Percocet is a prescription drug which is a combination of oxycodone and Tylenol. Physical dependence and addiction are common with the daily or prolonged use of Percocet. Physical dependence is when the individual’s body shows signs of narcotic withdrawal when Percocet is suddenly stopped.
In regards to addiction, Percocet is used because of psychological and physical need. Addiction is characterized by a continued craving and the need to use Percocet for mood alteration. Many individuals utilizing Percocet do so because they feel it helps make them “normal.”
Percocet, which should be taken only under a physician’s supervision, is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form and is taken every six hours by mouth. Percocet addiction can happen easily since oxycodone is known to be habit forming.
Percocet Detoxification
Percocet detox can be difficult because the drug falls into the opiate category (naturally occurring constituents of opium), causing both mental and physical addiction. Opiates travel rapidly through the bloodstream to the brain, where they stimulate opiate receptors, triggering intense feelings of pleasure and reward.
Detoxification Process
The body rids itself of all chemicals and toxins during the detoxification process. However, it is only one step in the addiction treatment process. Detox only helps with the physical addiction. Most of the time, physical addiction is accompanied by an emotional addiction as well. This is referred to as dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders. Along with a physical addiction to drugs, one might suffer from mental issues. The detox process is difficult to successfully complete alone because symptoms of withdrawal may be very difficult and painful. The desire to relapse is high during this step because the cravings are extremely intense as the drug exits the body.
Percocet Withdrawal
Initially, rehabilitation/treatment patients who are experiencing or under the influence of withdrawal from substance-related disorders require medical professionals to have an understanding of the complete medical, psychiatric and social issues surrounding the individual. Proper and thorough examinations are necessary to establish the characteristics of the addiction and its intensity, the existence of associated psychological illnesses, and the repercussions on the patient’s family, work, and friendships. The medical assessment is also important in determining the appropriate protocol in treating the patient and to identify coexisting medical and psychiatric conditions and/or Percocet-related medical conditions.
Outpatient Detox
There are advantages and disadvantages to both recovery paths. Outpatient detoxification is less expensive than inpatient. Outpatient is difficult to come out of successfully without a strong foundation of friends and family at home. The patient does not have 24-hour care like inpatients do, so it is easier to relapse when faced with the symptoms of withdrawal.
However, with a strong core to make sure the patient does not relapse, it is possible to successfully complete an outpatient detox. It may take longer because the doctor may advise coming off of the drug gradually to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Quitting the drug cold turkey would cause the patient to experience intense withdrawal symptoms.
Natural Detox
Those who choose the outpatient program will have to go through natural detox because there is not a professional there to administer medications that will help ease the process, such as methadone. However, some inpatients will choose to go through natural detox as well. Typically inpatients that choose natural detox will quit cold turkey. This is highly difficult because the withdrawal symptoms may be very intense. Many addicts have taken this path and completed successfully, but the risk for relapse is greater during this stage.
Advantages of Medical Percocet Detox
Advantages of inpatient detoxification or rehab are:
- The patient is in a protected setting where access to substances of abuse is restricted
- The management and monitoring of neural recovery eliminates craving, and allows a detoxification without withdrawal
- Detoxification can be accomplished more rapidly than it can in an outpatient setting
- Besides, detoxification with hospitalization prepares the patient for ongoing treatment of his or her dependence on drugs. During detoxification, patients may form therapeutic relationships with treatment staff or other patients, and may become aware of alternatives to a drug-using lifestyle. Detoxification is an opportunity to offer patients information and to motivate them for longer-term treatment.
Goals of Percocet Detox
Under these conditions, Percocet detoxification/rehabilitation has four immediate goals:
- To provide a safe withdrawal from Percocet dependence and enable the patient to become free of non-prescribed medications
- To provide a withdrawal that is humane and that protects the patient’s dignity
- To provide a recovery of higher cognitive and affective processes
- To prepare the patient for ongoing treatment of his or her new life
Percocet Help
Call us today to discuss how Percocet detox can free you from your Percocet addiction and get your life back. If you or someone you know needs help, we are here to help. Please call our toll free number at (866) 872-6492.
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