Prescription painkiller addiction is a growing problem in the United States, and Percocet is one of the most widely abused prescription meds. Not everyone who takes Percocet will become addicted — in fact, many don’t — but misuse or long-term use can lead to a physical dependence that can quickly turn into addiction.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is one of the most widely prescribed painkillers and is used to relive moderate to severe pain. Percocet comes in pill form, but some abusers may chew it or crush it into a fine powder for a quicker high. Doing so can result in a dangerous or fatal overdose.
Percocet Addiction Symptoms
If used as prescribed, Percocet is a very effective painkiller that is not addictive; but if abused, physical and mental dependence and addiction can occur. Common Percocet addiction symptoms are:
* High tolerance: Needing to take more and more in order to get the same or desired effect.
* Dependence: Feeling physical withdrawal symptoms if a dose is missed.
* Mood and behavior changes: Becoming hostile, volatile, agitated or anxious, especially between “fixes.”
* Compulsive use: Craving the drug and doing whatever it takes to get it, even despite adverse social, psychological or physical consequences.
* Financial problems associated with having to purchase more and more pills.
* Secretive or deceitful behavior in order to obtain the drug. Having multiple prescriptions from more than one doctor or buying it off the street is a good indication that an addiction has started.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
Like most opiate addictions, suddenly discontinuing use of Percocet can result in seizure or convulsion in chronic abusers. Percocet withdrawal symptoms will usually occur within six to eight hours after the last dose and include:
* Fever
* Flu-like symptoms
* Anxiety
* Severe stomach ache
* Muscle pain
* Insomnia
* Nausea and/or vomiting
* Runny nose and eyes
* Sweating
Percocet Overdose Facts
Signs of Percocet overdose are:
* Extreme sleepiness/drowsiness
* Low blood pressure
* Slowed heartbeat/weak pulse
* Difficulty breathing
* Bluish skin or fingernails
* Yellowish skin or eyes
* Sweating
* Vomiting
* Heart attack
* Coma
Percocet Detox
Physical dependency on Percocet can result in severe withdrawal symptoms, and often requires gradual detox from the drug to avoid seizures and convulsions. Percocet detox may require medication such as methadone, Buprenorphine and Chlondine to help alleviate severe withdrawal symptoms. Once the body has completely detoxified itself from all the harmful toxins the Percocet abuse left behind, then the second step of Percocet detox can begin: treating the mental addiction to Percocet. Even if the addict wants to quite using Percocet, their “addict” mind will tell them they need more Percocet in order to function and feel normal. Undergoing addiction treatment at a Percocet rehab will provide the safe, supportive environment the addict needs in order to overcome their Percocet addiction.
Percocet Rehab
Percocet is a very effective way to manage pain, but if you feel like you’ve developed a dependence on or addiction to Percocet it’s imperative to seek medical treatment right away. The sooner you get help, the easier it will be to stop taking Percocet. If you’re still suffering from chronic pain, a doctor can help you find an alternative way to manage your pain.
Recovery from Percocet addiction is a two-step process; the physical and mental symptoms of addiction can all be treated at a Percocet rehab facility. After detoxifying the body, a professional Percocet rehab will then begin the process of individual and group counseling to treat the mental addiction and learn the skills to live a drug-free life.
About the author
