How To Get Off Percocet Addiction

My Story: How One Percocet Prescription Triggered My Addiction

It all started with a Percocet prescription 4 years ago. One night, while working as a nurse in one of the busiest emergency departments in Philadelphia, I was exposed to meningitis. Coincidentally, I became very ill a couple of days later with persistent high fevers. Finally deciding to seek medical attention, I underwent a lumbar puncture, which fortunately came back negative. However, the following morning, I awoke with an indescribable positional headache that prevented me from functioning in any capacity. Returning to the emergency department, I was diagnosed with a spinal headache as a result of my lumbar puncture. I was discharged home with a prescription for Percocet, instructed to take caffeine, and told that it should resolve in a few days. While the Percocet did not relieve the positional headache, they made it easier to deal with because of the feeling they gave me.

After taking Percocet every 4 h around the clock and being incapacitated for 2 weeks without resolution of the headache, I returned to the emergency department and subsequently received a blood patch. The headache was instantly cured. But I continued to take the Percocet.

Today, I continue to face problems and challenges but I have a different perspective My nursing credentials are being reestablished in a nonclinical position and I am able to utilize my potential. I hope to return to clinical nursing at the completion of the monitoring program and I am optimistic for my future.

Anonymous

Getting Help For Percocet Addiction

Comprehensive Wellness Center located in sunny Palm Beach, Florida, is here to help. We offer a number of services to help addicts on their road to recovery including medication-assisted treatment. Working closely with clients, we develop treatment plans to meet each individuals unique needs and guide them on their journey to sobriety. Contact us today if you are addicted to Percocet and want the help you deserve.

Are You Suffering From Percocet Withdrawal Side Effects Timeline And How To Treat:

Percocet is a powerful opioid containing both acetaminophen and oxycodone that is traditionally used to treat those suffering from moderate to severe pain. Although acetaminophen is found in over-the-counter medications and typically thought of as a low-grade pain reliever, when combined with oxycodone, it heightens the effects of the narcotic. Percocet is a drug that requires a prescription from a doctor, however that is not always the case and unfortunately is regularly sold on the street to those who seek to abuse the powerful opiate. It is very much a habit-forming drug and the longer one is using Percocet, the more dependent their body becomes to the drug. As the tolerance builds, a higher dose must be used to achieve the euphoric effects those felt when first taking the narcotic. Unfortunately for that reason more and more people over-dose trying to achieve that high every single day. Once someone decides to come off of Percocet they may feel a number of different side effects through the withdrawal period.

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Can Opioid Addiction Be Prevented Or Avoided

Many people are able to use opioids safely without becoming addicted to them. But their potential for addiction is high. This is especially true if you use them for long-term pain management.

In general, you are more likely to avoid addiction if you can use opioid drugs no longer than a week. Research shows that using them for more than a month can make you dependent on them.

A New Treatment Option

Cristin stayed on methadone for about five years, for withdrawal avoidance and for help otherwise feeling normal. But she didnt like the stigma associated with the drug. And methadone treatment is inconvenient, requiring people to visit a clinic every day to receive their dose or, at best, take home a weeks worth.

Patients who stop methadone suffer from high rates of relapse to illicit drug use. But when patients are stable in their lives, have support and have not used illicit drugs in a long time, doctors may try to taper them off in the hope that they may be among the small percentage who do well without medication.

Cristin wanted to stop methadone, so under the guidance of Dr. Marienfeld, she dropped her dose a few milligrams every two weeks, until she was down to just 4 mg per day. Then she stopped entirely. Even with that, she says, I had to deal with withdrawal symptoms for about three months.

Cristin did well for a few months, but she was still surrounded by a lot of reminders of her past drug use. One day she called Dr. Marienfeld and told her, Im feeling kinda unsure. Her boyfriend was about to get a large sum of money. He wasnt in the same mind frame that I was, Cristin says. I didnt want to put myself in the situation where I could use and that would be OK.

The doctor sprang into action. She said I would be a good candidate for buprenorphine, Cristin says.

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Help For Percocet Addicts

If youre battling an addiction to Percocet , youre not alone.

According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 6.5 million Americans age 12 years or older were current non-medical users of prescription drugs a category that includes oxycodone formulations.

Regardless of how long youve taken Percocet, treatment programs are available to help you fight your addiction.

The Following Steps Can Help People Reduce Their Opioid Use:

Put it in writing. Making a list of the reasons to curtail your drug usesuch as feeling healthier, sleeping better, or improving your relationshipscan motivate you.

