Effective Options for Percocet Treatment at South Shores
As more and more doctors continue to prescribe opioid painkillers to their patients, the threat of abuse is only increasing. One contributor to the current opioid epidemic plaguing the nation is Percocet.
Like several other opioid drugs, Percocet is capable of treating moderate to severe pain, particularly for individuals who deal with chronic discomfort. However, this medication also poses a risk for opioid addiction, as you or a loved one may know all too well.
With the rise of painkiller abuse and addiction in the country, the need for effective Percocet addiction treatment options has become more important than ever. South Shores Detox and Recovery offer the comprehensive care you need to safely and successfully stop using opioids like Percocet.
Keep reading to learn more about our Percocet addiction treatment and effective options for painkiller recovery at South Shores!
What is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid antagonist painkiller commonly prescribed for relieving moderate to severe pain. The medication is made from a combination of Oxycontin, a highly addictive opioid, and Acetaminophen, the main active ingredient in Tylenol.
While Percocet was originally intended to be a “safer” alternative to other prescription opioids, it has become clear over time that this medication still poses a risk for abuse and dependence.
Because of this risk, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug due to its Oxycodone ingredient, meaning it is illegal to use opioid medication without a prescription.
Why Does Percocet Have a Risk for Substance Abuse?
There are many reasons why people abuse Percocet, giving the drug its high risk for addiction. For one, Percocet directly affects the central nervous system, binding to opioid receptors in the brain to provide pain relief. With chronic use over time, those taking this prescription painkiller may begin to feel like they need the drug to function normally.
Percocet is also easily accessible and prescribed by doctors nationwide to help their patients manage pain. It is also often sold illegally by drug dealers, usually laced with other opioids and dangerous substances.
Who is at Risk of Developing an Addiction to Percocet?
It is important to understand that addiction is a disease, and anyone is capable of developing this disorder, regardless of their personal, financial, or social background. With that being said, there are certain factors that increase a person’s risk of developing a dependence on this drug.
The risk of addiction to Percocet is increased in people who have a personal or family history of substance abuse, mental health disorders, or stressful lives. Other factors that can increase the risk of addiction include taking higher doses of Percocet than prescribed, taking Percocet for longer than prescribed, and taking Percocet in ways other than prescribed.
The Most Common Percocet Abuse Side Effects
There are several unpleasant side effects that come with abusing Percocet, both in the short and long term. Some of the common physical symptoms associated with short-term abuse of this opioid include:
- Constipation
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
Some people also experience psychological side effects when abusing this drug, especially those who are already struggling with a mental illness. This can include suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Knowing the Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Overdose
In addition to the various unpleasant side effects that come with misusing this medication, taking too much Percocet can also be hazardous to a person’s life, as this medication does have a risk of overdose.
This risk is increased when administering Percocet through different methods than it has been prescribed, such as snorting or injecting the drug, or taking it with other substances. The threat of opioid overdose is even more serious if the person has an underlying medical condition.
Some of the most common overdose effects associated with this medication include coma, abdominal cramping, respiratory depression, seizures, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 6% increase from 2018-2019 in deaths related to opioid abuse in the U.S. Unfortunately, these numbers have only continued to increase in recent years as opioids like Percocet become more accessible.
If you or someone else is experiencing any of these symptoms after taking Percocet, it is crucial to seek emergency medical assistance immediately in order to prevent life-threatening side effects from taking hold.
What are Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms Like?
Once someone has formed a chemical dependency on this drug, stopping their Percocet use on their own will be extremely difficult and even dangerous. In fact, negative effects can be expected with any form of opioid withdrawal.
Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping Percocet use after a long period of abuse include:
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme weight loss
- Confusion and disorientation
- Impaired cognitive function
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Chronic fatigue
- Excessive sweating
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
While most people will only experience withdrawal symptoms for up to a couple of weeks after stopping their use of this medication, some cases can last for up to several months. This is known as protracted withdrawal and can make staying sober extremely difficult.
To ensure that you are able to have a comfortable withdrawal process, it is important to seek out professional treatment services and an effective Percocet detox setting.
South Shores Detox and Recovery can provide the support and extensive care you need to safely achieve long-term recovery from your Percocet addiction.
How is Percocet Addiction Treated?
Despite Percocet’s many harrowing side effects, it is possible for those with an addiction to this substance to lead a normal life. There are several accepted medical and holistic treatments that can be used to address the physical, mental, and behavioral symptoms of this substance use disorder.
Percocet addiction is mainly treated with a combination of medication and therapy. The goal of treatment is to help the individual safely detox from Percocet, learn how to manage their cravings and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Opiates and Opioids
There are a number of medications that can be used to treat Percocet addiction. These medications work in different ways, but they all help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most commonly used medications for Percocet addiction include:
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an FDA-approved opioid antagonist drug that blocks the effects of opioids in the brain, which helps to reduce cravings and the risk of relapse.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Zubsolv) is a partial opioid agonist drug that binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while also blocking the euphoric effects of opioids.
