Percocet Addiction in Nashville, TN
Percocet is a brand name prescription drug that consists of a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Percocet is a prescription drug. It is prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Acetaminophen is an analgesic pain reliever and oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever. Acetaminophen mixed with oxycodone enhances the effect of oxycodone. These drugs bind to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain.
Percocet is categorized as a narcotic analgesic combination drug. It is classified as a Schedule II Controlled substance by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Drugs in this category have an accepted medical use with severe restriction in the United States and a high potential for abuse. This drug is legally administered by prescription only.
If you or someone you love suffers from the negative effects of Percocet abuse or addiction and need help finding treatment centers, call Nashville Drug Treatment Centers at (877) 804-1531 today.
Why is it so Addictive?
Chemically, Percocet affects neurotransmitter levels and when a drug causes levels to rise, the body reacts by lowering the amounts it produces. The body adapts and develops tolerance. Biochemically, the body adapts and becomes balanced only when the drug is consumed, and the abuser becomes dependent. Oxycodone is a self-reinforcing drug in that it impacts the reward center of the brain.
Personality, through family history, life experience, self-medication, and mental health issues such as depression or PTSD, may also play a role in dependence.
Socially and environmentally, Percocet is easily obtained and lacks the taboo of normally considered street drugs. Patients may abuse Percocet after having been prescribed the medication for a medical reason. Patients may make the assumption that prescription drugs are safe not understanding their potency and the risk of dependence.
Signs of Percocet Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is at crisis levels throughout the country and is commonly overlooked. Abusers sometimes do not understand that they have become dependent on the drug. Having been prescribed the medication for a medically accepted use makes it permissible. As a result, the signs and symptoms of abuse tend to go un-noticed for a period of time until the abuse becomes an addiction.
Common signs of Percocet abuse/addiction include:
Behavioral
- A preoccupation with prescription refills and maintaining supply of Percocet.
- Receiving prescriptions from multiple doctors, or purchasing Percocet from illegal sources.
- Needing money to buy drugs.
- Failing responsibilities.
- Detachment.
Physical and Psychological
- Euphoria.
- Drowsiness.
- Calm demeanor.
- Mood swings.
- Immunosuppression
- Sleep apnea
- Mood disorders
- Sexual dysfunction
Health Effects
- Respiratory distress.
- Lightheadedness.
- Dizziness.
- Increased physical illness.
- Higher risk of death.
Withdrawal
Symptoms of withdrawal begin within 6-30 hours of last use. The first signs of Percocet withdrawal are flu-like symptoms that include: Fever, chills, body aches and pain, hypertension, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of withdrawal will evolve o include insomnia, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The withdrawal process usually lasts for a period of 5-10 days. Psychological and emotional effects may take up to 3 months to subside.
Treatment
There are physical, psychological, and emotional components to drug addiction and every element must be treated in order to gain meaningful recovery. Program options for Percocet addiction include inpatient treatment at our drug rehab center, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential long-term treatment. There are varied programs to fit the needs of individuals.
Treatment options include individual and group counseling, individual therapy sessions, family therapy sessions, relapse prevention education, vitamin therapy and nutrition services, exercise opportunities, and aftercare. Drug treatment begins with detox and withdrawal, and drug treatment centers have medically-trained staff to supervise and effectively manage these processes.