Set a drug use goal for reducing or stopping such use. Set a limit on how much you will use.

Keep a diary of your drug use. For three to four weeks, keep track of every time you use. Include information about what and how much you used as well as where you were. Compare this to your goal. If youre having trouble sticking to your goal, discuss it with your doctor or another health professional.

Dont keep drugs in your house. Having no psychoactive drugs in your home can help limit your drug use.

Choose drug-free days. Decide not to use opioid drugs a day or two each week. You might want to abstain for a week or a month to see how you feel physically and emotionally without drugs in your life. Taking a break from drug use can be a good way to start using less.

Watch for peer pressure. Practice ways to say no politely. You do not have to use just because others are, and you shouldnt feel obligated to accept every time youre offered a drug. Stay away from people who encourage you to use.

Keep busy. Take a walk, play sports, go out to eat, or catch a movie. When youre at home, pick up a new hobby or revisit an old one. Painting, board games, playing a musical instrument, woodworking these and other activities are great alternatives to using drugs.

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Medications For Detoxing From Oxycodone

Doctors may prescribe medications to eliminate or ease oxycodone withdrawal symptoms.

• Buprenorphine and naloxone are frequently prescribed for opiate withdrawal. Buprenorphine is also an opioid, and it can help decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opiates. It has been found to help people stay in treatment longer.6 Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that, when taken diligently, will block the pleasurable effects of opiates in the event of a relapse. It also will reduce the risk of overdose, should this situation arise. Suboxone is a widely prescribed medication that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone.7
• Clonidine is a blood pressure medication found to reduce the intensity of some withdrawal symptomsalleviating muscle aches, cramping, anxiety, agitation, and cold sweats.8
• Gabapentin has been found to effectively reduce withdrawal symptoms when combined with the opiate blocker naltrexone.9
• Trazodone is another drug that eases withdrawal symptoms, particularly insomnia.10

Some doctors may also recommend over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and other pain relievers, to decrease discomfort.

Cost And Paying For Treatment

Treatment for Percocet addiction can be expensive. However, many options are available to help cover the costs.

Generally, the cost of addiction treatment will depend on:

• Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient treatment.
• The location of the facility.
• How long you stay.

Options for paying for treatment include:

• Insurance. Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of treatment. But you may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs.
• Loans. If you have good credit, you can also consider taking out a personal loan or borrowing money from friends and family.
• Crowdfunding. Sites such as GoFundMe provide a way to seek donations for treatment from family, friends, and people all over the world.
• Payment plans and sliding scale. In addition to what your insurance will cover, most facilities will work with you on a payment plan or adjust the fees based on what you can afford.
• Scholarships. Some facilities will also grant a certain number of charitable or scholarship admissions.

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Why Do People Abuse Percocet

Although once perceived to be associated with people from the middle or upper class, painkiller and other prescription abuse is today is a much more pervasive problem than before. Individuals who abuse Percocet can be found in all age groups, races, economic classes, and social circles. In fact, abuse of oxycodone has increased across all ethnic and socio-economical groups.

Percocet abuse can easily stem from prescription use that leads to the development of tolerance, dependence and, ultimately gives rise to a tenacious addiction. Even those who are written a legitimate prescription can quickly develop a tolerance that leads to problematic misuse and, before long, demonstrates the signs of a substance use disorder.

In addition to those that become addicted to the drug while using it as prescribed, there is another group of abusers that never obtain the substance legally. These people take the drug to experience the desirable effects or the high. Sometimes they engage in use to self-medicate an undiagnosed mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. Other times people take the substance to modify an aspect of their life they find troublesome or unsatisfying.

Some of these other reasons that someone might begin abusing Percocet include:

The following video from Consumer Reports provides an overview of the addictive potential of prescription opiates like Percocet and how to stay safe when prescribed one of these drugs.

You Might Be Interested In:

• Fathi, Hamid Reza et al. Crosstalk between Sleep Disturbance and Opioid Use Disorder: A Narrative Review. Addiction & health vol. 12, 2020. Accessed February 10, 2021.
• Kosten, Thomas R, and Tony P George. The neurobiology of opioid dependence: implications for treatment. Science & practice perspectives vol. 1, 2002. Accessed February 10, 2021.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we’re uniquely qualified to help.

Your call is confidential, and there’s no pressure to commit to treatment until you’re ready. As a voluntary facility, we’re here to help you heal — on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.

