Facilities

According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug overdose deaths involving prescription opioids rose from 3,442 in 1999 to 17,029 in 2017. [1] In Palm Beach County, FL, there were 78 cases of opioid-related overdoses involving oxycodone treated in the Emergency Department in 2020. [2] Oxycodone, the active ingredient in Percocet, is an opioid analgesic. When oxycodone binds to brain receptors, it reduces the transmission of pain signals and produces feelings of pain relief and euphoria. However, repeated use of oxycodone can lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction as the brain adapts to the presence of the drug and requires increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. Also, the euphoric effects of oxycodone-contained medications, such as Percocet, can contribute to its addictive potential, as individuals may seek to replicate these feelings by using the drug compulsively.

Drug Treatment West Palm Beach

Thankfully, in the heart of West Palm Beach, individuals struggling with Percocet abuse can find solace and support through dedicated drug treatment centers. These addiction treatment centers in Florida offer a lifeline of hope for those battling opioid use disorders, providing comprehensive services aimed at guiding individuals toward recovery and renewal.

At these facilities, individuals are welcomed into a compassionate and nurturing environment where they can begin healing. These centers understand the complexity of addiction and its challenges and are committed to providing personalized care tailored to each individual’s unique needs. One of the cornerstones of drug treatments in West Palm Beach is detoxification. Under the supervision of medical professionals, individuals undergo a safe and supportive detox process to rid their bodies of harmful substances and begin the process of physical stabilization.

Beyond detox, addiction treatment professionals offer a comprehensive range of therapeutic interventions to address the underlying factors contributing to addiction. Through individual and group therapy sessions, individuals explore the root causes of their substance abuse, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and develop the skills needed to navigate life’s challenges without turning to drugs.

In addition to therapy, holistic treatments nourish the mind, body, and spirit. From yoga and meditation to art therapy and nutritional counseling, these complementary approaches promote overall well-being and support individuals on their path to recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait another day to reach out for help. Rediscover hope and embrace the possibility of a better tomorrow.

How many overdoses are in Palm Beach County?

Palm Beach County has faced a significant challenge with drug overdoses in recent years. According to data from local authorities and health agencies, the number of overdoses in Palm Beach County has been alarmingly high, with opioids such as prescription drugs, including Percocet, being significant contributors to the crisis.

In 2020, the data collected from the Palm Beach County ESSENCE surveillance system revealed that there were 3,475 visits to the Emergency Department due to opioid overdoses. On average, there were about 290 overdoses per month or roughly ten overdoses per day. The number of opioid overdoses stayed relatively steady throughout the year. However, there was a significant decrease of 16% in February compared to the previous month, while ED visits for overdoses peaked in September, with a 31% increase from the last month.

Many Emergency Department (ED) visits for opioid overdoses did not pinpoint the particular drug involved. Often, the complaints or diagnoses simply stated “opioid overdose” without identifying the specific opioid consumed, resulting in 43% of ED visits being classified as unspecified opioids. The most commonly reported opioid involved in overdoses was heroin, accounting for 1421 cases. Medications used for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine and methadone, made up a small percentage of opioid overdoses, totaling just 0.52%. [3]

Percocet, a medication frequently abused, belongs to the class of opioids utilized for pain management. It is a prescription drug containing oxycodone, a potent opioid analgesic, combined with acetaminophen. When abused, Percocet poses significant risks akin to those associated with other opioid drugs, such as heroin. Misuse of Percocet can lead to tolerance, dependence, addiction, respiratory depression, and overdose. Therefore, it is critical to utilize Percocet strictly as prescribed and under medical supervision to mitigate the potential for abuse and adverse consequences.

Is Percocet the same as oxycodone?

Percocet is a prescription medication classified as an opioid analgesic commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. It combines two active ingredients: oxycodone, a potent opioid, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. Due to its opioid component, Percocet carries a significant risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction when misused. The oxycodone component of Percocet acts on opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, producing pain relief and euphoria but also increasing the risk of adverse effects such as respiratory depression and overdose.

