Percocet Addiction Treatment
Like all opioid and narcotic painkillers, Percocet (also known as oxycodone) is prescribed for moderate to severe pain as a result of injury, surgery, or other, more long-term chronic conditions. The drug alters the pain receptors in the brain and changes the way we perceive pain; it also triggers a release of dopamine, a brain chemical which causes a kind of high or euphoria. Some get addicted to this feeling and may begin to abuse their Percocet dosage and guidelines.
There are various symptoms that indicate Percocet abuse, including:
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Confusion and delirium
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Sleepiness
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Slowed breathing
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Constipation and digestion problems
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Sweating
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Vomiting
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Headaches
Behavioral Red Flags
When assessing someone for Percocet addiction and abuse, it’s also crucial to bear in mind the behavioral changes they may be experiencing. The following behaviors are cause for concern:
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Taking more than the recommended dose.
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Crushing, chewing, snorting or injecting Percocet tablets rather than swallowing them as directed.
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Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors, also known as ‘doctor shopping’.
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Needing to increase the dose more and more because the effects don’t feel as powerful over time.
How dangerous is Percocet abuse?
If someone becomes dependent on Percocet and misuses it on a regular basis, they run the risk of various physical and mental health problems.
Percocet addiction treatment and what it involves
Due to the unpleasant Percocet withdrawal treatment process, relapse is common when an individual attempts to get clean from Percocet unsupervised. A Percocet treatment program is recommended to help keep patients out of the cycle of abuse and on the road to recovery.
Rehabilitation follows the detox period, ensuring that individuals understand their addiction, what caused it, and how they can prevent themselves from becoming addicted again. There are also numerous aftercare programs, which ensure the treatment center keeps in close contact with those who have recovered after they leave the facility.
Life after recovering from Percocet addiction
Percocet is highly addictive, and it’s particularly hard for recovering addicts to completely forget the euphoric high they know it can give them. To prevent relapse, many former Percocet addicts take methadone to control their dose of opiates over time and prevent the profound cravings that lead to relapse.
Behavioral therapy also helps to maintain good habits and keep individuals who are susceptible to addiction away from temptation.
