When it comes to painkiller abuse, there are critical differences between oxycodone and hydrocodone. Both are addictive and powerful medications; addiction to either should not be taken lightly. If you or a loved one is struggling with the misuse of either, the substance abuse treatment programs at BoardPrep Recovery Center® can help. Contact us at 866.796.4720 to learn more about how to heal from painkiller abuse.
Examining Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone
Opioid drugs come in many different varieties, each of which produces different effects and has different potency levels. For example, the oxycodone vs. hydrocodone debate is a fierce one among rehab specialists. People who are addicted to either substance need to fully understand the dangerous effects that they may have on their bodies and how opioid substance abuse recovery can help them beat this danger and regain a happy and sober life free of addictive substances.
What Is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug that is used to manage mild to moderate cases of pain. The term “semi-synthetic” means that it uses natural opiates but has adjusted them chemically to make them more potent. People prescribed this medication may receive it under the name Tylox, Percodan, or Oxycontin. However, it can also be used illicitly and comes in many street names, including:
- Kicker
- Ox
- OC
- Perc
- Oxy
- Roxy
- Hillbilly Heroin
When used correctly, it produces feelings of extreme relaxation and pain relief that help people going through surgery or other types of painful situations. However, oxycodone has a high potential for abuse. When crushed, snorted, or injected, it produces very strong reactions that can be life-threatening in many people.
What Is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a more potent synthetic opioid used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain. It is also used to help manage severe coughs in many people and is considered more effective than most other cough suppressants. It is sold under hundreds of different brand names and is often combined with other substances to produce a more focused and streamlined effect.
When abused, hydrocodone causes similar effects to other opiates, like oxycodone. These include the following:
- Hallucinations
- Extreme calm
- Slower body functions
- Decreased pain symptoms
- Potential for coma and even death
So in the oxycodone vs. hydrocodone debate, is this substance the most dangerous? Not necessarily. The dangers vary depending on many factors, including a person’s residential or outpatient rehab treatment.
Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone: an Honest Assessment
People debating oxycodone vs. hydrocodone may assume that the latter drug is the most dangerous. It is the most potent and the one that is the most heavily abused. However, both substances have a very high risk of abuse when not properly taken. And both can cause coma, death, and other health problems that can be unpredictable and dangerous without the help of high-quality rehab specialists.
And the less severe nature of oxycodone may be one of its most dangerous qualities. For example, people may suggest oxycodone over hydrocodone from their doctor because they are worried about becoming addicted to the latter substance. However, they may take more oxycodone than suggested and develop a dependency due to their poor understanding of the drug.
Ultimately, the debate between oxycodone vs. hydrocodone ends in a stalemate. Neither should be abused by those worried about the risk of addiction. And those who have shown addictive traits in the past, such as heavy smoking, may want to try other painkillers after surgery. Though both these substances have medical purposes, protecting yourself from their danger requires due diligence.
We Can Help You Recover at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
If you are addicted to either of these opioids and need help regaining a healthy life, please contact us at 866.796.4720 today to learn more. Our professionals at BoardPrep Recovery Center® can help you find the right treatment so you can achieve the life you deserve.
