Percocet is a blend of acetaminophen and oxycodone that is typically used to treat moderate to severe pain. As an opiate, it is highly addictive, causing those who abuse the drug to feel that they cannot function in every day life without it. After only three weeks of use, Percocet users begin to experience withdrawal symptoms from the drug, making it more difficult to break the addiction as time progresses. Take some time to learn what actions can be taken to avoid further abuse of this drug.
Effects of Percocet Abuse
Percocet is a downer, a drug that depresses rather than stimulates activity. It is used as a pain killer, numbing extremities and providing a euphoric sensation for an average of four to eight hours depending on the dosage. Other effects of Percocet are listed below:
- Constipation
- Constricted pupils
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Exaggerated feeling of well-being
- Itchy skin
- Light-headedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sedation
- Skin rash
- Slowed breathing
This brief list are some of the side effects of Percocet abuse. As the list shows, the “high” people seek from this drug include a bundle of other side-effects that can be potentially dangerous. If not monitored, some of these side-effects can cause serious health problems leading to comas or death. If these symptoms seem prevalent in a friend or loved one, please help them get the care they need.
Effects of Percocet Addiction
If someone takes Percocet regularly enough to become addicted, she will display a number of characteristics in as little as three weeks. This highly addictive drug not only alters a user’s brain while she is on the drug, but also for a considerable time thereafter if she continues to use it. Here are some traits a person exudes while addicted to Percocet:
- Anxiety
- Fevers
- Flu-like symptoms
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Insomnia
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Runny nose and eyes
- Sweating
- Convulsions
- Seizures
If someone is addicted to Percocet, he might display some of these symptoms anywhere from six to eight hours after his last dosage. Irritability and cravings can follow, which makes relapsing a considerable threat during detoxification. If these signs and symptoms accurately describe you or a loved one, get help immediately.
Percocet Abuse Advice
The first step to breaking an addiction to Percocet is a detox of the drug user’s system. Hospitals, specialized doctor’s offices, and drug coaches and clinics are available to help during this trying time. As discussed, cravings and irritability can worsen at this stage, only to be intensified as that stage continues. Eventually, cravings will diminish; however, they will linger if someone stops there.
Dual diagnosis treatment has the best success in completely breaking addiction. These programs focus not only on substance abuse, but also on possible underlying mental disorders that often go untreated. Strategies such as counseling sessions, group therapy, and behavioral therapy (which employs a reward system for positive actions; for instance, a passed drug test), are used in various programs. Active involvement in community life and support from friends and family are also strongly encouraged. There are many options and it is important that each person find the right treatment for him or her.
Percocet Addiction Help
Please take the time to help someone or yourself break an addiction to this debilitating drug. Our helpline is open for calls 24 hours a day and our phone number is toll-free. Life is too short to waste on addiction, and we want to find the right treatment option for you. Call us today.
