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Overcoming Percocet Addiction with Treatment and Therapy
Percocet is an opiate prescription medication used to treat pain. It is a combination of oxycodone, a powerful opiate pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter pain medication. While it is an effective pain management option, it is also highly addictive and can lead to abuse and addiction.
Percocet is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States. That means it is highly addictive and leads to abuse. It is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain, and the dosages can vary depending on the severity of the pain and the patient’s tolerance to the medication. Generally, the recommended dosage is one tablet every six hours as needed for pain relief, with a maximum daily dose of four tablets.
However, many people become addicted to Percocet when they take it in higher dosages or more frequently than prescribed. They may also continue to use the drug after their pain has subsided, leading to percocet drug addiction. Additionally, some people may crush or snort the tablets to experience a more intense high, which can increase the risk of addiction and overdose.
Signs Of Percocet Addiction
It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction in case you or someone you know is taking Percocet and may be struggling with addiction. Some of the most common signs of percocet addiction include:
Tolerance: Over time, people who abuse Percocet will develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they will need to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.
Withdrawal symptoms: When a person who is addicted to Percocet stops using the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include muscle aches, insomnia, anxiety, and nausea. Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable, and people may continue using Percocet to avoid them.
Increased use: People who are addicted to Percocet will often use the drug more frequently than prescribed or take higher doses than directed. They may also seek out additional prescriptions or buy the drug illegally.
Changes in behavior: Addiction can lead to changes in behavior. People who are addicted to Percocet may become secretive or isolated, withdraw from friends and family, and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. They may also experience mood swings or become agitated or irritable.
Physical symptoms: Long-term Percocet abuse can cause physical symptoms such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. It can also lead to respiratory problems, including shallow breathing and respiratory depression. People who abuse Percocet may also experience frequent headaches.
Side Effects of Percocet
While Percocet can be effective in managing pain, it also comes with several potential side effects that patients should be aware of.
The most common side effects of percocet are drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. These side effects can make it difficult to perform daily activities such as driving or operating machinery. It is important to avoid these activities until you know how Percocet affects you.
Another potential side effect of percocet is constipation. Oxycodone, the opioid in Percocet, slows down the digestive system, which can lead to constipation. To prevent constipation, patients should drink plenty of water, eat a high-fiber diet, and exercise regularly. In some cases, a stool softener or laxative may be necessary.
Breathing disparities are a sign of percocet addiction. Percocet can also cause respiratory depression, a serious side effect that can be life-threatening. Respiratory depression occurs when the breathing rate slows down or stops completely. This is more likely to occur in patients who have respiratory problems, such as asthma or COPD, or in patients who take high doses of Percocet. If you experience difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.
Long-term use of percocet drug addiction can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Patients who take Percocet for an extended period of time may develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This can lead to dependence, where the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. Addiction is a serious condition that can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
Finally, Percocet can cause liver damage if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time. Acetaminophen, the other component of Percocet, is metabolized by the liver. If the liver is unable to process acetaminophen effectively, it can lead to liver damage or even liver failure. Patients who drink alcohol or who have a history of liver disease should be especially cautious when taking Percocet.
Percocet Addiction Treatment
Individuals who develop Percocet drug addiction often struggle to stop using the drug on their own and require professional treatment.
Detoxification
The first step in Percocet addiction treatment is detoxification. Detoxification is the process of removing the drug from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms. Percocet withdrawal symptoms can be severe and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches, anxiety, and insomnia. Detoxification is typically done under medical supervision to ensure the individual’s safety and comfort during the process.
Medication-assisted treatment
Once detoxification is complete, individuals can begin addiction treatment. There are several different types of addiction treatment, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and support groups.
Medication-assisted treatment involves using medications to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone and buprenorphine are two medications commonly used in MAT for percocet recovery. These medications are long-acting opioids that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is another medication used in MAT for opioid addiction. It blocks the effects of opioids and can help prevent relapse.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapies are another important component of percocet addiction treatment. These therapies aim to help individuals identify and change the behaviors and thought patterns that led to their addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of behavioral therapy that is often used in addiction treatment. CBT helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and develop coping skills to manage cravings and triggers.
Support group
Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and SMART Recovery can also be beneficial in Percocet addiction treatment. These groups provide a supportive community of individuals in percocet recovery who can offer encouragement and guidance.
Conclusion
Percocet addiction is a serious issue that affects individuals and families worldwide. The drug is highly addictive and can lead to severe physical and psychological dependency. Addiction to Percocet can have devastating consequences on an individual’s health, social life, and relationships. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with Percocet addiction.