Percocet Addiction

Percocet is a medication used for the treatment of pain and for pain management. It contains both oxycodone and acetaminophen (paracetamol). Paracetamol is an analgesic which is the active ingredient in Tylenol and is also know by the name acetaminophen. Oxycodone belongs to the opiate class of drugs and is therefore responsible for the majority of Percocet's ability to relieve and treat pain. Due to its ability to drastically reduce pain Percocet is often prescribed to those undergoing cancer treatment or to those who have had major accidents or undergone major surgery. Due to the fact that Percocet contains a drug which is an opiate it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Percocet addiction can be both physical and psychological. Fortunately, it is treatable with the proper resources.

Percocet addiction symptoms

Addiction to Percocet can happen very quickly for certain individuals. For those that abuse Percocet developing an addiction is only a matter of time. Those who are given Percocet for genuine medical conditions are more likely to develop a physical addiction to Percocet rather than a psychological one, though both kinds of addictions are common. One of the first symptoms of Percocet addiction is feeling as if you need Percocet constantly throughout the day. Another symptom is feeling as if you could not function without Percocet or if you greatly anticipate the next time you are going to be able to take Percocet. One of the main signs that you may be physically dependent upon Percocet is feeling nauseous when you miss a dosage of it. You may also feel aching when you do not take Percocet if you are physically addicted. Another sign of physical addiction is shaking when you do not take Percocet. Not being able to sleep without taking Percocet is also an indicator that you may be physically addicted to it.

Percocet withdrawal

Of the biggest side effects of Percocet addiction is experiencing a withdrawal when stopping to take Percocet. The withdrawal from Percocet can be very uncomfortable and difficult due to the fact that Percocet contains the opiate oxycodone. Withdrawal symptoms include an intense craving for Percocet and are accompanied by shakiness, diarrhea, aches, and insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms can also include anxiety and panic attacks. The severity of the withdrawal will often cause those experiencing it to go back to taking Percocet to relieve the symptoms. See also Percocet withdrawal.

Percocet addiction treatment

For those that become addicted to Percocet they will most likely have to go into an addiction recovery program. A medically supervised withdrawal will help them to not relapse and begin taking Percocet again. Many programs will also administer medications which help to ease the withdrawal symptoms making the patient much more comfortable. Those who have had a long-term addiction to Percocet will most likely need psychological counseling as well to break their psychological addiction to Percocet as well. For this there are many options ranging from private counseling to support groups. Many find a combination of these different methods works best. For many the process of treating a Percocet addiction is long and drawn out, bit with the right amount of commitment and support many have been able to successful treat their Percocet addiction.