Percocet Addiction & Treatment
Percocet is a prescription pain reliever often ordered after surgery or an accident. A prescription for Percocet is required and a doctor or pharmacist can advise you of any drug interactions you should know about before you start taking the drug. Prescription drug addiction, and more specifically addiction to prescription opioids, has become a major problem in the United States. If you have a family history of substance abuse and prescription opioids have been ordered for you after an accident or surgery, you should discuss this and possible alternatives with your doctor. Percocet addiction can lead to many negative issues in a person’s life. If you feel like you’ve developed an addiction to any pain reliever, even while taking it as ordered, speak to your doctor immediately.
What is Percocet?
A prescription for Percocet is usually ordered when a person is experiencing moderate to severe pain. Taking Percocet, which is a narcotic and in the same category as other power prescriptions opioids like Oxycodone, is highly addictive. If you have a planned surgery and your doctor is going over what medications will be ordered afterwards, you should learn about Percocet and any other drugs before starting your post-op actions. If you do develop a prescription drug addiction, there are treatment programs that can help you stop abusing Percocet and other substances.
Percocet Effects
Percocet is meant to be used as a pain reliever but can become addictive even when taken as directed. There are many side effects associated with the abuse of Percocet. These Percocet addiction signs can also occur when taking Percocet as directed and should be reported to your doctor if you experience any of them. Here are some possible Percocet side effects:
- Suicidal ideation
- Suicide attempts
- Development or exacerbation of cooccurring mental illness problems
- Damage to heart
- Eye problems
- Lung damage
- Social withdrawal
- Sexual dysfunction
Abuse and addiction can also lead to financial problems, job loss, legal issues, and negative family impacts.
Signs of Percocet Abuse and Addiction
Abusing Percocet is very dangerous and affects a person in multiple ways. The effects of Percocet addiction include behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and behavioral health symptoms. In addition to withdrawal and overdose, here are some of the signs of Percocet abuse and addiction:
- Social withdrawal
- Attempting to obtain an illegal prescription for Percocet
- Abusing Percocet when it is clearly dangerous to do so
- Weight loss
- Slurred speech
- Slowed heart rate
- Sleep problems
- Shallow breathing
- Problems with balance
- Suicidal ideation
- Fatigue
- Exhaustion
- Poor concentration
- Memory problems
- Anger
- Agitation
Percocet addiction treatment is available. If you are showing any of these signs, talk to a substance abuse counselor.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
Percocet addiction will result in withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using the drug. Starting a treatment program for Percocet abuse and addiction can include the drug detox process. Drug addicts who abuse other prescription opioids will experience similar effects of withdrawal. Some of the possible Percocet withdrawal effects are as follows:
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Increased heart rate
- Body aches and pains
- Irritability
- Poor concentration
- Mood swings
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Teary eyes
- Sweating
Symptoms of Percocet withdrawal can be mitigated as part of the Percocet addiction treatment process.
Long Term Side Effects of Percocet Abuse
The long term side effects of Percocet abuse are much the same as those associated with someone who has a problem with prescription drug addiction. There are negative effects that can occur when someone is addicted to Percocet that can impact many parts of a person’s life. Drug addicts and people with substance use disorders in general often have financial, health, and employment issues that occur due to their drug abuse. Here are some additional side effects that can occur due to long term Percocet abuse and addiction:
- Social withdrawal or ostracization
- Development and/or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health problems
- Injuries sustained due to Percocet-related impairments
- Job loss and chronic unemployment
- Financial ruin
- Family discord
- Strained or ruined interpersonal relationships
Percocet Addiction Treatment
Percocet addiction treatment is available at treatment centers around the country. If prescription drug addiction, and more specifically addiction to prescription opioids, has affected your life or the life of one of your loved ones, there are addiction recovery programs you can take advantage of in your area.
