Opioid abuse and addiction is a severe problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 45 deaths occur each day relating to prescription opioids.
Many people develop opioid use disorder after taking prescription painkillers. People without a history of addiction or other risk factors for substance abuse may quickly become dependent on these potent drugs.
Percocet is one of the most commonly prescribed opioid drugs. People who use Percocet may develop tolerance and dependence on it, even when taking it exactly as prescribed. People who abuse Percocet are more likely to develop addiction and other serious complications.
This article will explore what happens during Percocet addiction treatment programs. You will learn how to identify Percocet addiction and how a Pompano Beach Percocet rehab center can help.
Reach out to the First Step Behavioral Health team now if you need the support of a drug and alcohol rehab center. Our specialists will answer questions, verify your insurance, and help you schedule an intake assessment.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a potent prescription pain reliever. It contains two active ingredients: acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and oxycodone. Oxycodone is an opioid.
Doctors may prescribe Percocet to patients who have had surgery. People may also take it to manage chronic pain or after an injury.
Opioids like Percocet are highly addictive. People may develop physical dependence on opioids very quickly.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies Percocet as a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has the potential to be addictive. Doctors often prescribe Percocet and other opioids for short periods. This can help to reduce the risk of dependence and addiction.
People must take Percocet exactly as prescribed and watch for symptoms of physical dependence. Those using Percocet recreationally (meaning without a prescription) must seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Recognizing Percocet Addiction
Opioids like Percocet bind to receptors in the brain. They affect parts of the brain involved with pain relief, pleasure, and emotional regulation. People may experience enjoyable side effects, including relaxation and euphoria. Euphoria is a feeling of intense joy and well-being.
People may like the way they feel when taking Percocet. They might want to take it more often than their doctor told them to. However, misusing Percocet and other opioids can lead to addiction. Opioid addiction can develop very quickly, even when people use Percocet exactly as their doctor tells them to.
People who take Percocet must be aware of changes in their behavior that show they are developing physical dependence. Some signs of Percocet abuse and addiction include:
- Taking higher doses of Percocet than prescribed
- Taking Percocet more often than prescribed
- Using Percocet for longer than your doctor advised
- Taking Percocet if you don’t have a prescription for it
Opioid drug abuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening substance use disorder. Opioid abuse can change the way the brain and body work. These changes can make it very difficult to quit taking opioids, even when they cause severe harm.
People who develop opioid addiction may have significant changes in the way they feel, think, and behave. These include:
- Isolating themselves from others
- Neglecting their responsibilities at home, work, or school
- Needing to take more of a drug to get the effects they want
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking opioids
- Having changes in their sleep habits, appetite, or appearance
People who become addicted to opioids require the support of comprehensive drug addiction treatment plans.
How Can an Addiction Treatment Center Help Me Stay Sober?
Many people believe that drug addiction is simply a physical condition. They think that if someone could simply stop taking the drugs, they would be able to live a healthy, sober lifestyle.
However, drug addiction is a complex condition. It involves every part of a person: their body, mind, relationships, behaviors, environment, and more. Detoxification is a crucial first step toward long-term recovery, but it is not enough on its own.
The Percocet addiction recovery process requires comprehensive treatment programs. A comprehensive treatment facility offers treatment that can help people address the physical, emotional, and behavioral parts of their substance abuse.
Percocet addiction treatment programs include:
- Medically-supported detox to manage withdrawal symptoms
- Individual therapy
- Behavioral therapies
- Mental health care and dual diagnosis treatment
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills
- Medications
- Medical care
- Aftercare planning
Percocet rehab facilities in Pompano Beach offer multiple levels of treatment, including both residential treatment and outpatient programs. It is important to complete treatment and continue to stay engaged in your recovery afterward.
Find a Percocet Rehab in Pompano Beach, Florida
If you or someone you love lives in South Florida and struggles with Percocet addiction, effective treatment is available at First Step Behavioral Health.
Contact our caring specialists to learn about starting an opioid addiction treatment program in Pompano Beach, FL.
