According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), around 136 people die from an opioid overdose in the United States every day. This staggering number is just one of the ways the opioid crisis affects people in this county.
Prescription opioids are at the heart of the opioid crisis. Many people take opioids to manage pain after surgery or during treatment for other medical conditions. Many develop an addiction or physical dependence on these addictive drugs.
Percocet is a commonly prescribed opioid drug. Anyone who uses opioids like Percocet must understand the risk of addiction. People who develop opioid addiction must seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid life-threatening complications.
This article will explore Percocet addiction and treatment.
What you will learn:
- How Percocet addiction develops
- How to recognize it
- What to expect in Percocet addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive support and addiction treatment options
If you or a loved one struggles with opioid abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a powerful, highly addictive prescription painkiller that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid used to relieve pain, and acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug. This classification indicates Percocet has a medical purpose but has a high risk for misuse and addiction.
Doctors may prescribe Percocet to help patients manage pain after surgery, during treatment of a medical condition, or for chronic pain. Doctors often prescribe Percocet and other pain relief opioids for short-term use to reduce the risk of addiction. However, people may still develop signs of physical dependence, even when taking it as prescribed.
Understanding Percocet Abuse and Addiction
Opioids like Percocet work by binding to receptors in areas of the brain that are related to reward, pain control, and emotional regulation.
People who take Percocet may experience pleasurable side effects, including euphoria. These effects may lead to misuse.
Examples of Percocet misuse include:
- Taking larger doses of Percocet
- Taking Percocet more often than prescribed
- Ingesting Percocet differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting tablets
- Taking Percocet for longer than your doctor told you to
- Using Percocet without a prescription
People who misuse Percocet may develop tolerance. Tolerance occurs when your body adjusts to a specific amount of a drug. People with tolerance require higher doses of a drug to get the desired effects.
Heavy or prolonged substance abuse can lead to physical dependence and addiction. People with physical dependence on Percocet must take it to function. They typically require intensive treatment to safely stop using Percocet and avoid relapse in the future.
Signs of Percocet Abuse and Addiction
The first step toward getting treatment for Percocet abuse or addiction is recognizing the signs of a problem.
Percocet abuse can cause someone to act or feel differently. You may be able to recognize some signs of Percocet abuse, including:
- Dilated pupils
- Excessive yawning
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Frequent headaches
- Watery eyes or runny nose
Percocet abuse can also cause behavioral changes like:
- Using more Percocet than before
- Using Percocet recreationally (without a prescription)
- Lying about symptoms to get a doctor to give you more Percocet
- Having legal or financial trouble because of Percocet abuse
- “Doctor shopping”–having more than one prescription for Percocet from multiple doctors
- New or worsening symptoms of mental illness
- Neglecting your responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships because of Percocet use
Opioid abuse changes your body and brain, making it very challenging to stop taking them. People who become addicted to Percocet or other opioids require comprehensive, professional treatment and ongoing recovery support.
What to Expect in Percocet Addiction Treatment
Overcoming opioid addiction is not a one-size-fits-all process. Before starting a treatment program, you will undergo a substance abuse evaluation to determine which type of treatment will best meet your needs.
Medical and mental health specialists will develop a tailored treatment plan to help you meet your goals. Your treatment plan may include:
- Medically-supported detox programs to treat Percocet withdrawal symptoms
- Individual therapy and behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Medical and mental health care
- Nutrition support, creative expression, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
Depending on your specific needs, you may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment. Your treatment team will adjust your recovery plan as your needs change.
It can be very challenging to overcome opioid addiction. However, getting evidence-based treatment and support can help you address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of your addiction. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of substance use disorder (SUD).
Find Treatment for Percocet Addiction in San Antonio
Long-term recovery from Percocet addiction is possible. Find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery programs at Alamo Behavioral Health. Learn about our evidence-based detox and treatment programs or schedule an appointment by reaching out today.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Percocet
