The National Institute on Drugs (NIH) estimates that over 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain does not just mean that the pain lasts longer than the time it takes for the body to heal; it is considered a disease that impairs function, distorts the nervous system, migrates to other areas of the body, and can impact moods and decrease a person’s overall quality of life.
To curb these pains caused by post-surgery pain and illnesses, doctors prescribe opioids. Opioids have been very successful in treating pain and allowing people to function normally in their everyday lives. But, unfortunately, there has also been prescription opioid abuse and overdoses that are plaguing our country.
Opiates are among the most addictive substances in the U.S. Many people are being prescribed painkillers, whether it be for acute pain or chronic pain, and end up having addiction by the time they are done with their prescription. The primary drug found in most prescription painkillers, such as OxyContin and Percocet, is an opioid called Oxycodone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46 people die from overdoses involving prescription opioids every day. In 2017, prescription opioids continued to contribute to the epidemic in the U.S. – they were involved in more than 35% of all opioid overdose deaths.
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What is Percocet?
When you hear about opioid overdoses, you assume it is because of an illicit drug, heroin, or fentanyl. Still, it is just as easy to overdose on prescription opioids. Percocet is one of the most frequently prescribed narcotic painkillers. Percocet is a combination of two painkillers: the opioid oxycodone and acetaminophen. The most common Percocet pill contains 5 mg of oxycodone and 325 mg of acetaminophen but can also come in other doses. A doctor usually prescribes it after surgery, a tooth removal, or any pain-induced injury. Doctors prescribe the medication for a short period until the pain lessens. While most patients have no problem taking the drug, there is a risk for misuse and risk of overdose, whether by accident or on purpose.
Percocet Detox Process
When a person stops taking Percocet, like any other opiate, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as pain, body aches, fatigue, and nausea. The symptoms of opiate withdrawal can be very distressing, but they are rarely life-threatening. Withdrawal symptoms can arise hours after the last dose of the drug and may last for a week or more.
Percocet withdrawal symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on how addicted an individual is to the drug. Dependency can be tied to the length of time taking a particular drug, dosage amount, which drug was taken, how the drug was taken, underlying medical conditions, the co-occurring presence of a mental health issue, and certain biological and environmental factors, such as family history of addiction, previous trauma, or highly stressful and unsupportive surroundings. Withdrawal from Percocet can vary from person to person.
Early Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
These flu-like symptoms, similar to heroin withdrawal, usually start within 8-12 hours from the last dose:
- Tearing up
- Muscle aches
- Trouble falling and staying asleep
- Excessive yawning
- Nose running
- Racing heart
Late Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
These peak within 72 hours and usually last a week or so:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Drug cravings
Some of the psychological withdrawal symptoms and cravings may continue longer than a week in some cases. A mental health professional’s therapy and psychological support as part of a complete substance abuse treatment program can decrease the symptoms and side effects of withdrawal.
Allure Detox is a New Way to Start Your Life Again
There are several treatments and detox options for the removal of the drug from the body. Our medical detox, for instance, includes both medical and psychological treatments while under the close supervision of both medical and mental health specialists in a safe and comforting residential setting. Percocet and other opiate withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and our medical detox will provide the safest and smoothest way to detox.
At Allure Detox, we have facilities where your vital signs, such as blood pressure, respiration levels, body temperature, and heart rate, can all be closely monitored. We utilize medications to regulate brain and body functions. Our mental health professionals can also evaluate and stabilize you during medical detox. While there is no specific timeline for detox, as each individual will likely experience withdrawal from opiates differently, medical detox usually lasts 5-7 days.
Allure Detox can help. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Please contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.