How Prescription Becomes Addiction
People are generally prescribed Percocet to treat pain that over-the-counter medication isn’t effective for, such as that caused by injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions. The oxycodone in the drug affects opioid receptors, which are part of the body’s natural pain relief system. When activated, they release endorphins, which boost feelings of pleasure and reduce the amount of physical pain you feel.
A Percocet prescription used to reduce pain is typically intended for short-term use, but some patients, drawn by the medication’s pleasurable effects, may attempt to prolong their use or exceed the prescribed dosage. Over time, your body develops a tolerance and stops making as many endorphins naturally, which causes you to need more and more Percocet to get the same effect.
Substance Abuse and Dependence
As you misuse opioids, you start to develop both psychological and physical dependence on the drug. Psychological dependence is when you think regularly about using the drug and believe that you need it in order to feel good. This results in cravings as well as anxiety and depression when you think about life without the substance.
Physical dependence is the result of changes in your brain chemistry, where your body is producing significantly lower levels of endorphins naturally. As a result, when you don’t have Percocet, you don’t feel normal, and you find that physically, your body craves more of the drug. You also feel withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop using the drug.
Dependence is what leads to a substance use disorder, and when you’re dependent on Percocet, it’s specifically an opioid use disorder. The negative effects of this chemical dependency include mental illness, liver damage, and opioid-related deaths.
Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Use Disorder
When it comes to substance abuse, Percocet or otherwise, there are signs of addiction you can watch for. The National Institute on Drug Abuse provides these symptoms from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
- Experiencing strong desires/cravings to use Percocet
- Consuming Percocet in higher doses than intended and/or longer than intended
- Spending a significant amount of time getting, using, and recovering from Percocet use
- Not being able to fulfill work or personal obligations due to opioid use
- Continuing Percocet use, even if it causes significant problems physically, psychologically, and personally
- Using the drug in unsafe situations or with other illicit drugs
- Experiencing Percocet withdrawal symptoms when stopping use
- Experiencing overdose effects or other negative effects of Percocet use
Other signs and symptoms include doctor shopping to get fraudulent prescriptions, seeking illegal sources of opioids, and faking injuries or pain in order to get immediate medical attention and opioid prescriptions.
Percocet addiction gives you an increased risk of negative health effects. For example, you might get acetaminophen poisoning or have liver damage from overusing Percocet. You also have an increased risk of opioid overdose. The symptoms/signs of overdose include slow or shallow breathing,
If prescribed Percocet has gotten out of hand in your life, you’re not alone. The effects of Percocet abuse are significant, but when you reach out to our team at Woburn, we can help you break free. Our treatment center provides programs and mental health services to allow you to overcome substance use disorder.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone with Percocet addiction stops using the drug, they will experience symptoms that can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous. That’s why medical detoxification under the supervision of a healthcare professional is often the first step of treatment.
The effects of Percocet withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Excessive sweating
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps
The good news is that you don’t have to be afraid of withdrawal from Percocet. At Woburn, we can treat opioid addiction with a full spectrum of treatment programs, including medical detox, inpatient treatment, and outpatient care.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
The Treatment Process for Percocet Addiction
Getting treatment for opioid use disorder starts by contacting your doctor. They will be able to give you assessments based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Your doctor can also use the ASAM evaluation to determine the right levels of treatment for your specific needs.
It’s important to be honest about your history of prior substance abuse, Percocet use, and any issues affecting your health, like chronic pain.
Once you know the types of treatment you’re looking for, our team at Woburn Addiction Treatment can connect you with the care you need. We have residential treatment, a variety of outpatient programs, and aftercare support. We also provide support to lower the risk of Percocet overdose.
Medical Detox for Percocet Abuse
During medical detox, you have 24/7 support from medical professionals to help you manage the physical symptoms of withdrawal. They can provide medications and other treatments to help you stay safe and comfortable.
During detox, you also get help with the psychological signs and symptoms of addiction through individual and group therapy. If you don’t have a payment plan already, our team can help you create one.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is an evidence-based treatment approach for opioid use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) lists the common medications used for MAT, which include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.
