Percocet
Percocet is a prescription drug that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen. Biochemically, Percocet acts similarly to morphine and is classified as both a narcotic pain reliever and an opiate. Prolonged use of Percocet can result in an increased susceptibility to addiction and a physical dependency. Continued use can activate the reward center of the brain, causing addicts to have a constant cravings for the drug, making Percocet severely addictive. Nineteen percent of all treatment admissions in 2007 were to treat abuse of opiates like Percocet, according to the Treatment Episode Data Set.
Facts on Percocet Addiction
Percocet is prescribed to millions of Americans each year as a long-term means of managing debilitating pain. Not everyone who uses Percocet develops an addiction, but there is increased risk of addiction after two to three weeks of constant usage. Signs of addiction often go unnoticed until the patient is off the medication completely and their body slips into a withdrawal state because of the physical dependency created. Withdrawal symptoms of Percocet can include nausea and vomiting, anxiety, running nose, watery eyes, insomnia and fever. If you experience these symptoms, this could be an indication that you have a problem and you should evaluate your other drug-related habits.
Signs of Percocet Addiction
In long-term users, Percocet becomes less effective over time. The patient is therefore required to take higher doses to achieve the same results in their pain management. With prescription medications, drug addiction is defined as any use not sanctioned by a doctor, which is a necessary differentiation to make. Unlike with illicit drugs, not all people who take Percoet require addiction treatment, though a portion of them do. If these signs of addiction are similar to your habits, you should review the other indicators below to determine if you in fact have a problem.
Additional signs of Percocet addiction include:
- You increase your dosage of medication which causes you to run out before your next prescription is issued (if you have one at all).
- You have gone “doctor shopping” in order to have additional prescriptions issued
- You are hoarding medications when they are on-hand to ensure drugs are always available for a rainy day.
- You are finding new ways to ingest the drug, for example, snorting it.
- You have the inability to function without Percocet.
- You’ve turned to purchasing the drug off the streets.
Treatment for Percocet Addiction
If you are suffering for a Percocet addiction, please contact us toll-free at 1-888-374-5724. Professionals are available to discuss the treatment programs available to any addict with a Percocet addiction. Getting help early for yourself or your New Jersey loved will help with long-term success in a recovery program.
