Percocet is an opiate-based narcotic that is commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. It contains oxycodone, a powerful opiate, and acetaminophen, a drug that increases the effectiveness of oxycodone. Like all opiates, Percocet is habit forming. Any individual who takes Percocet for an extended period of time will develop a tolerance to the drug and require increasingly larger doses of Percocet to achieve desired effects. Tolerance eventually leads to physical dependency and addiction. Dependency causes Percocet users to experience withdrawal symptoms if they miss a dose of the drug, while addiction requires users to take Percocet in order to function on a day-to-day basis.
Detox is the first step in treating Percocet addiction. Detox rids the body of all traces of Percocet and breaks physical dependency. During detox, recovering Percocet users will experience withdrawal symptoms, which may include the following:
All opiate withdrawal can be dangerous, and Percocet detox should be completed under medical supervision. Medical professionals can offer several detox options that reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Over-the-counter medications can be administered by a doctor to treat individual withdrawal symptoms, or a doctor may prescribe methadone or buprenorphine to gradually taper a user off of opiates.
After successfully completing detox, a Percocet addict needs to address the psychological aspects of addiction at a drug rehab facility or addiction center. Percocet addiction treatment may include addiction counseling and behavioral therapy. Addiction counseling helps an addict identify possible causes of heroin abuse, such as stressors and negative daily influences. Behavioral therapy focuses on behavior patterns that contribute to addiction. Patients learn to identify these behaviors and negative influences and are taught how to avoid these factors that could lead to relapse.
Another benefit of entering a Percocet addiction treatment center is receiving a psychological evaluation. Addiction is often accompanied by a psychological disorder such as anxiety or depression. These co-occurring mental disorders may contribute to drug use and must be treated to prevent future relapse.
Are you or a loved one currently suffering with an addiction to Percocet? If you would like to know more about current research and treatment options available for Percocet addiction, we are here to help. Our toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, so please don’t hesitate to call now and get the help you need.