Medication-assisted treatment provides FDA-approved prescription medications that help manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings during treatment. Helping patients stay stable during treatment is an important part of lowering the risk of opioid overdose. Unfortunately, if people relapse on opioids, they have a significant risk of overdose.
MAT can be provided as part of inpatient and/or outpatient treatment, including long-term through opioid treatment clinics, to help you overcome Percocet addiction.
Residential Treatment for Drug Abuse
Once you’re through detox, you may transfer to residential treatment. In residential treatment, you live in the treatment center full-time. The staff can help you address the physical symptoms and behavioral symptoms of addiction through individual, group, and family therapy.
Evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help you address risk factors and underlying issues that may contribute to addiction. Our treatment center provides a safe and supportive environment to overcome addiction to Percocet and other addictive substances.
We also help you think about the effects of Percocet and behaviors related to substance use so that you can create new mindsets and habits focused on living in long-term recovery. During your time in our residential treatment center, you’ll develop healthy coping skills, address co-occurring disorders and mental health problems, and ultimately overcome substance use disorder.
Outpatient Treatment For Percocet Addiction
Once you finish a program at an inpatient treatment center, you’ll probably transition to an outpatient program to continue your recovery from Percocet abuse.
Outpatient care can vary in intensity and duration, depending on your specific needs. Three common types of outpatient care include:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): These full-day programs meet five days a week. They offer many of the same treatment approaches as residential care, including help with mental illness, MAT, and therapy.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): An IOP program typically involves attending therapy a few hours per day, around three days a week. These programs are flexible and make it easy to attend treatment while also taking care of work, school, and personal responsibilities. You can also continue treatment for mental health problems during the IOP.
- Outpatient Therapy: General outpatient care is often part of an aftercare program, where you are finished with formal treatment and are attending therapy sessions once a week.
Completing your full treatment plan gives you the best chance to create a life you love that’s free of substance use.
Support Groups and Aftercare
After completing a treatment program for Percocet addiction, ongoing support is crucial for maintaining sobriety. This may include attending support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous or participating in aftercare programs that provide continued therapy and resources for relapse prevention and a continued sober lifestyle.
Aftercare support can also involve community resources and social services. For example, you might need housing services or help with job training. A pregnant person might be concerned about medical and childcare, and someone who is ill might need disease control services.
Connecting to these resources reduces the risk factors associated with relapse and a return to Percocet addiction.
Addressing Severe Pain Without Prescription Opioids
For individuals struggling with severe pain, whether it is chronic or acute, there are alternative treatment options available that do not involve prescription opioid drugs. These may include non-opioid pain relievers, physical therapy, and other complementary therapies.
This is an important part of addressing Percocet addiction, as oftentimes, individuals become addicted to higher doses of prescription painkillers as a way to relieve pain, even if the controlled substance only provides temporary relief. Giving individuals an alternative way to treat pain can prevent relapse.
Inpatient vs Outpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment involves round-the-clock care and support in a residential facility, while outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home and attend therapy sessions regularly. Inpatient treatment may be recommended for those with a severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders, while outpatient treatment can be effective for those with a milder addiction. Factors that may contribute to whether an individual would be better suited for outpatient or inpatient care include:
- Severity of addiction
- Availability of a supportive living environment
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Previous treatment attempts and their success
Getting Percocet Addiction Treatment
If you or a loved one is abusing Percocet, reach out to Woburn Addiction Treatment today to discuss treatment options. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing individualized, compassionate Percocet addiction treatment to help you achieve long-term recovery.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a courageous step towards being happier and healthier as you live a normal life. If you’re ready to put Percocet addiction behind you and start reaching for your dreams, we’re here to help. Contact us to get started today.
Sources:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). Principles of drug addiction treatment: a research-based guide (third edition).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). U.S. Opioid Prescribing Rate Maps.
- Drug Enforcement Administration, Drug & Chemical Evaluation Section. (2019). Oxycodone.
- Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2006). Percocet.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018). Opiate and opioid withdrawal.
- Volkow, N.D., Frieden, T.R., Hyde, P.S., Cha, S.S. (2014). Medication-assisted therapies–tackling the opioid-overdose epidemic. The New England Journal of Medicine, 370(22), 2063-2066.chiatric services, 70(2), 97–106.
