Percocet Addiction

What is Percocet?

Typically used as a pain reliever, Percocet is a prescription drug that contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Percocet is generally used to relieve moderate to severe pain, which means that it is a very powerful drug. Percocet is most often prescribed to treat:

• Chronic pain
• Diabetes pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Other conditions that require pain management

Dosages vary, and are usually based on the severity of pain, the medical condition, and the patient’s response to therapy. When it is used for a prolonged period of time, Percocet doesn’t always work consistently. It is not unusual for a physician to increase the dosage after several weeks or months.

Percocet Side Effects

Many of the people who take Percocet do not experience any side effects. However, other users complain of:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Changes in vision

Other more unlikely side effects include slow/irregular breathing and a slow/irregular heartbeat. If you feel any of these side effects, you should discuss them with your doctor immediately. Whatever you do, do not quit taking your medicine. Abruptly quitting the drug can be very dangerous.

Another side effect that must be considered and discussed with your doctor is Percocet addiction. This drug can be habit-forming even if taken in small doses for a short period of time.

What is Percocet Addiction?

If your physician has prescribed Percocet to you, it is extremely important that you only take the prescribed amount. As mentioned above, Percocet can be habit forming. A Percocet addiction can occur in as little as two to three weeks.

Percocet addiction is typically characterized by a:

• Strong cravings for Percocet
• Pattern of compulsive Percocet use
• Need to use Percocet to alter moods
• Need to use Percocet just to “feel normal”
• Preoccupation with using and obtaining Percocet

Almost anyone who takes Percocet is a risk for Percocet addiction. However, studies have found that addictions are most likely to develop in women, who seek medical treatment more often than men, and the elderly, who are generally more susceptible to prescription drug addictions.

Treatment for Percocet Addiction

Recommended treatment for a Percocet addiction can vary depending on the level of addiction and other health factors. Some of the most common options include:

• Rapid Detox: Usually performed in a clinical setting, rapid detox is often used to treat an opiate addiction. This method can be controversial, but is often preferred because the addict is under anesthesia during the withdrawal process.
• Drug Rehab: Inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs exist to treat Percocet addiction. Rehab programs can vary, but they often involve some form of counseling. In some cases, detox or other drug addiction treatments may also be used.
• Addiction Counseling: Addiction counseling can be a stand alone treatment, or combined with other addiction treatment methods. Counseling is considered to be a highly effective method of treatment, but it should be noted that this method does little to help control symptoms of withdrawal.

If you aren’t sure which treatment option is best, ask your physician for a recommendation.

Addiction Recovery

Overcoming a Percocet addiction is just like overcoming any other prescription drug addiction. It will take time and effort.

If you think you have or may be developing a Percocet addiction, you should speak with your doctor immediately. Remember, you should not stop taking your medicine without your doctor’s approval. Doing so could be dangerous to your health.

Addiction Recourses

• Narcotics Anonymous
• Drug-Rehabs.org
• RecoveryConnection.org