Addiction to prescription drugs like Percocet can have a devastating effect on individuals and families. At Beach House Center for Recovery, we recognize the struggle to overcome Percocet addiction. Our team of psychiatric providers, medical clinicians, and addiction care specialists will provide the support and compassion you need to break free from addiction.
Currently, the opioid epidemic in the United States involves numerous types of illicit and prescription opioid drugs. In the decades since 2000, opioid-related deaths have increased by 300%, with more women experiencing opioid painkiller addictions and overdoses than men. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are 400% more likely to misuse painkillers than men. Percocet is among the most misused prescription drugs.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a narcotic analgesic prescription medication used to manage moderate to severe pain. It is a combination of the drugs oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a significantly less potent pain reliever than oxycodone; it is generally used to treat mild to moderate pain. Oxycodone is a more powerful pain reliever for treating moderate to severe pain. Percocet is usually taken orally, with or without food, as needed for pain relief.
Is Percocet addictive?
Yes, Percocet is an addictive opioid drug.
Though many people take Percocet to manage legitimate pain, the drug can be habit-forming even when taken as prescribed.
What Is Percocet Addiction?
When someone takes Percocet for an extended period of time, the body can develop a tolerance for the drug, which means that more of the substance is needed to produce the same effects. Over time, this can lead to addiction. Stopping the drug without experiencing an uncomfortable withdrawal can be difficult.
Anyone taking Percocet should do so cautiously and only under a doctor’s supervision. To reduce the likelihood of Percocet addiction and dependency, it’s important to discuss any questions or concerns about its addictive potential with a physician before taking the drug.
Side Effects of Percocet
Percocet abuse symptoms and side effects include the following:
- Dizziness: One of the most common side effects of Percocet – and all opioid drugs – is light-headedness and dizziness. The oxycodone ingredient can impair reflexes and the reaction response, making driving or operating machinery dangerous.
- Nausea: Vomiting and nausea are common side effects of opioid drugs, but a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen can irritate the stomach lining.
- Constipation: Opioid drugs can increase intestinal absorption of water and slow the movement of waste through the intestines, leading to constipation.
- Slowed breathing: Slowed breathing, or respiratory depression, is a potentially serious side effect that a physician should address.
Percocet’s serious but less-common side effects may include mood changes, confusion, and seizures. Extremely rare side effects include fainting and anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. If any of these side effects occur, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Taking higher doses of Percocet than prescribed can cause an overdose, which can be fatal. Signs of an overdose include slow or shallow breathing, extreme drowsiness, and pinpoint pupils. If you or someone you know may be experiencing an overdose, seek help immediately.
Percocet Addiction Signs
The effects of Percocet abuse are similar to those of other opioid drugs. Common Percocet abuse signs include the following:
- Increased use of Percocet. Continual use of Percocet can lead to its effects becoming diminished. If you require a higher drug dosage to achieve the desired result, you could be experiencing Percocet addiction.
- Repeated attempts to quit. One of the most common indications of opioid addiction is the inability to stop using despite numerous attempts. Addiction causes brain function disorders, leading to decreased impulse control.
- Altered behavior. Misusing Percocet can cause significant behavioral changes, including secretiveness, isolation, and hostility.
- Physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Percocet addiction causes psychological and physical withdrawal when use is abruptly stopped. Common withdrawal symptoms are dilated pupils, severe nausea, sweating, disordered sleep, anxiety, depression, and severe intestinal distress.
- Inability to fulfill personal or professional obligations. It is extremely common for people experiencing Percocet addiction to struggle with school, work, or family responsibilities.
- Money problems. Escalating Percocet addiction can lead to financial difficulties due to continual drug purchases and struggles to maintain employment.
Percocet addiction symptoms should be addressed quickly; long-term opioid misuse can cause serious mental and physical debilitation. If you are concerned you could be addicted to Percocet, Beach House can help.
Beach House Center for Recovery: Providing Compassionate Percocet Addiction Treatment
Recovery from opioid addiction requires medical supervision, in-depth expertise in addiction disorders, and dedicated support. At Beach House Center for Recovery, we are passionate about providing evidence-backed treatment for a broad spectrum of substance use disorders and their co-occurring mental health conditions.
Our personalized, research-backed treatment approach includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive therapeutic intervention, family counseling, life skills training, and much more.
Please contact our helpful admissions counselor today to learn more about our programs.