How to Spot Roxicodone Abuse

Prescription drug abuse is on the rise. Dr. Paulozzi of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states, "Drug overdoses are now the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States." The majority of these deaths are not from heroin or cocaine, but from prescription drugs such as Roxicodone. Roxicodone is a brand name for the prescription pain relief drug, oxycodone. Unlike OxyContin, a time-release formulation, Roxicodone provides immediate release of oxycodone. If you suspect a loved one of abusing Roxicodone, early intervention is critical. Learn to spot the signs of Roxicodone abuse to prevent further addiction.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at his eyes to see if he has pinpoint pupils. A person's eyes do not react normally to light exposure when they are under the influence of Roxicodone. The pupils remain constricted in low-light conditions, where they would normally dilate.

• 2

  Check your wallet and your bank account for missing money. Roxicodone is expensive, and a heavy user needs access to a supply of funds. Roxicodone users frequently steal money from friends and family. A teenager may take a parent's debit card during the night, withdraw funds, and have the card back where it belongs by morning. If you suspect your loved one of using Roxicodone, monitor your bank statements for suspicious cash withdrawals.

• 3

  Watch for signs of weight loss. Roxicodone users often use food money to buy their drugs. School-age teens may use their lunch money for drugs, while older users will buy pills before they buy food.

• 4

  Pay attention to signs of constipation. Constipation, which also happens to people who do not use drugs, is a common side effect of Roxicodone.

• 5

  Be aware of changes in sleeping patterns. Roxicodone causes periods of high energy followed by sleepy, sluggish behavior.

• 6

  Watch for the sudden disappearance of valuable items. In order to support their habit, Roxicodone users may pawn jewelry, cell phones, video game systems, expensive electronics or tools -- their own or someone else's.

• 7

  Look for physical signs of addiction such as sleeping problems, nausea, vomiting, bone pain, muscle pain, drastic behavioral changes and mood swings. Roxicodone use can also cause restless leg syndrome and seizures.

• 8

  Check through their room. If you seriously suspect Roxicodone use, now is not the time to worry about personal privacy issues. Roxicodone addiction can have fatal consequences. Look for pills hidden in things like breath mint containers and empty cigarette packs. Look for short straws that are used to snort crushed Roxicodone pills.