What is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription opioid pain medicine that combines two medications: Oxycodone, a generic opioid analgesic, and Acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain medication. Percocet changes the way your body feels and responds to pain which is why there is a chance you can develop Percocet addiction. Doctors prescribe it in situations where traditional means of pain management are ineffective, and there is no other practical solution. Though less potent as a pain remedy, the Acetaminophen works to enhance the potency of the Oxycodone, thus making the drug more effective.

Why is Percocet Addictive?

Opioids all work by blocking calcium receptors in certain nerve cells in the brain, thus dampening the effect of pain. Very similar to other prescription opioids like Norco and OxyContin, when Percocet is taken regularly, users build up a tolerance to the drug, sometimes making them want to take it more frequently or in amounts that exceed their regular dose in order to continue to receive the desired effect. As they do so, the body becomes accustomed to having it, and thus the user begins to crave it.

 
 

Percocet Addiction Signs

Addiction to Percocet has a number of symptoms. Look for the following. If you have these symptoms, you may need some help quitting. If you see them in someone else, talk to them. Ideally, they will listen and consider getting help. But not everyone who needs help will seek it. Call us if we can assist in talking to a loved one in need of Percocet addiction treatment.

Confusion
Mood swings
Agitation/Anger/Aggression
Depression
Sleeping too little or too much
Low blood pressure
Reduced breathing rate
Sweating
Difficulty with coordination
Exhaustion/Fatigue
Constipation
Low Heart Rate
Weight Loss
Poor Memory or Judgment
Poor Concentration

Behavioral Percocet Addiction Signs

Is Percocet Addiction Treatment Necessary to Quit?

Honestly, it depends on the individual. Many people follow their prescriptions faithfully to manage pain and are able to come off of the drug without significant withdrawal symptoms. Others may even exceed their dosage or become addicted, yet can find their own way off of the drug. However, opiate withdrawal can be very difficult for many people, especially those who have been taking the drug in large quantities or for an extended period of time. And given that addiction can control a person’s behavior and be disruptive to their life, for many treatment is the best solution.

Percocet Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from any opioid is serious, and is best handled with the assistance of a qualified mental healthcare professional. In many cases, an inpatient detox facility is extremely beneficial. The right healthcare professional will be able to determine the severity of the addiction, and therefore the best approach for overcoming it.

When a person commits to withdrawing from Percocet, they will experience a variety of symptoms depending on how far they are removed from withdrawal. Each person is different. Symptoms begin as early as 8-12 hours after taking the last dose. The following is a general list of withdrawal symptoms:

Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Depression
Coughing
Diarrhea
Runny nose
Teary eyes
Sweating
Anxiety
Shaking
Muscle aches
Increased heart rate
Body aches and pains
Irritability
Poor concentration
Mood swings

The Percocet Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

In the first two days, the patient faces a barrage of different symptoms as the body begins to detoxify itself. Relapse tends to occur most often during this period.

The most serious symptoms occur in this period. Shaking and cramps, nausea and vomiting, and muscle aches continue. 

The physical symptoms begin to subside, but the psychological ones grow in intensity. Depression and anxiety are common.

At this point, the body is free from the physical effects of the drug. However, the user may still feel psychological symptoms and remorse. It is best to monitor the user for a few weeks to make sure they do not relapse. 

Percocet Addiction Treatment Methods

There are several ways to mitigate the problems that arise when a person attempts to withdraw from Percocet. To know which are right for that person, it is always best to seek the advice of a mental healthcare professional familiar with addiction counseling techniques. A gifted therapist will ask appropriate questions to assess the addict’s condition, and prescribe the right combination of solutions. Here are a few things a physician might use to help curb addiction:

Tapered Doses

When coming off of Percocet, there are ways of gradually reducing the dose so that the patient’s body can slowly and evenly adjust to less of the drug being present in its system. Backed by research and case files, this method should be supervised by a doctor who knows exactly how to evenly distribute the medication throughout the withdrawal and ensure that the patient is responding well to it. When done properly, this method is highly effective, and minimizes the risk of relapse for the patient.

Withdrawal Medication

Over the years, a few medications have been developed that, when introduced at the time of withdrawal, replace the effect of the drug in the user’s system, thus minimizing severe withdrawal effects. Clonidine is one example; it tends to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal, in particular restlessness, irritability and anger. Suboxone is another drug that reduces the symptoms and cravings during withdrawal.

Inpatient Treatment

Sometimes, inpatient detox is necessary for taking on a potent opioid like Percocet. In detox, the patient must remain under the 24-hour supervision of healthcare professionals, who will have a high degree of control over factors which might otherwise make them want to relapse (most notably, access to their drug). In most cases, inpatient treatment makes it possible for the individual to get through their darkest hours, and set up a period of prescribed therapy afterward that will help them hold onto sobriety.

Psychotherapy

After detoxing, the patient must learn to manage their own triggers that can arise from depression, anxiety, and trauma. Without some degree of self-awareness and training, there is a significant chance of relapse. A skilled mental healthcare provider will be able to navigate the patient through the difficult path of long-term recovery. When done correctly, therapy is quite empowering, giving the patient the confidence and skills necessary to face life again.

 

Percocet Addiction Treatment