Percocet addiction is something that impacts the lives of countless people across the country every day. It contributes to fractured relationships within the family, chronic unemployment, trouble with law enforcement, and health issues in the lives of those struggling.
Receiving proper care to overcome addiction to Percocet is a vital component to successful recovery. Understanding Percocet and its effects as well as identifying signs of abuse and addiction helps prevent irreparable repercussions due to struggling with this substance.
Percocet Overview
Percocet is the brand name for a combination drug containing the opioid painkiller oxycodone and Tylenol. It is used medically to treat moderate pain. It is available in tablet, capsule, or liquid form, and due to the opioid oxycodone in it, it has a potential for abuse and addiction. Percocet is a Schedule II substance.
This means there is an accepted and legitimate medical use for it. However, it also carries the potential for abuse. Abuse occurs when someone uses a prescription medication in a manner that is not intended. This can include taking someone else’s prescription, taking more than prescribed, or taking it in a manner that is not written (crushing and snorting/injecting).
As an opioid, Percocet can be addictive. They activate the reward center of the brain and produce a sense of euphoria and pleasure in those using this substance. The use of opioids triggers the brain to produce and release unnatural amounts of dopamine causing the euphoric sensation and in turn, causing the brain to crave that same level of dopamine release. This contributes to the abuse of Percocet.
How People Become Addicted to Percocet
Percocet addiction can occur almost accidentally. People who use Percocet for legitimate reasons often find themselves struggling to stop using this drug. On the other hand, people who use Percocet illicitly often find themselves in a spiral of addiction. But how does this addiction occur?
Percocet is a substance that, when used, can result in tolerance building in the body. As this tolerance builds, it can require more and more of the substance to be used in order to achieve the desired effects.
Additionally, as the individual continues increasing their usage, the body then becomes dependent on the substance. When a person’s body becomes dependent, their body needs it in order to function properly. At this point, if they try to cut back, or end the use of Percocets, they may experience some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Percocet Signs of Abuse
Knowing the signs of Percocet abuse can help in the event that a loved one is struggling. It can be a starting point for them to get valuable and beneficial help in order to prevent severe impacts on their life.
These signs can include:
- Hiding/lying about usage
- Social withdrawal
- Stealing
- Increasing usage of Percocet
- Inability to control using
- Using despite negative consequences
- Avoiding once enjoyable activities
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet
These signs could be indicative of a problem with using Percocet. If a loved one is exhibiting any of these signs, seeking professional help can assist in overcoming physical addiction and beginning a healthier lifestyle.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Percocet withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. Often, people attempt to stop using Percocet with the “cold turkey” method. This often leads to relapse due to the symptoms of withdrawal being overwhelmingly unpleasant. The symptoms of Percocet withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle aches and cramps, sweating, and insomnia.
More severe symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can result in dehydration, which can lead to dangerous results. Percocet addiction can lead to devastating results. Symptoms like depression and anxiety can also occur and should be monitored professionally to prevent the worsening of these conditions. Addiction is treatable, and the proper care can help prevent
Treatment for Percocet Addiction
Healing from the trauma that Percocet addiction is a crucial part of addiction recovery. Treatment begins with detoxification or detox. During this process, the substance is removed from the system in a safe and healing environment. Medical and professional monitoring can help prevent complications during this process.
Once Percocet is removed from the system, an individual is able to begin gaining necessary coping and life skills in order to combat Percocet addiction in everyday life circumstances. Aftercare services can be beneficial long after traditional treatment ends and provides much-needed support to continue on the road to recovery.
Recovery from addiction to Percocet is possible, having the right help as an individual begins their journey can make a difference in the outcome. Reaching out for help is the first step.
Get The Best Help for Percocet Addiction
Percocet addiction comes with dangers not faced in everyday life by those who aren’t struggling. It is a struggle that so many people face on a daily basis. Addiction to Percocet can result in impacts on physical and mental health, as well as lead to both fatal and non-fatal overdoses.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, there is help available. At Brentwood Springs, we provide a safe and healing environment for those individuals who are struggling to begin a journey of healing and recovery.
Reach out today and our staff can help you begin the journey.