Oxycodone is the primary opioid component in Percocet and is a potent analgesic medication commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. Like other opioids, oxycodone can lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction with prolonged use or misuse. Also, oxycodone carries a risk of respiratory depression and overdose, especially when taken in high doses or combination with other central nervous system depressants.

When comparing Percocet and oxycodone, it’s essential to recognize that Percocet is a combination medication containing oxycodone as its opioid component along with acetaminophen. Both Percocet and oxycodone have similar pharmacological properties and carry comparable risks of misuse, dependence, and adverse effects. However, Percocet may pose an additional risk of liver toxicity due to its acetaminophen content, especially when taken in excessive doses. Overall, both medications should be used cautiously and only as a healthcare professional prescribes to minimize the potential for harm.

Many individuals who develop an addiction to Percocet initially follow their doctor’s prescription. However, the addictive nature of opioid drugs like oxycodone can lead to difficulty in discontinuing use. Dependency and the euphoric effects of opioids can drive individuals to increase their dosage over time, eventually leading to addiction. Following addiction treatment, individuals require a supportive environment devoid of drug temptation to start anew. The addiction treatment field needs to go beyond just the treatments found in books if it wants to help lots of people stay sober. Halfway houses are a great example of a way to help people find clean and sober places to live after they finish residential treatment, go through outpatient programs, or look for options outside of formal therapy. Many halfway houses in West Palm Beach, Florida, are open for people who are looking for a sanctuary where they can maintain their self-discovery and healing without access to these substances of abuse.

What is Percocet used for?

Percocet is commonly prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, such as pain following surgery, injury, or chronic conditions like cancer. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and providing relief. The addition of acetaminophen in Percocet can also help enhance its analgesic effects. However, it’s essential to use Percocet only as directed by a healthcare professional and to be aware of its potential for addiction and overdose, especially when misused or combined with other substances.

Consider the story of France, a 23-year-old woman who survived a traumatic car accident and subsequently underwent multiple surgeries to address her injuries. Prescribed Percocet to manage the pain resulting from her surgeries, France initially relied on the medication as prescribed. However, she was unprepared for the development of dependency and subsequent addiction to its effects. Reluctant to disclose her struggles with addiction to her healthcare provider, France resorted to “doctor shopping” to obtain additional Percocet prescriptions. As her addiction intensified, France found herself taking multiple unprescribed Percocet pills daily, spiraling further into the grips of dependency. Recognizing the gravity of her situation, France now seeks professional intervention and medical detoxification to initiate a pathway toward enduring recovery.

Treatment Centers for Percocet Addiction in West Palm Beach, Florida

Percocet addiction can be hazardous when an individual engages in doctor shopping, a practice where they seek multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers without disclosing existing prescriptions or medical history. Furthermore, many may attempt to pursue the euphoric effects of this opioid medication by seeking out even more potent opioids. Florida has been deeply impacted by the ongoing US drug overdose epidemic, experiencing record-breaking mortality rates in recent years, with 2019 being no exception. In that year alone, 5,268 Floridians lost their lives to drug overdose, marking an increase from previous years. The rise in fatalities is attributed to the emergence of potent substances like fentanyl and novel psychoactive substances, signaling a tragic contrast from past prescription opioid epidemics in the 1990s. Despite the decline in rates of prescription opioid overdoses, Florida has continued to struggle against opioid overdose morbidity and deaths. [4]

In West Palm Beach, access to comprehensive drug treatment services is crucial for addressing Percocet abuse issues. With a compassionate and evidence-based approach, West Palm Beach, FL, drug treatment centers offer various services, including detoxification, counseling, therapy, and aftercare support. These facilities are vital in helping individuals overcome addiction, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future free from the grip of substance abuse.

We encourage you to check our comprehensive directory for individuals seeking top options for Florida drug treatment centers. Our directory provides a wealth of resources to find suitable treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Resources:

[1] Drug Overdose Death Rates – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

[2-4] 2020 OPIOID-RELATED OVERDOSE SURVEILLANCE REPORT PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA – Annual Report PDF

[5] Sadiq NM, Dice TJ, Mead T. Oxycodone. [Updated 2022 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482226/