Pain affects countless Americans, many of whom rely on prescription drugs such as Percocet and Percodan to get through the day. GateHouse Treatment wants you to understand the dangers of Percocet and Percodan addictions. Such medications are safe to use if taken according to a doctor’s orders, but unfortunately, this does not always happen.
Painkillers such as Percocet are frequently abused and misused. Patients prescribed this medication often take higher doses than instructed to experience a euphoric high. Others may be illegally purchasing these drugs and taking them without a prescription.
To avoid Percodan and Percocet addiction, individuals must educate themselves on the dangers of these prescription drugs. If an addiction has already occurred, professional help will be necessary to achieve long-term sobriety. GateHouse Treatment provides various services and treatment programs that help addicts end a drug-fueled lifestyle and begin building a life of sobriety.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid prescription drug containing oxycodone and acetaminophen. It treats moderate to severe pain and symptoms of acute pain. Oxycodone attaches to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, blocking pain signals from the body to the brain. When combined with acetaminophen, this drug is extremely effective. However, more potential for addiction exists when someone consumes such drugs in greater quantities than prescribed.
Percocet is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the country, and it can negatively impact the user’s health. Many individuals taking Percocet as prescribed will experience mild side effects, and those who choose to abuse the substance may find themselves experiencing severe adverse reactions. Side effects of Percocet abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
- Hallucinations
- Hypertension
- Hypothermia
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Shallow breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Unusual thoughts or behavior
Long-term use of Percocet can cause permanent damage, including a physiological change in the brain. As an individual continues to abuse Percocet over an extended period, the opioid receptors become less responsive to the drug. Upon developing a tolerance, the user will require a higher dose of Percocet to achieve a high. Long-term side effects of Percocet abuse include:
- Immune suppression
- Kidney failure
- Liver damage
- Osteoporosis
- Severe constipation
- Urinary retention
Individuals taking Percocet may view it as a safe alternative to “hard” drugs such as heroin. However, abusing prescription opioids can cause many of the same problems as illegal drugs. When a person takes Percocet to induce a sense of euphoria or pleasure, tolerance can quickly develop, causing them to take higher doses.
As tolerance increases, so will the chances of overdose. Signs of a Percocet overdose include hypotension, blue lips or nails, cold skin, and respiratory depression. If an individual can receive timely emergency treatment, the Percocet overdose may be reversible. Unfortunately, in many cases, a Percocet addiction will have fatal consequences.
What is Percodan?
Percodan is an analgesic containing oxycodone and aspirin commonly prescribed to relieve chronic pain.
Percodan carries many of the same dangers as Percocet. It is addictive and can lead to physical dependence if abused. It is important to remember that Percodan contains, classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance, contains oxycodone. Because of this, individuals who take this medication in higher doses or mix it with other drugs may find themselves addicted sooner rather than later. Misusing a controlled substance can easily lead to an addiction, and tolerance will develop, causing an individual to take higher doses.
Percodan addiction can lead to an overdose. Medications containing oxycodone can cause overdoses when taken in high doses or combined with alcohol or other drugs. In addition, because Percodan also contains aspirin, users may be susceptible to aspirin poisoning, which is why drug tolerance is so dangerous. Individuals will continue to increase their substance consumption and are inadvertently putting themselves at risk of overdose.
Opioids are dangerous when not administered according to a doctor’s orders. Opioids can depress the central nervous system and slow down bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate. Percodan is traditionally an extended-release tablet taken orally, but like other opioids, addicts face the temptation to crush the pill and snort it. This application may cause the effects of the drug to take place faster, but misusing the substance in this way can lead to an overdose.
Treatment for Percodan and Percocet Addiction
Ending opioid use is a difficult and uncomfortable task, and it usually requires the help of a professional. Medical detoxification is the first step toward sobriety. By undergoing withdrawal under the supervision of a medical professional, individuals can safely end their physical dependence without putting themselves at risk of fatality. Many doctors can provide FDA-approved medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Individuals must invest in a comprehensive addiction treatment plan to make a lasting change. While a detox may end physical dependence, many more steps are required to rebuild one’s life. Checking into a treatment center can provide the structure and guidance a person may need after living a life of drug use and abuse. During treatment, addicts can undergo therapy to address the underlying issues that may have led them to their Percocet addiction. In addition to this, they will also be able to identify their triggers, learn healthy coping skills, and prepare themselves for a fulfilling life.
GateHouse Treatment | Treatment for Percocet Addiction
Opioid addiction is a problem that can have fatal consequences. The opioid epidemic continues to run rampant in America, and prescription painkillers are at the center of it. Substances such as Percocet and Percodan should be administered only according to a physician’s instructions. If misuse begins, individuals need to contact their doctors immediately to find an alternative solution for pain relief.
Percodan and Percocet addiction can cause long-term health problems. Anyone struggling with an addiction to prescription painkillers is encouraged to seek treatment for this chronic disease. For help with drug addiction, contact Gatehouse Treatment. Our treatment facility provides clients with elite care that promotes healthy habits and a sober lifestyle. From family therapy to medication-assisted treatment, our care is multifaceted and tailored to each unique individual who walks through our door. For more information on how we can assist you or someone you know, contact us today at 855-448-3707 to schedule a free consultation.
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