Percocet Addiction
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Addiction to Percocet shouldn’t be dealt with lightly. If you or someone you love is showing signs of addiction, the time to get help is now. Percocet is a highly addictive prescription painkiller, and, oftentimes, addiction begins with a prescription from a doctor. Patients with a valid prescription develop a tolerance to the drug, and then a dependence on it. Soon later, the patient becomes addicted, requiring help to safely get off of it. But, what is Percocet, and why is it so addictive?
What is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid painkiller. It is the name brand for a drug that is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, aka Tylenol. While other opioids are derived naturally – for example, heroin and morphine – others are made in a lab. Lab-made opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Percocet is most often prescribed when a person is experiencing short-term pain, like after a c-section, broken bone, or pulled tooth. Opioids are physically and mentally addictive. For users, opiates create a synthetic, not-real euphoria and numb pain. Users describe the high from Percocet as a warm and fuzzy feeling. People become addicted to the feeling they get when they take the pills, and soon later, they become physically addicted to the pills and get sick when they don’t take them.
What is Percocet Addiction?
Percocet is a medication painkiller, legally prescribed by doctors to help with moderate to severe pain. Percocet use soon turns to tolerance, dependence, and ultimately, addiction, because the substance is extremely addictive and habit forming. For those with a legitimate prescription, there is a thought that addiction won’t happen to them. Addiction is for people who pick up on the streets and purchase illegal drugs, they think. Addiction happens when people steal drugs or lie to support their habit, but this simply isn’t true. Percocet addiction can happen to anyone, at any point. Addiction is not selective with who it takes a hold of. In fact, addiction happens when people least expect it.
Percocet addiction should be handled with care. To avoid a painful and unpleasant detox, working with a professional is crucial. Also, working with someone through detox is more conducive to overall success than working at it alone.
What are the Symptoms of Percocet Addiction?
The signs of Percocet addiction are similar to the signs of addiction to any other opiate, like heroin and morphine. Tolerance and dependence can set in quickly – that’s why acting fast is crucial. If you feel that you or someone you love is addicted to Percocet, the time to act is now.
Signs and Symptoms of Use
An individual currently using and/or abusing Percocet may show the following signs of use:
- Outbursts of anger
- Mood swings
- Sleepiness
- Nodding off
- Drug seeking behaviors, like stealing or lying to support the habit
- Combining Percocet with other drugs or alcohol in order to enhance the effects
- Excessive sweating
- A lack of coordination
- Isolation from family and friends
What are the Symptoms of Percocet Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from Percocet is similar to withdrawal from other opioids, like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. It can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful, beginning shortly after last use and ending days, weeks, or months later. The detox period usually lasts a few days, and is performed under the guidance of a trained professional. Trying to quit cold turkey at home can be difficult. Many times, withdrawal symptoms linger and this causes people to relapse in order to stop the symptoms. This is why withdrawal and detox are a crucial time for people on the road to recovery.
What are the Symptoms of Percocet Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from Percocet is similar to withdrawal from other opioids, like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. It can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful, beginning shortly after last use and ending days, weeks, or months later. The detox period usually lasts a few days, and is performed under the guidance of a trained professional. Trying to quit cold turkey at home can be difficult. Many times, withdrawal symptoms linger and this causes people to relapse in order to stop the symptoms. This is why withdrawal and detox are a crucial time for people on the road to recovery.
An individual going through Percocet withdrawal may show the following signs:
- Intense and unending cravings
- Depression
- Increased anxiety
- Body aches, pains, and soreness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Restless leg
- Confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Shakes and/or tremors
What are the Phases of Percocet Addiction Treatment?
Treatment for Percocet addiction follows the following phases:
- Detox – Treatment begins with a detox, sometimes medically assisted.
- Residential Inpatient – Next, treatment includes living at a facility and participating in therapy, group sessions, and workshops.
- Outpatient – Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Outpatient treatment are the next phase of treatment, they are marked by therapeutic sessions in one’s own living environment.
- Sober Living – Finally, sober living and aftercare help a person in the final phase of their recovery. Here they’ll learn to live and work with other people.
Treatment for Percocet Addiction
Treating addiction to Percocet is similar to treating addiction to any other opiate. The process usually begins with a medically assisted detox, which then moves into individual counseling, behavioral therapy, and training. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group counseling are also used. While in treatment, the person will learn important skills, like mindfulness, how to cope with trauma, relapse prevention, and stress management.
Virtual Treatment Center: Who Are We?
At Virtual Treatment Center, we believe quality addiction recovery and mental health services should be easily accessible to those that want or need them, because ease of accessibility is what most often leads to success. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-tier virtual mental health teletherapy and addiction recovery services to all residents of California. Although we’re located in Orange County, our online teletherapy can be accessed throughout the state. In addition to providing addiction recovery services, we treat a variety of mental health issues and offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). Our teletherapy sessions are done via two-way, live interactive video or by telephone. Therapeutic visits are conducted on Zoom most often, or on other virtual platforms that adhere to HIPAA compliance requirements.
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