The specific needs for treatment and rehab vary greatly based on the person’s situation and characteristics
  • While rehab may be costly, there are several resources that can help make it affordable
  • Rehab empowers those with an oxycodone addiction to achieve recovery

Oxycodone addiction treatment may be conducted through a variety of different options. While there are many oxycodone addiction treatment options from different oxycodone rehab centers, the specific type of oxycodone addiction treatment needed will vary for each individual. Treatment will likely be more successful if it is tailored to an individual’s needs.

Oxycodone is a powerful opioid pain medication that treats moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone works by slowing and suppressing the transmission of nerve signals in and to the brain. Oxycodone also releases chemicals called endorphins that can cause a sensation of pleasure, also referred to as a high. The high that oxycodone produces can cause the drug to become addictive and those who developed an addiction to oxycodone will require treatment to help them overcome addiction.

Oxycodone Addiction Treatment Options

There are several different oxycodone addiction treatment options that may be used to help someone who has an oxycodone addiction. While there are many options, all treatment options will follow a few common practices. Such practices include stopping the use of oxycodone, developing methods to avoid using oxycodone in the future and focusing on maintaining long-term sobriety.

The best treatment options vary based on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some of the factors that influence the type of treatment needed include the length of time that oxycodone has been misused, the dose and method of administration used for oxycodone and if there are any other addictions or any mental health disorders that could further complicate the treatment. Additionally, the person seeking treatment should take into consideration their personal preferences.

Medical detox is the first step in addiction recovery. Detox is the process of the body naturally eliminating the drug from the bloodstream. During medical detox, the symptoms that occur from the detox process are monitored by doctors and nurses and treated as they occur. Oxycodone withdrawal is not dangerous but it can be challenging, so medical help during the detox process can be beneficial.

By taking this first step, people recovering from addiction will be more empowered to continue toward a healthier future.

Residential rehab is a type of rehab that involves checking into a rehab facility for typically for 30 days or longer. Residential rehab provides around-the-clock care from trained professionals in an environment that is conducive to maintaining sobriety. This type of rehab also provides an environment where recovery can occur in a peer setting, and other people with similar backgrounds can work together and help each other during the recovery process. Residential rehab is a more intensive type of treatment and is best for those who have tried to quit using oxycodone before and failed, or for those who have a more severe oxycodone addiction.

Outpatient rehab is another type of rehab program. During outpatient rehab it is not necessary to check into a facility. People participating in an outpatient rehab program can maintain their normal activities outside of their rehab appointments. The frequency and length of outpatient rehab appointments can vary based on individual needs and can be adjusted to fit individual lifestyles. Outpatient rehab may be best for those who are trying to quit using oxycodone for the first time, those who only have a more mild addiction to oxycodone or those who have completed a residential rehab program, but require continued follow-up care to reinforce the concepts learned during the program.

Dual diagnosis is a situation where an addiction to a substance and a mental health condition are present at the same time. This diagnosis complicates the rehab process, as mental health conditions can interfere with recovering from a substance addiction. As both conditions enhance the negative effects of the other, dual diagnosis requires special attention and treatment.

Dual diagnosis rehab will normally be more individualized than other types of oxycodone rehab. The nature of this condition will normally make a specialized residential rehab program necessary, wherein a team of professionals familiar with both aspects of the dual diagnosis are able to create a customized care plan.

Drug rehab aftercare programs are a vital part of the recovery process. Becoming sober and being involved in the therapies that are offered in rehab will likely prove ineffective if there is not a long-term plan to maintain sobriety. A drug rehab aftercare program provides people with the resources to maintain a sober lifestyle. This level of care involves creating and maintaining a support group and developing a plan of action to take if a relapse occurs.

Inpatient Versus Outpatient Rehab

There are several elements to consider when examining the choice between inpatient vs. outpatient rehab. Making this decision can be difficult, and carefully weighing all the variables can help people to make the best decision for themselves. Some important points to consider include:

  • The Severity of addiction. A severe addiction where large or frequent doses of oxycodone are used, where addiction greatly impacts lifestyle or where there have been multiple attempts to stop drug use may require inpatient treatment for rehab to be fully effective.
  • Time. Inpatient treatment involves a significant time commitment.
  • Cost. Inpatient rehab costs more than outpatient rehab.

While the decision of what type of rehab is best can be challenging, by carefully considering all the different factors it should become clearer which option will be the most beneficial.

How Long Does Rehab Take?

The length of rehab depends upon the individual seeking treatment. Many inpatient rehab programs are 30 days long, but rehab can last longer.

While the length of rehab varies, taking the time needed to experience a full recovery is worth it. It’s also worth keeping in mind that because addiction is a personal challenge, what works for one person may not work for another person. So while some people can reach recovery in a few weeks, others may take months.

What Does Oxycodone Rehab Cost?

