According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Americans consume 81% of the world’s oxycodone products, which includes Percocet. Classified as a Schedule II narcotic, those who use this medication face a high risk of Percocet addiction even after short-term use. However, a Percocet addiction treatment program can help. If you or a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction, reach out to Crestview Recovery today. In our addiction treatment center, those who are working to overcome substance use issues will find the support they need. Contact our team at 866.262.0531 or reach out online today to learn more.
What Is Percocet?
A prescription painkiller, Percocet contains a combination of oxycodone, which is an opioid, and acetaminophen. Doctors often recommend this medication to treat short-term pain, such as the pain people might experience following surgery. Even so, Percocet comes with a high risk of dependency. That risk increases when people use the drug in higher-than-normal doses or fail to take it as their doctor prescribes.
Medical professionals once thought Percocet was safer than other opioids due to its high acetaminophen content. However, the development of cold water extraction methods has made it possible to separate oxycodone from Percocet. As a result, people on the black market often seek out Percocet to sell.
Dangers of Percocet Addiction
In addition to killing pain, Percocet can also produce a euphoric effect. This is one reason why people who don’t suffer from pain often use it. Individuals also build a tolerance to Percocet quite easily and require larger doses to achieve the same effects.
The potential for overdose greatly increases when users take Percocet in higher doses. During an overdose, your throat and tongue might swell, making it difficult to breathe. You could even experience a stroke unless you seek medical attention immediately. As with any other drug, a Percocet overdose is potentially fatal.
Aside from the risk of Percocet addition, long-term use might result in serious health changes. Liver toxicity can occur when large amounts of acetaminophen enter the system over time. Other effects can include urinary retention, constipation, kidney damage, and decreased testosterone levels in men.
Signs of a Percocet Addiction
You may automatically think that any drug your doctor prescribes is safe. Many others feel the same way, and wind up ignoring their Percocet addiction until it’s too late. Reach out to our percocet and oxycodone addiction rehab facility if you have:
- Visited multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
- Sought out Percocet on the black market
- Stockpiled supplies such as coffee filters to use in cold water extraction
- Used pills prescribed to others
- Taken Percocet in higher doses than normal
- Fully recovered from surgery, yet are unable to stop taking Percocet
- Thought constantly about using or obtaining Percocet
Those who use Percocet often take it along with alcohol or other opioids to magnify the effects. Accordingly, increased drug or other prescription painkiller use is another telltale sign of addiction.
Crestview’s Programs to Help You Overcome Percocet Addiction
Our personalized substance use treatment programs include a variety of therapies, such as:
We provide group, family, and individual therapy tailored toward your individual needs. At Crestview Recovery Center, we know that only with a customized program will you have the greatest odds of success. We make recovery fun by offering recreational opportunities such as fishing, camping, and hiking. With a variety of aftercare and relapse prevention programs, we can help you remain sober for life.
Addiction to Percocet or any other drug doesn’t have to consume your life. By going to a reputable treatment center, you can get help for your addiction. Contact us today at 866.262.0531 or connect with us online to take the first step toward full recovery.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.