Percocet Addiction

Percocet is the brand name for Endo Pharmaceutical’s oxycodone and acetaminophen blend of analgesic medication. Percocet is used as a painkiller in medicine, and Percocet tablets work by combining the opioid painkilling effect of oxycodone with the pain relieving effect of acetaminophen.

Percocet addiction is an increasing problem in the United States. Percocet addiction and oxycodone addiction have become a common problem because of the oxycodone’s euphoric effects and due to the modern availability of the drug in both prescription form and through illegal methods of attainment. Most addicts take the Percocet for the side effects of oxycodone. In some cases of Percocet addiction, an addict will take between 20 and 40 pills per day. The result of this large intake of the drug can be fatal.

In many cases of Percocet addiction there is related liver damage as a result of taking large doses of both acetaminophen and oxycodone. Acetaminophen does not have the same euphoric effects of oxycodone, but acetaminophen is toxic to the liver. It is estimated that overdoses on narcotics like Percocet that contain high levels of acetaminophen contribute to over 400 deaths per year in the United States.

With the potential lethality of Percocet addiction, treatment for an addict is of the utmost priority. Percocet addiction can be treated at drug rehab centers throughout the country. These centers offer individualized oxycodone rehab programs to support and treat oxycodone addictions. Percocet addiction and oxycodone addiction can be treated with a variety of measures including group therapy, detoxification, and psychotherapy.

Percocet Addiction Symptoms

Percocet addiction must be spotted as soon as possible to ensure that an addict receives prompt treatment and to reduce potentially fatal liver damage. Percocet addicts are likely to visit several doctors in an attempt to get multiple prescriptions for the drug. They will often be seen taking several doses of Percocet throughout day and taking more than the physician recommended dosage. They will also demonstrate several of the symptoms of oxycodone addiction.

Spotting a case of Percocet addiction involves monitoring a person for the signs and symptoms of oxycodone addiction. Oxycodone affects the body in several ways. Physically, the drug may cause symptoms such as sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, and more. In some cases of Percocet addiction or oxycodone addiction, other physical symptoms are present such as slow breathing, difficulty urinating, severe drowsiness, low blood pressure, fatigue, thirst, headaches, irregular heart rhythm, dehydration, heartburn, indigestion, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, low or high blood sugar, red eyes, and flushing of the skin.

Oxycodone has a number of psychological symptoms that may be present in cases of oxycodone addiction. Psychologically the drug may cause euphoria, dysphoria, loss of concentration, drug cravings and other symptoms. Severe psychological and physical symptoms of oxycodone addiction or Percocet addiction include confusion, anxiety, fear, seizures, serious liver damage, severe abdominal pain, confusion, paranoia, and other symptoms.

Percocet Withdrawal

Withdrawal from Percocet addiction is a challenge for many patients because of the drug’s strong physical and psychological dependence potential. Many patients have been addicted to Percocet or other oxycodone medications for several months or even years by the time they seek treatment, and if Percocet addiction withdrawal occurs too rapidly they may experience very severe side effects. Symptoms of Percocet addiction withdrawal typically onset within 6 hours or longer after the lase dose of oxycodone and will peak at 48 to 72 hours. They typically reside within a week, however the length of time depends on the individual.

Physical Percocet addiction withdrawal symptoms may include gastrointestinal distress, yawning, tearing of the eyes, muscle and bone aches, tremors, excessive salivation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, temperature regulation problems, and other physical symptoms. Psychological Percocet addiction withdrawal symptoms may include restlessness, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and other symptoms. There are a number of treatments for the symptoms of Percocet addiction withdrawal such as psychiatric therapies and medications, medications for physical symptoms, supportive psychotherapy, and other treatments which are available at drug rehab centers.

Percocet Detox

Oxycodone detoxification is one of the first phases of oxycodone rehab. Drug rehab centers provide the safest and best location for oxycodone addiction detoxification. These centers provide patients with all the support and treatment that they require to overcome their addiction. Patients receive supportive counseling, medications, group support, and treatment from licensed medical doctors and professional addiction staff during their detoxification. Detoxification is performed gradually so that the patient’s withdrawal symptoms are minimized.

Detoxification may require up to two weeks for the physical symptoms of oxycodone addiction to subside, and longer for the psychological symptoms of oxycodone addiction to be treated and eventually subside. Detoxification at substance abuse rehab centers is safer for the patient than at other locations such as the patient’s home. Detoxification from Percocet addiction or oxycodone addiction at home may result in a patient relapsing or having serious withdrawal symptoms and not being able to have them treated. At substance abuse rehab centers, patients have access to emergency treatment for any of the symptoms of oxycodone addiction withdrawal.

Patient have the benefit round-the-clock monitoring at substance abuse rehab centers, and this helps them be more at ease as they undergo the difficult withdrawal from their oxycodone addiction. Substance abuse rehab centers provide patients with a comforting environment in which all of their needs are met including their personal care needs and treatment of symptoms.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

Percocet addiction treatment at an oxycodone rehab center involves a number of gradual steps that are implemented over a long period of time. Oxycodone rehab centers are experienced at treating cases of Percocet addiction and other types of prescription addiction, and they know how to develop the best unique plan for each patient. At oxycodone rehab, a patient will experience and benefit from several types of treatment and therapies.

Along with the medications and support offered by licensed medical professionals to treat physical Percocet addiction symptoms, there are several types of psychological and social treatment and support programs that are used by oxycodone rehab centers. Psychotherapy is always used to help treat the psychological symptoms of oxycodone addiction and often includes group therapy and individual therapy in some combination.

Social support is shown to be very effective in helping prescription addiction patients rehabilitate, and oxycodone rehab centers will implement social support in many forms. Family programs and 12-step group support programs are very commonly used during oxycodone rehab and greatly improve the chances of rehabilitation success.