Because Percocet is commonly prescribed by doctors as a painkiller, some patients find themselves developing an addiction to Percocet after a long period of uninterrupted use. Painkiller addiction is a serious condition and should be dealt with as soon as symptoms begin to arise.

Percocet Drug Addiction

Percocet, like many opioids or painkillers, is a highly addictive substance that can cause an individual to be unable to cope or live a normal life without constantly taking the drug. In the past fifteen years, Percocet addiction has grown exponentially in America as a result of a gradual increase in dosage strength. After only three weeks of continuous consumption, percoset addiction symptoms such as irritability and sudden increase in consumption may appear.

Because of the nature of the symptoms, doctors tend to offer careful instructions that the patient should follow in regards to his or her medication. Often, doctors will only prescribe enough pills for a few days, in order to deter the patient from taking more than are needed.

If an addiction to Percocet is not treated in a timely manner, the addiction will worsen, as will withdrawal symptoms. Because it is a drug that can only be taken with a prescription, an individual is likely to have long periods of time where they can not satisfy their body's craving. Symptoms of withdrawal can be significantly more painful than any prior pain for which the drug was prescribed. However, these symptoms can be lessened and diminished with ongoing treatment provided by a residential or outpatient clinic.

Percoset Addiction Symptoms

The first indication that an individual is addicted to Percocet is the inability to go long periods of time without the drug. The pain that initiated the prescription may continue to cause discomfort long after it should have subsided. This may cause the individual to suddenly increase their intake of the drug, leading their body into a dependency. Below are physical and behavioral indicators of addiction.

Physical Symptoms
Someone who is addicted to Percocet may shake or experience flu like symptoms if their body is deprived of the drug for too long. Pain may no longer be localized in one specific area of the body; instead, it may spread to all areas of the body, leading the individual to believe that a larger dosage of Percocet is needed.

Percocet Addiction Behavior
Sleeplessness is a common sign of Percocet addiction. Not only can the pain keep you from rest, but constant mental activity that is sparked by the body's need for the drug will not allow your body to achieve the necessary hours of sleep it needs each night.

Irritability is also a frequent indicator of an addiction. The individual may be reluctant to pursue or maintain normal relationships with others because of the psychological effect that the withdrawal symptoms are having on the brain.

Percocet Addiction Withdrawal

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, treatment will most likely be necessary before you may return to a normal life. One should not live under the assumption that they can achieve withdrawal themselves; withdrawal is a strenuous process that can take a serious toll on the body and or mind if it is not regulated by professional medical personnel in a controlled environment. As the body detoxifies (disposes of the drug without allowing more to enter the bloodstream), the individual may encounter anxiety attacks, uncontrollable shaking, or physical pain. However, these symptoms can be lessened by a strict and controlled administration of opiate agonists.

Residential treatment centers as well as outpatient clinics and hospitals can provide the care needed for the withdrawal process, as well as psychological therapy aftercare to prevent relapse. Seeking their care is imperative in order to ensure the safety of the individual undergoing detox.