Percocet Addiction
Along with OxyContin and Vicodin, Percocet is one of the most commonly abused opiate-based prescription painkillers in the world. Drug rehab centers see countless individuals each year who have seen their lives undone by the physical and psychological fallout of Percocet addiction.
Percocet blocks pain receptors in the brain, allowing the individual to experience feelings of euphoria when they use. Soon however, the body becomes more accustomed to the drug, and it will take more and more of it to achieve that same feeling. This process is called “building tolerance” and it is one of the hallmark signs of Percocet addiction.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is an opiod prescription painkiller made of oxycodone and acetaminophen. The drug is similar to OxyContin is use and effect. Percocet is prescribed by doctors to help those individuals who are experiencing pain as a result of injury, illness or recovery from surgery.
The Impact of Percocet Addiction
Like other prescription drug addictions, Percocet addiction can wreak a terrible toll on the individual. When an individual becomes addicted to this drug, little else matters except getting high and obtaining more. As a result personal relationships begin to suffer -and the individual may even engage in unethical or criminal behavior such as “doctor shopping”, forging prescriptions or even stealing drugs or money from friends and loved ones.
Treating Percocet Addiction
Few people are able to overcome Percocet addiction without professional help. The most comprehensive form of Percocet addiction treatment comes in the form of drug rehabilitation. Drug rehab treats both the physical and psychological addiction to Percocet through three core processes: drug detox, counseling and aftercare.
Percocet detox “cleanses” the individual of harmful opiate toxins. The process generally takes 1-2 weeks and may feature a series of withdrawal symptoms that are not life-threatening, but can lead the individual to relapse rather quickly.
Among the most common Percocet addiction withdrawal symptoms:
- Strong drug cravings
- Depression and anxiety
- Sweats and chills
- Sudden mood swings
- Restlessness
- Involuntary leg movements
- Suicidal thoughts (in extreme cases)
Once drug detox for Percocet use is complete the individual can being addressing their psychological addiction through counseling. Individual and group counseling are methods of getting to the root causes of Percocet addiction -understanding the issues and triggers in the life of the individual that leads them using drugs as a coping mechanism. It is also a chance to talk openly and honestly about addiction with people who understand at the most personal level possible, what it means to be addicted.
The final piece of the drug rehab puzzle is aftercare. Aftercare programs help prepare the individual for life after rehab. Through 12-step programs, sober living and follow up counseling, the recovering Percocet addict is able to make a smoother transition back into their daily lives because they know that there are people ready to support them when they feel tempted, distracted or stressed.
Who Needs Percocet Rehab?
Any individual who is unable to stop talking Percocet, despite an understanding of the damage it is doing to their lives should consider entering an addiction treatment facility immediately. In addition, any one or more of the following is a strong indication that an individual is in need of treatment help:
- Sudden drop in performance at work or school as a result of Percocet use
- Loss of interest in activities that the individual once found exciting or pleasurable
- Stealing money from friends or family to support Percocet habit
- Has developed a tolerance to Percocet -meaning it will take more and more of the drug to achieve the desired euphoric effects.
Michael’s House is a residential drug rehab facility located in Palm Springs, California. With extensive experience treating Percocet addiction and dependence on other prescription medications, the staff at Michael’s House provides comprehensive treatment for individuals who have seen their lives turned upside-down by this dangerous and highly addictive drug. For more information, contact Michael’s House today.
