One of the most common prescription drugs that is abused in the US is Percocet.
Percocet contains acetaminophen and oxycodone. Oxycodone is a semi-synthetic pure opioid agonist. The main effects of taking Percocet are pain relief (analgesia), euphoria and relaxation. Percocet can actually change the way the brain functions and the extreme euphoria caused by Percocet use can trigger addictive use.
Signs of Percocet Addiction
It can be hard to point out the exact moment that Percocet use becomes an addiction. No pain medication should be abused and someone who is crushing, chewing, snorting, injecting or taking Percocet in higher than prescribed doses is abusing it. Another sign that Percocet is being abused is an increase in dosage without consulting the doctor. Other signs of addiction can include lying, hiding, escaping from daily duties and other suspicious behaviors.
Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Percocet addiction cab be treated but it is up to you to get help. Treatment is imperative for addicts. With proper treatment and care, an addict can get to the root of the cause of Percocet addiction as well as gain new coping mechanisms and positive attitudes. Truly, the earlier the intervention happens, the better the chances are for success.
Generally speaking, Percocet addiction treatment consists of:
- Supervision during Percocet withdrawal
- Individual, family or group therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Psycho-social support
The first step of Percocet addiction treatment is to get the oxycodone out of the addict’s body. In order for that to happen, the addict will need to go through a detox period, where strong and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms will occur. Detox is done with medical supervision and there are also medication-assisted methods. Slowly but surely, patients get the Percocet out of their system; in some cases, this tapering off can last for weeks. If the detox is abruptly interrupted, the withdrawal symptoms are unavoidable and can also be severe. It is recommended by experts that the addict detox in a certified clinic if possible. Clinics help lower the chances of relapse and can also prescribe supporting medication if necessary.
After the detox, a Percocet addict who requires around-the-clock medical assistance and care is much more likely to enter a residential addiction treatment center. In the rehab center, rehab programs take the addict out of potentially harmful environments and will offer psycho-emotional supportive care. This inpatient treatment can last anywhere from 3 months to a year, depending on the progress of the addict.
There are also outpatient treatment options to treat Percocet addiction. In an outpatient program, addicts are allowed to remain in their home and to continue with everyday activities while addressing their addiction problems. The same principles apply to outpatient as the inpatient treatments but they are usually much less expensive.
Questions?
Contact Banyan Treatment Center for more information and post your questions or share your personal experiences about Percocet addiction in the comments below.
