Percocet Addiction & Treatment

Medically Assisted
Percocet Detoxification

At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we believe in the importance of medically monitored detoxification as an integral part of every recovery program. While the withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription opioids like Percocet are not typically life-threatening, they can be unpredictable and result in significant physical and mental discomfort. Our team of compassionate and highly experienced professionals work together to alleviate the more severe symptoms of withdrawal while adequately preparing clients to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. We focus on more than physical stabilization and a safe, comfortable Percocet withdrawal. We offer therapeutic services, holistic treatment options, and personalized aftercare planning to ensure continued success in sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about our integrated and effective program of Percocet detoxification and recovery in New Jersey.

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Percocet, a potent and habit-forming opioid painkiller, is made with a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an addictive semi-synthetic narcotic analgesic, and has been widely misused since the late 1990s. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient found in over-the-counter pain pain relievers and fever reducers like Tylenol. Because this specific medication has such a high potential for misuse, most medical professionals only prescribe it to be taken for a short period of time. Percocet is also a short-term solution for severe, acute pain because one of the main ingredients, acetaminophen, has been shown to lead to severe and permanent liver damage. 

Percocet is classified as a Schedule II chemical substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning it is both potent and addictive. Prescription opioid misuse and dependence have long-since been considered major public health concerns, causing thousands of overdose-related deaths on an annual basis. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 18 million American adults misused prescription medication in the year 2017 alone. During this same year, roughly 2 million adults misused a prescription opioid like Percocet for the first time. High rates of misuse are largely attributed to the frequency with which these medications are prescribed and the ease of access. Many first time Percocet users find the chemical substance in the medicine cabinets of close friends and family members.

Most Percocet tablets come in an oval shape and are yellow in color, though Percocet pills can also be blue or white and round. Percocet dosages are printed directly on the tablets, and range from 2.5 mg to 10 mg. People who are prescribed the medication or who are taking the medication recreationally may take higher doses than recommended to experience the rush of euphoria associated with the initial release of dopamine.

Like other opioid pain relievers containing oxycodone, Percocet is highly addictive. Anyone who uses an opioid medication like Percocet is susceptible to developing an opioid use disorder, regardless of personal background, age, gender, or family history of substance use. How do you know whether or not you have developed an addictive disorder which requires treatment? Addiction is defined as an overwhelming psychological craving. It is the continued, compulsive use of a substance despite negative personal consequences. If you have had a difficult time quitting on your own despite growing issues directly linked to your Percocet use, there is a good chance some type of treatment has become necessary. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing health condition, and it typically cannot be treated without some degree of professional intervention. 

Symptoms commonly associated with Percocet addiction include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Abdominal pain. 
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Persistent headaches. 
• Attempting to cut back on the amount of Percocet being taken, but being unsuccessful in restricting or quitting use.
• A lack of attention paid to personal hygienic practices.
• A lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. 
• Issues at home, work or school that can be directly attributed to Percocet use. 
• Interpersonal issues, including problems with family members, close friends and coworkers.
• Financial and legal problems that result from Percocet use and an increase in risk-taking behaviors.
• Stealing unused medications from the medicine cabinets of friends, family members and acquaintances.
• “Doctor shopping,” meaning attempting to obtain more than one Percocet prescription at a time.
• Developing a physical tolerance, meaning that a higher dose of Percocet is required in order for the same physical and psychological effects to be produced.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms as soon as the prescription runs out or as soon as Percocet is no longer being taken daily.

These are only several examples of the many symptoms that go hand-in-hand with Percocet misuse and dependence. If you have been misusing this potent opioid narcotic for any amount of time, seeking care from a medically monitored detox center comes as a recommended first step.

Percocet withdrawal takes place in two distinct stages. During the early stage of withdrawal the symptoms are less severe. This stage usually lasts for between 3 and 7 days. Once the late stage withdrawal symptoms take hold they are more severe and uncomfortable, and generally last for up to two weeks depending on the severity of the addictive disorder.

Symptoms associated with Percocet withdrawal include:

• Profuse sweating 
• Flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, watery eyes, stomach cramping, headache, fatigue, chills and an inability to get comfortable 
• Insomnia and other significant sleep-related disturbances
• Aches and pains 
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Irritability and agitation 
• Severe anxiety, which can lead to panic attacks when untreated 
• Depressed mood 
• Body tremors
• Restlessness/an inability to sit still

Percocet detox almost always comes as a recommended first step on the road to addiction recovery. It is typically recommended that a person who has been suffering from a Percocet use disorder transition directly into inpatient treatment once they have been physically stabilized in a medical detox program. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we will help you develop a solid aftercare plan that takes all of your personal needs and treatment goals into account. 

The best treatment options for Percocet misuse or addiction depend on your unique case. When it comes to professional treatment, several factors should be taken into close consideration, including:

1. The severity of the opioid use disorder. If the Percocet use disorder is moderate or severe, entering into a longer term treatment program is likely a good idea. It is important to note that because this specific chemical substance is so potent and habit-forming, addictive disorders progress over an extremely short period of time. 
2. The potential of withdrawal symptoms. Because the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Percocet withdrawal can be unpredictable and uncomfortable, it is important for anyone who has been suffering from a Percocet use disorder to enter into a professional medical detox program for short-term monitoring. 
3. The presence of any co-occurring disorders. If a person has been simultaneously suffering from a Percocet use disorder and a mental illness, entering into a longer term dual diagnosis treatment program might be necessary. 

In most cases, it is recommended that a person who has been suffering from a diagnosable Percocet use disorder of any severity enter into a multi-staged treatment program, which begins with medical detox and transitions into the next appropriate level of care. Depending on your personal needs, you might choose to follow detox with an extended stay in an inpatient treatment center, or continue with a more flexible and less time-demanding option, like outpatient treatment. 

Treatment options include:

• Medical detox. In medical detox a person undergoes a safe and comfortable Percocet withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of medical professionals. 
• Residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive treatment option; residential programs typically last for between 30 and 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Most inpatient programs incorporate individual, group, and family therapy, 12 Step program education and involvement, and holistic treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment experience. 
• Partial hospitalization. This level of care is a step down from inpatient treatment, and includes full days of intensive therapeutic care (usually 7 days a week) with the freedom to return home in the evenings. 
• Intensive outpatient treatment. Also known as IOP, this level of care is ideal for those who have completed a short stay in medical detox and are looking for a flexible treatment option with an ample amount of personal freedom. IOP is ideal for those with an extremely short-lived Percocet use disorder and no co-occurring issues. 
• Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment, or OP, is one more step down from IOP, with group sessions typically only meeting between 2 or 3 times a week for several hours. 
• Aftercare. Because Percocet addiction is a chronic health condition, ongoing treatment is necessary to longer term recovery. Most aftercare plans consist of ongoing involvement in a peer support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Dharma) and ongoing individual therapy. 
• 12 Step program involvement. While many recovering individuals choose to participate in a 12 Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are numerous other options available. Peer support is often an important part of most aftercare plans. 
• Individual therapy and/or ongoing psychiatric services. Because many individuals who suffer from a Percocet use disorder simultaneously struggle with co-occurring issues, ongoing therapy and/or psychiatric care often come recommended.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a Percocet use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored drug and alcohol detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free prescription Percocet withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our therapeutic detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about Percocet addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of Percocet addiction recovery, contact us today.