Percocet Addiction in West Palm Beach FL (877) 804-1531
Percocet is a prescription drug prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is a brand name for the combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an analgesic pain reliever and oxycodone is an opioid narcotic pain reliever. Acetaminophen mixed with oxycodone amplifies the effect of oxycodone. These drugs bind to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain.
Percocet addiction has become a rising problem. If you would like help finding treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, contact Drug Treatment West Palm Beach at (877) 804-1531.
What is Percocet?
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.
Similar drugs include:
- Oxycodone-based drugs: Primlev, Roxicet, Endocet, Xartemis XR, Tylox, and Roxilox (some brands have been discontinued).
- Hydrocodone-based drugs: Lortab, Lorcet, Norco, and Vicodin
Both hydrocodone and oxycodone are narcotic opioids. Compared to hydrocodone, oxycodone has a higher potential for abuse. Acetaminophen is the drug component most utilized as the additive in the production of the varieties of branded hydrocodone and oxycodone medications.
Causes of Percocet Addiction
- Chemically: This drug impacts neurotransmitter levels. 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 feels normal only when the drug is consumed so the abuser becomes dependent. Oxycodone is a self-reinforcing drug in that it impacts the reward center of the brain.
- Personality: Some addicts have an addictive or "thrill-seeking" personality that lends itself to substance abuse problems. 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: This drug 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.
Addicts and drug dealers use slang, or street names, to identify drugs. Families and loved ones should know these nicknames of Percocet in order to recognize use, and potential abuse or addiction. Some common street names related to Percocet and oxycodone are:
- Percs
- Roxicotten
- Hillbilly heroin
- Kickers
- OC
- Oxy
- 512's
- Paulas
- Roxies
Signs of Percocet Addiction
The signs and symptoms of Percocet abuse tend to go un-noticed until the abuse becomes a full-blown addiction. Prescription drug abuse is at epidemic levels throughout the country. Use, and abuse, is commonly overlooked due to these drugs having an accepted medical purpose. At times, abusers themselves do not understand that they have become dependent on the drug and are addicted.
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
The first signs of withdrawal are flu-like symptoms that include: Fever, chills, body aches and pain, hypertension, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms of withdrawal will evolve and include insomnia, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Symptoms of withdrawal begin within 6-30 hours of last use, and 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 for Percocet Addiction
In order to gain meaningful recovery, the physical, psychological, and emotional components to drug addiction must be treated. Program options for Percocet addiction include inpatient treatment at a drug rehab center, intensive outpatient treatment, and residential long-term treatment. Programs vary to fit the needs of individual.
Treatment options most often 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, so the best drug treatment centers have medically-trained staff to supervise and effectively manage these processes.
If you or someone you know has a problem with addiction, please call Drug Treatment West Palm Beach at (877) 804-1531 to learn about available treatment options.