Treatment Options for Percocet Addiction

Percocet, a synthetic opioid, is one of the most commonly misused prescription medications in the United States. This article will discuss the effects of Percocet, signs of opioid use disorder, and how Percocet addiction can be treated.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is one of many prescription opioids. Specifically, it is a combination two drugs: acetaminophen and oxycodone.

Acetaminophen is the pain-relieving ingredient in over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol. Oxycodone is an opiate medication that is synthesized from the poppy plant and in the same class of drugs like heroin, morphine, codeine, and so forth. Oxycodone is a schedule II controlled substance. This ranking indicates that it does have medicinal uses; however, it also has a very high potential for misuse and the development of physical dependence like all other drugs in that same schedule.

The acetaminophen component of Percocet helps to enhance the pain-relieving effects of oxycodone and is not a controlled substance. Acetaminophen is typically not considered to be a potential drug of misuse because it does not produce the euphoria that is produced by opioid drugs, such as oxycodone, and it is not a drug that is associated with the development of physical dependence.

The Effects of Percocet

The immediate side effects of using opioid substances like Percocet include:

• Mild feelings of sedation.
• Euphoria.
• A sense of wellbeing.
• Relief of physical pain.
• Poor coordination.

Continued use of Percocet, however, can produce a range of mild and severe symptoms, including:

• Fatigue.
• Shallow breathing/low breathing rate.
• Slowed heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Tremors.
• Chest pain.
• Insomnia.
• Visual disturbances.
• Mood swings.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Vital organ damage.
• Increased body temperature.
• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Coma.

It is common for those who misuse opioids like Percocet to develop a dependence, or “tolerance” to it. Tolerance is an effect that occurs when a person needs more of the particular drug to experience the effects that the drug used to produce at lower doses. Additionally, continued opioid misuse can lead to overdose, which can be fatal.

Signs of an Opioid Use Disorder

Individuals who misuse Percocet and develop an opioid use disorder as a result often display a number of signs, symptoms, and behaviors that can put themselves and others at risk. According to sources such as the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, these symptoms, risks, and potential for harm can include:

• Experiencing significant cravings to use Percocet.
• Spending a significant amount of time trying to get Percocet, using Percocet, or recovering from its use.
• Continuing to use Percocet in spite of the development of obvious negative impacts as a result of their Percocet use.
• The use of Percocet resulting in an individual failing to fulfill major life obligations and responsibilities.
• Using Percocet in situations where it is dangerous to do so.
• Using more Percocet than they had originally intended to use, or they use it for longer periods of time than they had originally intended when they began taking the drug.
• Withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities because of substance misuse.
• Demonstrating clear signs of tolerance.
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when unable to use.

Treatment Options for Opioid Use Disorders

People with opioid use disorders will need to follow a relatively strict program of recovery that begins with addressing the physical dependence on the drug. Individuals will learn how to live without using drugs, how to get pleasure from life without the misuse of drugs, how to change many old habits, and how to make new connections that are conducive to recovery. Necessary components of recovery offered at a rehabilitation center are outlined further below.

• Since men and women who chronically misused drugs like Percocet  are more likely to have developed physical dependence, the first step may be to navigate the detoxification process. A professional withdrawal program should be supervised by an addiction medicine physician who can use opioid replacement drugs and other medicines to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
• During the withdrawal program, the individual will get involved in some form of counseling or therapy. The therapy portion of treatment should allow the individual to address any co-occurring psychological issues or disorders, learn recovery skills, develop relapse prevention skills, and establish good stress management tools.
• It is important for individuals in recovery to address any family problems. The families of individuals in recovery can also get involved in the individual’s treatment through group therapy, family therapy, and social support groups comprised of family members of recovering individuals.
• Individuals in recovery should develop a social support group that consists of family members and other recovering individuals. Some of the best social support groups to meet these needs are 12-Step groups, although alternatives are also available.
• Individuals in recovery should also attempt to make positive changes in their lives in terms of education, occupation, and hobbies. Other types of therapists and facilitators, such as vocational rehab specialists, case managers, occupational therapists, nutritionists, etc., can assist here.

Get Help for Percocet Misuse at Greenhouse Treatment Center

Help is just a phone call away. If you and/or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorders and are unsure of what to do, call us today at . Greenhouse Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ drug rehab facility in Texas, is ready to help you get the information and treatment you need today.

Our team of professionals can help you get started on the way to recovery by answering all of your questions, as well as helping you determine how you can utilize your insurance to pay for treatment or explore different payment options. Additionally, our team can help you determine which level of care is most appropriate for you, as well as which services we can offer.

Get the process of recovery started by with Greenhouse Treatment Center right now.