I have chronic pain and take oxycodone 15mg q6. i am concerned about the possibility of becoming physiologically (not psychologically) addicted. what are some warning signs to look out for to make sure that doesn't happen?

2 main signs:: The warning signs to look for would be needing escalating doses of the oxycodone in order to maintain the same level of pain control. You might also notice increased sensitivity to pain, as my colleague pointed out, meaning that you have more issues with being hypersensitive to pain. Generally, after 1-2 month of regular use of opioids it's likely to develop physiologic dependence.

It's biology: Anyone taking a regular dose of opioids for enough time develops physiological dependency, and this is a biological event, and really cannot be prevented. Nor, does it have to have any adverse consequences. At that dose, the level of dependency is likely minimal; however, if you are taken off, it should be tapered over several weeks, or medications can be used (like clonidine) to lessen symptoms