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Teen Percocet Addiction Treatment In Woodland Hills Ca

There is no part of your teens life untouched by Percocet addiction. In fact, the drug changes your loved one in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ways. If your teen is also struggling with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, or PTSD, we also offer a dual diagnosis Percocet addiction treatment program. In this treatment, your teen learns how to live without drugs or alcohol and gains therapies necessary for co-occurring conditions at the same time.

The best thing you can do for your teen is to provide the treatment options he or she needs. Being around peers in recovery is essential for gaining teens cooperation in a Percocet addiction treatment program. Destinations for Teens provides this safe environment and individualized treatment planning for your loved one.

Important treatment methods for teens include:

What Is A Percocet Addiction

Because Percocet contains an opioid drug oxycodone several people in the US have become addicted to this substance. Although many people who struggle with opioid addiction eventually move to more potent drugs like OxyContin, heroin, or morphine, the wide availability of Percocet has been the gateway for many into opioid abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that every day 1,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to an opioid overdose, and close to 2 million Americans reported struggling with opioid abuse in 2014. It is likely that one in four people who receive an opioid prescription, like Percocet, to treat non-cancer pain will struggle with opioid use disorder.

Overcoming an addiction to opioids like Percocet is not life-threatening, although withdrawal symptoms may be uncomfortable. It is important to work with a doctor to safely detox from these drugs, which may involve a replacement medication like buprenorphine, developing a tapering schedule, or easing pain and nausea with over-the-counter medication.

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How Long Does It Take To Detox From Oxycontin

Oxycontin is the brand name for a timed-release formulation of the opioid pain reliever oxycodone. Opioids are strong medications that can be addictive. If you or a loved one are addicted to Oxycontin, you may wonder how long it takes to detox from Oxycontin. Read on for more about what happens during Oxycontin detox and how to get help.

When To Get Help For Percocet Addiction

The sooner you get help for Percocet addiction, the better. As shown above, long-term use can do some significant permanent damage to the body. Even if you only use recreationally, or as a mean to self-medicate for pain, there are other alternatives out there that can help you, without the nasty consequences.

The best thing to do if you think you or your loved one has a Percocet addiction is to reach out for help. Call an Addiction Helpline to get answers to any questions you are struggling with.

Professional interventions can help you confront someone you love who has a Percocet addiction. From there, there are inpatient and residential centers, and outpatient treatment programs that help people get sober and free from opiate addiction.

Recovery is possible so if you are still reading this, take it as a sign to reach out to any of our professionals today. We can help you get started on your new drug-free life today.

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What To Expect At A Percocet Detox Center

A Florida Percocet detox center utilizes evidence-based and holistic treatments to help limit and reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. Percocet detox treatments can include using medication assisted therapies, such as Suboxone and methadone tapers, to reduce your symptoms. The intensity of your withdrawal symptoms depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your addiction and physical health.

A Percocet detox center develops a personalized plan based on your needs. Which is why it is important to be open and honest during admissions. You can choose to attend an inpatient or outpatient Percocet detox center depending on the level of care you need. An inpatient Percocet detox center provides 24/7 supervision and support. An outpatient Percocet detox center allows you to return home at night.

The Effects Of Taking Percocet

Percocet works in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs in the body to alter the way your body feels and responds to pain. Like other opioids, Percocet binds to and activates the opioid receptors that are involved in feelings of pain and pleasure. Once bound to these receptors, Percocet blocks pain signals sent from the brain.3 This makes people feel very relaxed and happy, and often those who use Percocet for non-medical reasons are looking to experience this feeling of euphoria.

In addition to blocking pain, Percocet acts as a depressant by decreasing vital central nervous system functions such as respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate. Some of the harmful effects associated with the use of Percocet include:1

• Drowsiness

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Statistics On Percocet Use

According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health , almost 12.5 million Americans age 12 or older reported taking prescription painkiller medication for non-medical usesa number that represents 4.7% of the national population. More than four million of these individuals abusing prescription painkillers reported abuse of oxycodone-containing pain relievers like Percocet.

Percocet facts and statistics are often aggregated with other oxycodone-based pain relievers. Percocet and other prescription pain medications comprise a growing percentage of the total number of substance abuse treatment admissions in the United States. According to the NSDUH:

• In 2015, 1.6% of the national population age 12 or older used oxycodone medications like Percocet without a prescription.
• Almost 70% of the people reporting abuse of oxycodone products in 2015 were 26 or older.

In 2011, the Drug Abuse Warning Network reported that 29% of the emergency department visits associated with prescription drug misuse were involved narcotic painkillers.