Whether it’s innocent abuse of taking Percocet too many times or deliberate misuse, addiction to this drug is possible. Many painkillers can result in reliance if abused, often leading to addiction. It is essential to understand the risks associated with the abuse of Percocet. It is also important to know the signs of someone becoming addicted.
Although drug abuse and addiction are different concepts, the terms can be used interchangeably, as abuse leads to reliance. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) outlines that about 46% of prescribed opioids are the most common medications.
Of the estimated 78,000 deaths recorded in 2010 because of illegal drug abuse, more than 40,000 were due to painkillers. With drugs such as Percocet, people should use the drug cautiously, aware that it could be addictive like many other opiates. The U.S. Health and Human Services calls this addiction the opioid epidemic.
What is Percocet?
Classified as a narcotic, Percocet is an effective painkiller compared to others within its class, such as acetaminophen or aspirin. Although it differs from Morphine, Percocet can be considered a moderate to severe pain reliever, which explains its popularity and use.
Percocet is made of a combination of acetaminophen and Oxycodone, which also explains why the drug is narcotic and significantly effective. Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen is a non-narcotic. These medications work together to enhance the effects of Oxycodone by inhibiting pain receptors.
Some of the risk factors associated with using Percocet include the fact that it can be addictive. Generally, almost all opioids have the potential to be abused. To give the pain-relieving effect, Percocet may cause euphoria.
The urge to feel this euphoric effect is one of the reasons why people keep consuming the drug even when unnecessary. With time, such an individual could develop tolerance and fail to offer the pain-relieving effect.
What is Percocet Used For?
Percocet is a prescription medication for treating moderate-to-severe pain and can be used along with other medications. Understanding the uses of the drug is essential in knowing how to deal with it and avoid abuse.
The medication can offer a satisfying pain-relieving effect by combining Oxycodone (an opioid painkiller) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid painkiller). Precisely, oxycodone functions to influence the brain’s function and response to pain. On the other hand, acetaminophen helps boost the effects of Oxycodone and can reduce various side effects.
Because Percocet is opioid-based, it is effective and safe enough. However, while the drug can be powerful, it can be fatal if misused. In addition, its potency and misuse can result in physical, mental, and other side effects.
Therefore, it is recommended to use Percocet in instances where non-opioid pain-relieving medication has failed to work. And people should only take Percocet under the supervision of a medical professional.
Why Could Someone Become Addicted to Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid-based drug that could be highly addictive. Often, the medication is prescribed short-term or to cure intense pain. People can obtain a prescription for Percocet through a doctor if necessary.
However, in many other cases, it can be used to treat severe chronic pain often experienced after surgery. When the medication can’t relieve pain, or the body builds a tolerance, a person will likely use the prescription painkiller more. In some cases, this pattern of use can lead to chemical dependency.
Furthermore, Percocet is mainly available as a prescription drug as purchasing it is legal. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the prevalence and abuse of prescription drugs keep increasing. The increased abuse across the country potentially results in serious complications for many people.
Most individuals use this drug for the narcotic effect that it offers. However, a high dosage is enough to give a euphoric effect similar to the impact experienced by drugs such as heroin. Therefore, the increasing dosage can result in abuse, leading to Percocet addiction.
Common Signs of Percocet Addiction
There are a few common signs associated with Percocet addiction and abuse. However, it is important to note that the person’s behavior as a whole should be considered in determining whether or not they have a substance use disorder.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction include the following:
- Ingesting it for reasons other than pain-relieving, such as taking it to deal with anxiety.
- Overdosing by taking the drug more often than prescribed or in more quantities.
- Neglecting core duties because of Percocet use.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as restlessness and insomnia, when not under the drug.
Effects of a Percocet Addiction
The first precaution against Percocet addiction is its dosage since the drug presents significantly high risks of abuse and addiction. Like other opioid drugs, using Percocet over a long period or overdosing may result in tolerance, leading to drug dependency. Therefore, many practitioners recommend using the drug short-term to avoid drug abuse and addiction. The potential for abuse can increase when these medications are used long-term.
Because of Oxycodone, there is a potential for significant side effects such as:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Memory loss
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
Side effects could differ across individuals. However, understanding how the medication affects you physically is essential to help you know how to use it cautiously.
Percocet Treatment
Some people may wonder what will happen if they stop taking Percocet after prolonged use or abuse. Like other opioid addictions, the effects of Percocet withdrawal can be challenging and demanding. No need to worry, though; there are several treatment options available. Also, its treatment and rehabilitation are similar to other similar opiates.
One of the most common and effective treatments for Percocet addiction is residential treatment, medical detox, and long-term support. People may need more care depending on the severity of their drug use.
Medical detox treatment involves the complex process of dealing with withdrawal symptoms known to be intensive. Some of the withdrawal symptoms include insomnia and abdominal aches. To ease the process, your medical practitioner may recommend other pharmaceutical aids like Buprenorphine and Clonidine along with the necessary therapies.
After a person can advance from the withdrawal symptoms and detox stage, they are ready for intensive treatment. Once they have finished detox, they can engage in support groups and other outpatient follow-ups.
Get Percocet Addiction Treatment At New Directions for Women
Addictions can develop in many ways. Also, dealing with addictions is demanding with the therapies involved. Thus, taking charge of your health and adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential. If you or a loved one are addicted to Percocet, help is available.
At New Directions for Women, we offer specialized treatment to women struggling with Percocet addiction. We understand that finding the right help can be challenging. Our team of trusted professionals is here to help you as you start your recovery journey. Our treatment center takes a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Contact us to get started with treatment and more information on Percocet addiction rehabilitation.
