Treatment for Percocet addiction should not be taken lightly. Percocet is a highly addictive and highly abused prescription medication painkiller. Many people think that because they are prescribed Percocet that they do not need to go to a Percocet addiction treatment center if they become dependent on it. The common misconception is that addiction treatment is for “drug addicts” who purchase illegal drugs, don’t have a lot going on for them, or steal to support the habit.
The unfortunate truth here is that addiction and dependence does not choose who it grabs. Percocet addiction happens more often than you suspect and Percocet addiction treatment should be properly handled to avoid painful detox and withdrawal symptoms. This article will explain in-depth for you Percocet addiction signs, what withdrawal is like, and how to find the best Percocet addiction treatment facility to support your lasting recovery.
What is Percocet and Why is Percocet Addictive?
IPercocet is a highly addictive and abused pain medication that is prescribed to relieve a variety of moderate to severe pain. Percocet is a combination of Acetaminophen and Oxycodone. Oxycodone is a powerful Opioid, hence where the dependence and abuse can arise from. Like other Opioids, Percocet can quickly become both physically and mentally addicting. For most people, after taking a Percocet as prescribed, it relieves pain that they are feeling as well as sleepiness. Others describe the feeling of Percocet as a warm and fuzzy feeling that can cause a euphoric effect. This euphoric feeling along with the painkilling aspect makes it a powerful combination.
Many Percocet users become physically dependent on the drug and believe they need it to feel normal. Over time, your body develops a tolerance for them and you will have to take higher doses to get the same effect. This is where it becomes dangerous. When taking higher than prescribed doses, just to feel the same effects, you often don’t know if you are experiencing “phantom pain” and actually need the higher doses at all. Next, we’re going to outline some of the Percocet addiction signs that you need to pay attention to.
Percocet Addiction Signs
Percocet addiction signs and symptoms of abuse are fairly similar to other Opioids. If you’re concerned about your own use or someone you care about, you can always reach out to us for advice on Percocet addiction and treatment. As a painkiller, we see Percocet addiction and dependence happen fairly frequently because of the aforementioned reasons. Percocet is commonly abused because of the strong euphoric effect that it has after the effects kick in. The effects of Percocet are similar to other opiates such as Heroin and Morphine. Percocet can particularly be dangerous when combined with other drugs like alcohol. In fact, this can be a lethal combination. As you take Percocet more frequently, your body develops a higher tolerance to it and over time it can seem less effective. As dependence rises, many users start to take more of the drug.
Other common Percocet addiction signs include:
- Mood swings
- Excessive sleepiness/nodding off
- Stealing to support the use of them
- Illegally purchasing them or alternatives
- Combining Percocet with Alcohol to enhance the effects
- Sweating
- Lack of coordination
Is Percocet Treatment Necessary to Quit?
Unfortunately, the only safe way to quit Percocet if you are addicted is in a Percocet treatment center. The reason behind this is the physical craving for Percocet is so powerful that if a person is trying to quit on their own they will fail and almost always relapse. Somewhere between 48 and 72 hours from the time of a person’s last usage, the physical craving and withdrawals from Percocet is so powerful that they give up and go back to using. Unless an addicted person is being given medication-assisted treatment to ease the cravings and withdrawals (which can only be done in a licensed Percocet treatment center) at 48 to 72 hours from last usage their body requires them to use Percocet or other Opioids again.
Percocet Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms
Detoxing from Percocet is very similar to other opioids such as Heroin, Morphine, and Fentanyl. The withdrawal symptoms can be extremely painful if not overseen by a licensed Percocet addiction treatment center. Like other opioids, initial withdrawal symptoms from Percocet can begin as early as 24-48 hours after the last time you have taken it. Because Percocet detox and Opioid detoxing in general can be so painful, it is nearly never successful when trying to quit cold turkey by yourself or at home. A Licensed treatment center like Beginnings Treatment Centers can offer medical guidance as well as medications to ease the painful withdrawal symptoms so that you are as comfortable as possible during this process. Percocet withdrawal symptoms can typically last up to 7-10 days and have some lingering effects afterwards.
Percocet withdrawal symptoms include:
- Increase cravings
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Body Aches and soreness
- Chills or sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate
- And Shakes or tremors
Percocet Addiction Treatment Phases
Addiction Treatment Phases:
- Medically-assisted Detox
- Residential Inpatient Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Outpatient Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Sober Living and After Care
How to Help a Loved One or Friend with Percocet Addiction
If you recognize that you know someone who needs Percocet addiction treatment don’t worry. There are options, and we are here to help you. First, you need to recognize if the person is willing to get help. If you have already tried talking with them and they are reluctant about getting treatment for Percocet addiction, then you may need to contact an interventionist. They will be able to help you formulate a plan to get them the help they need. If the person is ready and willing to get treatment, then you need to know if their insurance is covered. You can verify insurance for addiction treatment here. Cash pay is also an option, however it can be expensive and many people prefer to go through their insurance company. Next, you’re going to want to find the best treatment center to address the needs of the individual. Let’s discuss how to find the best treatment center.
How to Find the Best Percocet Addiction Treatment Center
With so many treatment centers nationwide, it’s important to find the best treatment center to not only treat the Percocet addiction but any underlying mental health issues that may also exist. This may not always mean finding the closest treatment center to you, but having the willingness to travel for treatment. You should look for treatment centers that have a proven track record of treating Percocet addiction, have a highly credentialed staff, have a deep understanding of underlying mental health issues(Dual Diagnosis) and are able to provide long-term support to both the individual and the family. Give us a call today the speak with one of our Percocet addiction treatment specialists to learn if we are the right center for you!
