Having an addiction can be isolating and stressful, and many may feel like there isn’t a way out. However, detox is a great option that provides stability, decreased anxiety, and more for patients, while allowing them to safely stop using the drug they’re dependent on.
Percocet is a prescribed opiate, and therefore one of the most common drugs people in the United States become addicted to. It’s prescribed for pain, and those with prescriptions may develop a dependence, causing them to seek out other forms of opioids to treat their dependence.
What is Percocet Detox and How Does it Help?
Detox is a common process used for all types of addiction, from alcohol to methamphetamines. Medically supervised detox is the safest way to stop using a drug, as patients are supervised by medical professionals throughout the entire process.
Addicts are often afraid to stop using because of the side effects and symptoms they experience after cutting Percocet cold turkey. By partaking in a medically supervised detox program, addicts are able to feel safe knowing that their vitals are being monitored at all times.
Oftentimes detox programs are included as a part of inpatient treatment programs or used before outpatient treatment programs. They are the first step in the recovery process, but most successful when used hand in hand with further treatment options.
Managing Symptoms of Percocet Withdrawal
Detoxing alone can be terrifying. The wealth of symptoms associated with stopping medication can be enough to incapacitate someone. In the chance of rare yet severe symptoms, it could be a medical (even life-threatening) emergency. To lessen the anxiety that surrounds these withdrawal symptoms, patients should detox under the care of a doctor.
Some of the symptoms of Percocet withdrawal include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Increased tearing
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Nausea
- Vomitting
Rare and severe symptoms of Percocet withdrawal include:
- Dehydration
- Hypernatraemia
- Heart failure
Medication to Help Decrease Symptoms
While withdrawing from opioids like Percocet has been compared to having flu-like symptoms, that doesn’t mean they aren’t borderline unbearable for some people. To keep these symptoms at bay (along with the cravings), detox centers often use medication. Common medications used in detox centers for Percocet withdrawal include:
- Methadone to relieve withdrawal symptoms and help to decrease dependence on opioids. Many people stay on Methadone for years.
- Buprenorphine is used to shorten the overall time it takes for one to detox from opioids.
- Clonidine can be used to help reduce the anxiety, muscle aches, and cramping one may be feeling but it doesn’t help to reduce cravings.
- Naltrexone is often used to help prevent relapse from occuring, but can cause severe complications if opioids are still in the patients system at time of use.
While some treatment centers or detox facilities may use a few different medications to help ease the process, some might not use any. The most important part of detox is that the patient is under the care of a doctor to monitor symptoms and prevent relapse. The first few days of sobriety are crucial, and by having those first few days in a center, relapse cannot occur.
Where to Detox from Percocet
If you or someone you love is suffering from a Percocet addiction, we’re here to help. Asheville Detox offers medical detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), NAD+ therapy, and aftercare preparation services. You no longer have to struggle with this addiction alone. To learn more about our programs and the support we can offer to you or your loved one, call us today. We’re ready to help you on your path toward sobriety and recovery.
