The United States is seeing a rising epidemic of prescription drug abuse. About 9.3 million people in the United States used non-medical prescription pain relievers in 2020. Opioid painkillers like Percocet are among the most often abused prescription drugs. Over 70,000 people die from drug overdoses annually, and the majority of those deaths involve opioids. Knowing the various dangers associated with Percocet and where to find assistance is crucial. Let’s delve deeper into Percocet addiction and abuse.
What Causes Percocet Addiction and Abuse?
Similar to other opioid medicines, Percocet causes the brain to release euphoric and calming molecules called endorphins. When people engage in behaviors that the brain finds valuable enough to reinforce, the body releases endorphins as a reward. However, the brain promotes the use of a medication when endorphins are released artificially, as is the case with opioid pain relievers. If you take Percocet regularly, you may develop a tolerance and a desire to take more and more of the drug. The path to Percocet addiction begins here.
Percocet. What is It?
Percocet is a pharmaceutical painkiller, which combines the active ingredients of acetaminophen (the active component in Tylenol) and Oxycodone and its abuse can lead to Percocet addiction. Depending on the formulation, Percocet can alleviate pain for up to five hours. Another pain reliever based on Oxycodone, OxyContin, has time-release features that allow it to work for up to 12 hours.
Percocet Addiction and Abuse
The severe, temporary pain experienced after surgery or trauma is often treated with Percocet, a powerful painkiller. Patients with severe chronic pain have also been seen to benefit from its use. As a prescription drug, Percocet is widely seen as a less risky option for getting high. The narcotic impact of Percocet, however, continues to make it a popular drug of abuse. If you take enough, you might feel high, like you do when you use heroin. Percocet addiction is possible if the drug is abused.
Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Here are some warning signs of a Percocet addiction
Physical signs of Percocet addiction
- Vomiting or nausea
- Drowsiness
- Low breathing rate
- Constipation
- Behavioral signs
- Depression
- Poor coordination
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Anxiety
Behavioral signs of Percocet addiction
- Withdrawal from friends and loved ones.
- Mood swings.
- Missing from work or school.
- Lack of motivation.
- Irresponsible behavior.
Percocet Addiction Treatment
Successfully breaking a Percocet addiction requires professional help. The two primary phases of treatment are detox and rehab. To detox from Percocet, you just need to stop using the drug and give your body time to purge the drug from its system. Detox primarily aims to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
Following detox, the next step is rehabilitation. Counseling, group therapy, medications, and other treatments are often used together. All of these methods are geared toward teaching you new coping strategies that won’t include turning to drugs like Percocet.
In most cases, patients will participate in rehabilitation either as outpatients or in inpatients. You can continue living at home while receiving therapy at an outpatient facility. Inpatient care is more intensive and aims to lay the groundwork for sustained sobriety. Inpatient treatment entails residing in the facility itself, where one can give their full attention to their recovery without distractions from the outside world.
Reach Out to Taylor Recovery Center for a Comprehensive Percocet Addiction Treatment in a Luxurious Setting.
The process of seeking assistance for Percocet addiction can feel overwhelming, but there are several options available to you. The services provided by Taylor Recovery Center encompass the entire spectrum. Our treatment methods are backed by scientific evidence, so you can get to the root of your addiction and maintain your sobriety for the long haul. After your time in treatment is complete, we’ll continue to be here for you as a source of strength and a safeguard against relapse.