Percocet is a pain medication with a high abuse risk. Addiction treatment can help those showing Percocet abuse signs stop using the opioid and live-drug free.

Percocet Abuse and Addiction Treatment

Percocet is the 69th most commonly prescribed drug in the U.S. Although frequently prescribed to treat pain, Percocet is a Schedule II controlled substance, which carries a high risk for addiction, abuse and dependence. If you struggle with Percocet, help is available to quit the drug for good.

Understanding Percocet Abuse

Percocet is an analgesic with oxycodone as its opioid component and acetaminophen. The drug fights pain by working on the brain’s mu opioid receptors. It also triggers the brain’s reward circuit, causing a surge of the feel-good chemical dopamine which can propel people to continue taking the drug even when it’s no longer medically necessary.

Although exact statistics on Percocet abuse are not available, the drug was prescribed to more than 2.7 million Americans in 2020. Misusing prescription opioids like Percocet is also a risk for further opioid abuse: 80% of people who use heroin started with prescription opioids.

Percocet Abuse Signs

Loved ones may observe multiple signs when a person struggles with Percocet. Having more than two of the following symptoms within a year can mean the person has become addicted to Percocet:

1. Taking more Percocet or taking it for longer than you meant to
2. Previous unsuccessful attempts to cut down on or quit Percocet
3. Spending a lot of time obtaining, taking or recovering from Percocet use
4. Craving Percocet
5. Problems meeting obligations at school or work due to Percocet
6. Interpersonal issues linked to Percocet
7. Quitting or cutting back on other activities because of Percocet
8. Taking Percocet even when it is dangerous
9. Taking Percocet, even though you are aware it has negative effects on your life
10. Needing increasing amounts of Percocet to get the same effects that you did at first
11. Withdrawal symptoms if you try to cut back or quit Percocet

Percocet Abuse Side Effects

Percocet can cause short and long-term effects. Over the short term, the risk of overdose and death are ever-present, as are common side effects of the drug like:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mood changes
• Constipation
• Itchy skin

Over the long term, Percocet can be harmful to your health and include negative long-term effects like:

• Constipation or bowel obstruction
• Sleep apnea
• Fractures
• Hormonal problems
• Immune system suppression

Percocet addiction can be scary and overwhelming, but help is available. The Recovery Village Kansas City offers a continuum of programs to help you get off Percocet and stay off the drug for good. From medical detox to rehab and aftercare, we are with you every step of the way: contact us today to learn more.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

Percocet addiction treatment begins with medical detox to slowly cleanse your body of the drug. Treatment continues through rehab and aftercare. Rehab immediately follows medical detox, and you explore how you came to rely on Percocet. Multiple rehab options exist, including:

• Inpatient rehab: In this program, you live full-time on the premises. You can focus entirely on your recovery in inpatient rehab without outside distractions. Our inpatient rehab program immediately follows medical detox.
• Partial hospitalization: After inpatient rehab, you’ll have more free time and independence to manage your own recovery while still receiving several hours of care each day.
• Intensive outpatient rehab: While many clients continue living onsite in intensive outpatient care, others attend treatment then return home. These clients receive fewer hours of care as they transition to life in recovery.
• Traditional outpatient rehab: In this rehab, you live at home and may attend school or work. You come to the facility for treatment for up to nine hours a week. Those with mild Percocet addictions may start traditional outpatient rehab.

Percocet Withdrawal and Detox

To quit Percocet for good, you first must remove the drug from your body. However, withdrawal symptoms from stopping use can be a barrier, as they are uncomfortable and may be overwhelming. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Runny nose or eyes
• Yawning
• Enlarged pupils
• Abdominal cramps
• Goosebumps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea

A medically supervised detox program can help you avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms. Doctors and nurses are available around the clock to help treat symptoms as they arise.

Percocet Abuse and Mental Health

Mental health disorders frequently occur with substance use disorders like Percocet addiction and can complicate your recovery if left untreated. More than 25% of people who struggle with drugs like Percocet have a mental health disorder like:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Schizophrenia
• Personality disorders

A dual diagnosis program during rehab can help treat the underlying mental health disorder and Percocet addiction, increasing your chances for a successful recovery.

Is Percocet Addiction Treatable?

Percocet addiction is a treatable but lifelong condition. Completing a medical detox and rehab program can help you stay sober from Percocet longt-term.