- Methadone is a full opioid agonist that is used to treat opioid addiction. Methadone is a very effective medication for reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it can also be addictive and is not recommended for long term use unless dependence is not a concern.
Effective Therapies Used in Percocet Addiction Treatment
In addition to medication, therapy is an important part of Percocet addiction treatment. Therapy can help the individual to understand their addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a strong support network. Some of the most common types of therapy for Percocet addiction include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps the individual to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of talk therapy that helps people to identify their emotions and find healthy ways of dealing with them.
- Motivational interviewing (MI) helps the individual to explore their reasons for wanting to change and develop a plan for recovery.
- Individual therapy can help addicted individuals understand the underlying causes of their substance abuse and build better habits moving forward.
- Group therapy can help recovering individuals connect with other people who are struggling with similar experiences and build supportive relationships with like-minded individuals.
The best treatment plan for Percocet addiction will vary depending on your individual needs. However, you can generally expect a combination of medication and therapy to be an integral part of your recovery process.
How long you will spend in rehab will also vary, but most people need at least 3 months of treatment to achieve long-term recovery. You can speak with our recovery team today to learn more about what your treatment process will look like.
Our Foundations for Long Term Sobriety
Most addiction treatment programs, including ours, will begin the recovery process with a medical detox process. This will involve being slowly tapered off of Percocet under the constant supervision of a medical professional, helping to reduce and even prevent many withdrawal symptoms.
Of course, your recovery journey is not over once you have completed the Percocet detox process. Depending on the severity of your addiction and several other factors, we may encourage you to seek further treatment.
This may include participating in residential treatment, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization, and other levels of care. Which of these will best serve your needs can vary, so it is important to know what to expect from each of our treatment programs.
A Structured and Fully Supportive Environment
At our inpatient treatment program, you will receive constant support from our caring and compassionate staff, as well as an individualized treatment plan created to ensure that each of your recovery needs are being met.
Our inpatient program ensures that each of our clients has the ability to recover in a safe and supportive environment that provides them with constant access to recovery tools and resources. If you are struggling with co-occurring disorders, this intensive, 24/7 care may be best for you.
Of course, if you have a certain time or financial constraints, our outpatient treatment programs may be a better fit for you. Our outpatient services can give you access to sober support groups and recovery tools as you re-adjust to maintaining sobriety independently.
No matter which of our alcohol and drug rehab treatment options you decide is right for you, you can rest easy knowing all of your recovery needs will be met by our compassionate staff and extensive variety of treatment options.
Start Your Recovery From Percocet At South Shores!
If you or a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction, you can rest easy knowing that help is available to combat your drug abuse and live a happier, healthier life. At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we consider ourselves to be a leading treatment provider in California.
Our clients are our top priority, which is why we provide individualized and comprehensive care to those who are struggling with addiction. No matter what your personal addiction struggle may be, we are here to provide you with the relapse prevention services and treatment resources you need to achieve long-term recovery.
When you reach out to our addiction treatment center now, one of our representatives will help walk you through the rehab process and help you get started on your road to recovery today!
FAQs on Percocet Addiction and Treatment Options
Can I Get Addicted to Percocet if I Have a Prescription?
Yes, you can get addicted to Percocet even if you have a prescription. Percocet is a powerful opioid pain medication that can be addictive for anyone, regardless of whether they have a prescription or not.
In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 3.2 million people misused Oxycodone products in 2019, numbers that have only continued to increase over the years. There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of becoming addicted to Percocet, even if you have a prescription, including:
- Having a history of substance abuse or addiction.
- Taking Percocet for more than a few weeks.
- Increasing your dosage of Percocet without talking to your doctor.
- Taking Percocet for non-medical reasons, such as to get high or to relieve stress.
- Having a family history of substance abuse or addiction.
- Taking other medications that can interact with Percocet, such as alcohol or sedatives.
What are the Signs of a Percocet Addiction?
Coming to terms with the fact that you or a loved one is struggling with addiction can be hard, but admitting that there is a problem is the first and most important step in getting the professional treatment you need to start living a better life.
Percocet addiction can have serious consequences on a person’s life, so the sooner you are able to detect this issue and seek help, the better. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are several signs that can indicate if someone has a problem with painkillers, including: :
- Visiting multiple doctors to get different prescriptions for Percocet, or “doctor shopping”
- Experiencing strong cravings for Percocet
- Continuing to use Percocet even if this is causing personal, physical, mental, and/or social problems.
- Not being able to stop using Percocet on your own, even if you want to.
- No longer participating in previously enjoyable social activities or hobbies due to Percocet use
- Running into legal, financial, or other problems due to Percocet abuse.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to limit or stop Percocet use.
What Should I Expect from the Percocet Treatment Process?
When you decide to participate in our treatment program, you will have access to many different recovery services. From detox to inpatient treatment, outpatient care, and various evidence-based and holistic therapies, our facility provides the comprehensive care you need to successfully overcome your substance abuse.
You may spend anywhere from a few weeks to several months in treatment depending on the severity of your addiction. No matter how long you require treatment for, you can rest assured that all your needs will be met when choosing South Shores Detox and Recovery.