Percocet is a prescription medication prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain. It uses two components, one of which is an opioid. Due to the presence of the opioid, Percocet has the potential for abuse and addiction.
Are you struggling with an opioid use disorder? Perhaps you received a genuine prescription for Percocet but over time became physically and psychologically dependent on it. If so, we are here to help. We are a Christian rehab center that offers comprehensive treatment plans to help facilitate a lasting recovery. With us, you can open the door to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.
About Our Rehab Program in Arizona
If you have an opioid use disorder and choose our care, here is what to expect.
Individualized Care
When you walk into our Arizona rehab center, you will be treated like an individual from the get-go. We understand that every person has their own specific needs, whether that is to cater to a co-occurring mental health disorder or something else entirely. We take on board all the specifics regarding our clients to create a unique, tailored treatment plan that leads to a higher chance of success.
A Christian Discipleship Recovery Model
We run a Christian rehab program that guides clients on a spirit-led path. This involves a twelve-step Christian discipleship recovery model, which encourages clients to take accountability, learn new habits, and move forward with a fresh perspective.
A Robust Schedule
When healing from a drug abuse problem, it is important to have structure. At Recovery in the Pines, we provide a rigid, structured schedule to all our clients, so they are free from distraction. During your time with us, you will join support groups, attend individual behavioral therapies, and even join workout sessions to heal both your body and your mind.
Medical Supervision
A prescription opioid addiction causes a variety of withdrawal symptoms when a person comes off the drug. At our inpatient treatment center, we provide medical supervision for the safety of all our clients. It doesn't matter the time of day, you will always have the care you need.
A Breathtaking Location
When recovering from an opioid use disorder, it helps to be in a location where you can find peace. That is exactly what we offer at Recovery in the Pines. We are located in the stunning mountains of Arizona, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, streams, and meadows. It is a place where you will be able to envision a better future for yourself.
Are you ready to overcome the slavery of addiction and fulfill your identity in Christ? Contact Recovery in the Pines for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.
What is Percocet? Understanding this Opioid Addiction
Percocet is a prescription opioid that treats moderate to severe pain. It contains two active ingredients: oxycodone and acetaminophen.
The addictive part of the drug is oxycodone, as this is an opioid pain reliever that binds to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing feelings of euphoria. The non opioid part of the drug, acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol), also enhances the pain-relieving effects of the drug.
Percocet is only available through a prescription. However, there is a possibility of addiction due to the presence of the opioid. Opioids are highly addictive because of the impact on the brain’s reward system – they essentially hijack the pleasure pathway by releasing a flood of the chemical dopamine, causing a pleasurable sensation. If someone continues using opioids over a long period of time, the brain adapts to the drug and builds a tolerance to it. This can lead to the brain becoming physically dependent on the presence of the opioid drug.
What Are the Dangers of a Percocet Addiction?
A Percocet addiction, like any other opioid use disorder, carries a variety of dangers, including dangers to a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and social life.
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An Overdose: This is the most critical danger associated with Percocet misuse. An overdose occurs when an individual takes too much of the drug at a single time. This can lead to respiratory depression from the oxycodone present in the drug, which is life-threatening. On top of that, there is the danger of toxicity from the acetaminophen, which can cause liver failure. Some of the symptoms of a Percocet overdose include shallow breathing, a blueish tint to the nails, vomiting, clammy skin, and unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these signs, whether in yourself or someone you are with, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
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Physical Health Risks: There are several health risks associated with opioid use disorder. It can cause severe constipation, gastrointestinal issues, increased pain sensitivity, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system.
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Mental Health Problems: An opioid use disorder like Percocet addiction can worsen a person’s mental health, causing psychological problems like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It can also increase a person’s risk of suicide.
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Social and Personal Consequences: An opioid use disorder not only impacts a person’s health, but it can also have serious social and other personal consequences. It can lead to the deterioration of relationships, loss of employment, incarceration, financial ruin, loss of custody, and homelessness.
As you can see, a Percocet addiction has a serious impact on a person’s life, which is why seeking Percocet addiction treatment is necessary. If you have concerns about yourself or someone you know, do not hesitate to get in touch with our admissions team – we are here to help.
The Risk Factors of an Opioid Use Disorder
It’s important to note that anybody can develop an opioid use disorder. That being said, here are some risk factors involved.
Genetics: People with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop an addiction themselves, including to a prescription opioid.
Receiving a Percocet Prescription: While most people are fine after receiving a Percocet prescription, it does increase a person’s chances of developing an addiction due to the simple fact of exposure.
Environmental Factors: Your environment plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing an opioid use disorder. For example, those with easy access to opioids or those who grew up without supportive parents are more likely to develop drug addictions.
What Are the Signs of a Percocet Addiction?
Recognizing the signs of Percocet addiction can be crucial for getting help, ensuring you receive the proper care you need to get better. Here are the key signs of a Percocet addiction to watch out for
Behavioral Signs:
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Doctor Shopping
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Running Out of Prescriptions Early
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Spending a Lot of Time Thinking About or Acquiring Percocet
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Neglecting Responsibilities
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Being More Secretive and Dishonest
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Wanting to Cut Down on Percocet Use but Being Unable To
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Financial Difficulties
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Engaging in Risky Behavior
Physical Signs:
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Pinpoint Pupils
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Slurred Speech
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Drowsiness
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Constipation
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Nausea
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Changes in Weight
Psychological Signs:
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Rapid Mood Swings
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Confusion
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Anxiety
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Depression
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A Lack of Motivation
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Social Withdrawal
If you notice any of these signs, remember that there is help available – risky opioid use can take over your life, but you can turn things around by seeking professional help.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
One of the hardest parts of seeking recovery for a substance use disorder is going through the withdrawal process. The withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual stops taking Percocet. When the body has grown used to the presence of the drug, not having it can cause physical and psychological reactions. Here are the symptoms associated with Percocet use.
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Early Symptoms: The early symptoms can begin just five hours after a person stops taking Percocet. These symptoms include intense cravings, agitation, muscle aches, a runny nose, and sweating.
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Peak Symptoms: The peak symptoms typically occur between twenty-four and seventy-two hours after an individual stops taking Percocet, and symptoms at this point include sweating, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, abdominal cramping, goosebumps, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Late Symptoms: People with opioid use disorders may experience late withdrawal symptoms weeks or even months after they stop taking the drug. This is called post-acute withdrawal symptoms, and side effects include anxiety, depression, brain fog, sleep problems, and persistent drug cravings.
While these Percocet withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening, it is still important to seek professional help (preferably at an inpatient treatment program) as they are not easy to deal with. Often, individuals who experience these withdrawal symptoms relapse and take Percocet, leading to an unsuccessful recovery.
Factors that Influence Withdrawal Severity
The intensity of the Percocet withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors, including:
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Duration of Use: The longer someone has been taking Percocet, the more severe and prolonged the withdrawal tends to be.
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Dosage: Higher doses generally lead to more intense withdrawal. Lower doses may mean a less severe withdrawal.
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Frequency of Use: Consistent daily use leads to a higher dependence, which in turn leads to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
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Individual Metabolism: How quickly a person's body processes the drug can affect how the symptoms manifest.
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Overall Health: Underlying health conditions will likely influence the experience.
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Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like anxiety or depression can exacerbate psychological withdrawal symptoms.
