MenuClose

Signs of an Addiction

Attachment Large Size Large Wp Image 3138

Providing Trusted, Evidence-Based
Treatment for Three Decades and Counting

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, we’re here to help.

“I was taking…Percocet every 4 to 6 hours,” shares Corina in her Heroes In Recovery story. “As time went on the prescriptions became stronger, as I was building a tolerance to them. I found I liked the high they provided, because it allowed me to function but not feel. …I was in a deep state of depression.

“On August 20th, I was going to take my pain medications as always, but I looked at the bottle and said, ‘No more.’ I threw the bottle back in the cupboard, and later that day I flushed all my pills down the toilet and began my journey to recovery.”

If you have had a serious injury, chances are good that you were given Percocet, an opioid, to relieve your discomfort. This analgesic works by changing the way the brain and nervous system responds to pain. Similar in effect to OxyContin (both contain oxycodone), Percocet also contains acetaminophen.

Also like OxyContin, Percocet is a highly addictive narcotic. It doesn’t take very long for drug abuse or overuse to turn into Percocet addiction. Even a short period of use under doctor’s orders can begin the development of a physical tolerance and psychological dependence – signs that drug addiction is looming.1

Emotional Signs and Symptoms

AnxietyPercocet, at first, has the emotional effect of making you feel happy, content and blissful as pain – whether physical, psychological or emotional – loosens its grip on you. However, it can be quite a different story when Percocet is taken for an extended period of time. The effects of a psychological addiction to Percocet can set in quickly.2

You might experience:

  • Feeling that you need Percocet numerous time during the day.
  • Obsessed with maintaining a continual supply of Percocet.
  • Failing time and again in your attempts to stop using Percocet.
  • Doing whatever it takes to get more Percocet (stealing, fraudulent activity, etc.).
  • Feeling that Percocet is necessary in order to deal with emotional stress or pain.
  • Doing things like driving or caring for young children while under the influence of Percocet, which puts other innocent people at risk (not to mention yourself).

Your signs and symptoms may vary. Intensity of experience will depend on many factors. Two major factors are: How long you have been using the drug and how high your dose is.3

Physical Signs and Symptoms

As with other opioid drugs, Percocet alters the brain and spinal cord. It binds to your opiate receptors and dulls your sensation of pain.

Percocet is also designed to stimulate the pleasure centers in the brain – a job usually done naturally by your body when something very exciting happens. After just a short period of use, your body stops creating the natural chemicals it needs to make you feel happy and to dull your pain. Your body quickly comes to expect that Percocet will take care of all that. But then, if you stop taking Percocet, those naturally-produced chemicals aren’t so fast to return to work. That is when physical withdrawal symptoms start, almost immediately.2

Withdrawal symptoms are a sign of Percocet abuse or overuse. They may include:

  • Vomiting or upset stomach.
  • Diarrhea or stomach cramps.
  • Easily irritated or angered.
  • Insomnia or restless sleep.
  • Muscle and bone pain.4

How to Recognize Percocet Addiction

You may be concerned that a prescription or inappropriate use has turned into Percocet addiction.

These are possible signs that a Percocet addiction exists:

  • Absence or decline in performance at work or school.
  • Frequent complaints of not feeling well.
  • Sleeping much more than usual.
  • Lack of concern about personal hygiene or physical appearance.
  • Sudden behavior changes.
  • Often needing more money.4

Percocet Addiction Treatment at Michael’s House

If you are addicted to Percocet, Michael’s House has a quality Percocet addiction treatment program. A personalized treatment plan is designed to meet the unique needs, preferences, and circumstances of each patient we serve.  We also offer sober living facilities here on our estate in Palm Springs, California, so that ongoing guidance and support are at hand while living semi-independently with peers who are also in recovery.

Call Michael’s House anytime, day or night, at 760.548.4032 for more information, advice, or assistance in arranging the exact services you need in order to get you back to your authentic self.


Sources

1Oxycodone.” MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 15 January 2017. Accessed 17 October 2017.

2Facts on Opioids.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, August 2011.Accessed 17 October 2017.

3Drug Addiction.” Mayo Clinic, 5 December 2014.Accessed 17 October 2017.

4Percocet Addiction.” Healthline, medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP, 16 June 2016.Accessed 17 October 2017.

LIVE CHAT