Thousands of Americans are reliant upon prescription medications such as OxyContin, Methadone, Darvocet and Percocet to relieve pain from such ailments like menstrual cramps, headaches, surgery recovery or lingering pain from a past injury. However, heavy reliance on the medication can lead to physical dependency on the drug, otherwise known as addiction. Their bodies begin to “need” the drug to cope with daily activities and feel “normal.” Nonetheless, there are warning signs in the midst of this dependency that loved ones can be aware of to pinpoint a habit.
- Usage Increase – As time passes, it is normal for individuals to develop a tolerance to drug effects. If someone you know seems to be increasing his/her dose over time, this is an indication that the amount they were taking is no longer providing them relief.
- Change in Personality – Changes in a person’s normal behavior can be a sign of dependency. Shifts in energy, mood, and concentration may occur as every day responsibilities become secondary to the need for the relief the prescription provides.
- Social Withdrawal – An individual developing a habit may withdraw from family, friends and other social interaction.
- Ongoing Use – Continued usage after a medical condition has improved will result in the person needing extensions on his/her prescription. The person might talk of how they are “still feeling pain” and need just a little longer on the medication in order to get well. He or she might also complain frequently about the doctors who refused to write the prescription for one reason or another.
- Time Spent on Obtaining Prescriptions – A dependant person will spend large amounts of time driving great distances and visiting multiple doctors to obtain the drugs. Watch for signs that he or she seems preoccupied with a quest for medication, demonstrating that the drug has become their top priority.
- Change in Daily Habits and Appearance – Personal hygiene may diminish as a result of a drug addiction. Sleeping and eating habits change, and a person may have a constant cough, runny nose and red, glazed eyes.
- Neglects Responsibilities – A drug user often may call in sick to work on a more regular basis and ignore household chores and bills.
- Increased Sensitivity – Normal sights, sounds and emotions might become overly stimulating to the person. Hallucinations, although perhaps difficult to monitor, may occur as well.
- Blackouts and Forgetfulness – Another clear indication of dependence is when the person regularly forgets events that have taken place and appears to be suffering blackouts.
- Defensiveness – When attempting to hide a drug dependency, abusers can become very defensive if they feel their secret is being discovered. They might even react to simple requests or questions by lashing out.
Physical Effects of Percocet
The signs and symptoms of a Percocet addict can vary from person to person and how the drug was administered. However, there are simple, physical signs a loved can be looking for if they suspect Percocet use in an individual.
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Sleeplessness
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Sweats
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Long-term effects of Percocet Abuse
Consistent abusers will most definitely face adverse effects because of the dangers of using the drug. Some long-term effects of abuse include:
- Respiratory depression
- Loss of concentration
- Increased muscle and bone pain
Signs of a Percocet Overdose
When a user has taken too much of the drug at one time, they will experience an overdose. An overdose can be told by these symptoms:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
- Clouding of mental functions
- Bluish skin color
- Weak pulse
- Small pupils
- Coma
Healthcare Provider Warning Signs
Most healthcare providers look for these warning signs when dealing with patients they suspect have an addiction:
- Going through prescriptions too quickly
- “Doctor shopping,” which is seeing several different healthcare providers to obtain Percocet prescriptions or switching from one provider to another
- Repeated reports of losing a prescription, having a prescription stolen or needing a prescription early to go on vacation
- Having a specific “favorite” narcotic drug (such as Percocet), and nothing else will do
- Reporting “allergies” to all other alternatives
If you or someone you know is struggling with a Percocet addiction, we can help. Please call our toll free number at (866) 872-6492. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions on Percocet help and treatment.