Many people who are considering rehab for oxycodone addiction often wonder, “How much does rehab cost?” Many people with an oxycodone addiction enter rehab programs without vast financial resources. Just like the length of time needed for rehab, the cost of rehab varies from person to person. Some of the methods that can be used to pay for rehab include:

  • Insurance. Most types of healthcare insurance will help cover the cost of inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment. The extent to which the cost of rehab is covered by healthcare insurance varies greatly based on the insurance carrier and policy type. Some healthcare insurance policies will allow for almost complete coverage of the cost of rehab. Healthcare insurance companies typically encourage rehab because it is in their best interests for the people they insure to spend as little as possible on healthcare. They know that addiction causes may expensive, long-term health problems that can be avoided with sobriety and will encourage rehab to prevent long-term healthcare costs in the future.
  • Medicaid. Medicaid is designed to help meet the healthcare needs of those with limited financial means. It will often help to pay for the cost of oxycodone addiction treatment. The government-run healthcare programs can be complex, so people may need to reach out to an expert at a rehab center to find out exactly what is covered for a specific individual.
  • Medicare. Medicare is a government-run healthcare program that provides help with healthcare needs for people over the age of 65 who meet certain requirements or have certain types of disabilities. There are different components to Medicare and coverage will vary based on the individual. As with Medicaid, the program can be confusing so people should reach out to experts to help determine if Medicare plan covers drug rehab.
  • Self-pay. It is possible to pursue rehab with a self-pay plan. Different rehab facilities may offer different self-pay packages that include payment plans that allow for the cost of treatment to be spread out, lessening the financial pressure.

Will Insurance Cover My Treatment?

People who are looking into rehab and have healthcare insurance will often wonder, “Does insurance cover rehab in my particular case?” The cost of rehab without insurance can be prohibitive for many, and having rehab insurance that covers this cost may be the only way some people are able to enroll in a rehab program.

Each insurance carrier and insurance plan is different, and the coverage varies from person to person. Some plans may pay for everything, while others may only pay for certain types of rehab programs. Insurance plans will also vary in the deductible they require, the maximum out-of-pocket cost and the ceilings they place on rehab spending. Some insurance plans may require that other types of treatment be tried before paying for a rehab program.

Navigating the details of an insurance plan can be complicated. Consider reaching out to a representative at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health who can help people understand their insurance benefits and the type of coverage they have.

Choosing an Oxycodone Rehab Center

Understanding how to choose a rehab center is important but may be difficult for someone who has never been in a rehab program before. Getting the best treatment for oxycodone addiction requires weighing several factors and consider how they will impact you and your treatment. Some of those factors include:

  • Cost
  • Home or Away
  • Treatment Effectiveness
  • Inpatient or Outpatient
  • Long-term or Short-term

What to Expect When You go to Rehab

Rehab can seem like a scary concept for those who do not know what to expect. Everyone’s rehab will be different, so one person’s experience may not be the same as another’s.

Once a person is admitted into the rehab facility, patients will begin the detox process. For oxycodone, this process is not dangerous but may be unpleasant. The medical staff at the rehab facility support patients during the detox process. Some rehab centers may slowly taper the amount of drugs used to help reduce some of the side effects of withdrawal.

Once the detox process nears completion, therapy begins. There are many types of therapies that may be used by different rehab facilities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common behavioral therapy that involves understanding the internal motivations for behavior and changing these motivations to modify behaviors.

Therapy sessions may be one-on-one sessions or group therapy. These behavioral therapies may also involve activities, meditation or learning stress coping techniques. Therapy may also consist of a medical treatment to help reduce the chance of setbacks occurring.

What Happens After Rehab?

When rehab is completed, the treatment team makes a long-term plan to help the patient maintain sobriety and to support them as you continue the recovery process.

The plan may include follow-up outpatient treatment and therapy, medication to help maintain sobriety and a recommendation for a support group to help maintain sobriety. A good long-term plan will also include a crisis plan, where there is a definitive plan in place for if a setback seems likely.

How Rehab Improves Recovery Rates

Oxycodone rehab improves the recovery rates of oxycodone addiction through not only providing sobriety, but by empowering the individual seeking recovery. Experiencing setbacks after oxycodone addiction treatment is a possibility, but people who have gone through professional addiction rehab are prepared for the stresses of life better than if they had never been to rehab.

Rehab provides coping mechanisms and strategies that can help those with an oxycodone addiction be able to help themselves out of stressful situations without resorting to substances.

View Sources

Medscape. “Oxycodone (Rx).” April 2019. Accessed July 13, 2019.

O’Malley, Gerald; O’Malley, Rika. “Opioid Toxicity and Withdrawal.“ Merck Manuals. March 2018. Accessed July 13, 2019.

National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction: What Science Says.” February 2016. Accessed July 13, 2019.

National Alliance on Mental Illness. “Dual Diagnosis.” August 2017. Accessed July 13, 2019.

Medicaid.gov. “Benefits.” 2019. Accessed July 13, 2019.

eHealthInsurance Services, Inc. “Facts About Medicare.” 2019. Accessed July 13, 2019.

O’Malley, Gerald; O’Malley, Rika. “Opioid Use Disorder and Rehabilitation.“ Merck Manuals, March 2018. Accessed July 13, 2019.

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