All addictions to drugs and alcohol are devastating. Prescription drug addiction often impacts the lives of people without prior history of substance abuse or any known risk factors for developing an addiction. Many people trust that the medications their doctor prescribes are always safe. However, Percocet and other prescription opioids can be highly addictive, even when used under strict supervision. Anyone using prescription opioids must be aware of the signs of Percocet abuse and addiction and know how to find treatment to address these common issues.
An opioid abuse crisis has been building in the United States for decades. Each day, about 136 people die from an overdose of opioids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[1] This staggering number means that more people in this country are dying of opioid overdose than in motor vehicle accidents. Prescription opioid abuse leads to more deaths each day than all other illegal drugs combined. Opioid abuse can cause deep, irreparable harm to people’s physical and mental health, families, and broader communities.
If you or someone you love live with Percocet addiction or need information about opioid abuse treatment in West Palm Beach, reach out to the Mandala Healing Center staff today.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a potent prescription pain reliever prescribed by medical professionals to treat moderate to severe pain. Percocet contains a combination of two pain-relieving ingredients: Oxycodone and Acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol. This effective combination of drugs can relieve pain related to surgery, injuries, and chronic medical conditions.
The FDA classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug. It is highly regulated and controlled by the FDA but is known to have a medical use. The only drugs with more regulations are Schedule I drugs, which are illegal and have no known medical use, such as heroin and LSD.[2]
If you take Percocet, you should do so only under the supervision of a medical professional. You should take the medication exactly as prescribed and talk to your doctor about any changes to your usage or other side effects.
Recognizing Percocet Abuse
Percocet is an effective opioid painkiller for moderate to severe pain. In addition to experiencing pain relief, some who take Percocet may also feel relaxed, euphoric, or “high” when they take the drug. These pleasurable effects may cause people to want to take Percocet in higher doses or more often than their doctor prescribed. People may also continue taking Percocet after their pain goes away. They may buy Percocet on the street or attempt to get multiple prescriptions from other doctors.
A prolonged period of taking higher doses of Percocet can lead to tolerance. When a person develops tolerance, they require more of the drug to get the desired effects. Tolerance is one of the clearest and defining features of addiction.
In addition to tolerance, Percocet abuse can cause behavioral and emotional changes and may lead to risky or uncharacteristic actions. People who abuse Percocet may also experience other physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Dizziness
- Irritability and mood swings
- Headache
- Chills
- Dilated pupils
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Yawning
- Increase in blood pressure
Research from 2014 suggested that about 4.3 million people in the United States met the criteria for prescription opioid abuse.[3] Of the millions of people who abuse prescription opioids, including Percocet, a number will develop dependence and require treatment for Percocet addiction.
The Signs of Percocet Addiction
When used as prescribed, people take Percocet in pill form. People who abuse Percocet may take it in pill form, snort or smoke it, or inject it. When Percocet reaches a person’s bloodstream, it causes a rush of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain. Dopamine plays an important role in addiction and is active in the pleasure and reward areas of the brain.
When the brain becomes dependent on a regular flood of dopamine, people may experience intense cravings and other withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop taking Percocet.
Recognizing the signs of Percocet abuse and addiction is essential to getting the treatment you need to recover and move forward. Some of the behavioral symptoms of Percocet addiction include:
- Using more of the drug than recommended
- Inventing or exaggerating symptoms to get a prescription for Percocet
- Seeing multiple doctors who prescribe Percocet
- Using Percocet recreationally
- Continuing to use Percocet despite negative consequences
- Being unable to keep up at work, school, or home
- Legal or financial trouble related to drug use
People who abuse opioids or develop Percocet addiction are at higher risk of severe harm to their health and overdose. If you or someone you love live with Percocet addiction, you must get the treatment you need as quickly as possible.
What is Percocet Addiction Treatment Like in West Palm Beach?
Percocet addiction treatment generally happens in stages. Because addiction is not simply a physical condition, people must receive treatment for the condition’s emotional, behavioral, and environmental aspects, too.
First, a doctor or addiction specialist will evaluate your needs to determine the right level of care and treatment plan. For most, the next step will be going through a medically-supervised detox program where patients are monitored and treated during Percocet withdrawal.
After completing opioid detox, people begin an addiction treatment program that includes a combination of evidence-based and holistic treatments. Therapies will address and treat the complex roots of a person’s addiction and help them avoid relapse for life.
Treatments include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Education
- Medications
- Family therapy
- Mental health and medical care
- Holistic treatments like art therapy, nutrition counseling, and meditation
The length of a treatment plan and the required level of care depends on the severity of a person’s addiction and other personal factors. After treatment, people must develop an aftercare plan to help them stay engaged and active in their addiction recovery for life.
Get Help Now
At the Mandala Healing Center, we are sensitive to the fact that every person we treat comes from a different background and has a unique set of needs. Our wide array of addiction treatment offerings in West Palm Beach, Florida allows us to cater to each patient’s strengths, and find the programs and activities that work best on an individual level. Our evidenced-based programs and holistic methods are designed to keep patients engaged in treatment, develop the necessary life strategies and skills to sustain long-term sobriety, and achieve optimal health and internal balance.
For more information about starting treatment for Percocet abuse and addiction, reach out to the Mandala Healing Center staff today.
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