Explore the dangers of Percocet. This drug is highly addictive and can lead to the abuse and necessary medical treatment of Percocet addiction.

young woman putting a Percocet opiate pain relievers pill in her mouth.

Percocet is an opiate pain reliever that is made up of Oxycodone and acetaminophen. It is given to people to help relieve pain after surgery or to reduce the discomfort associated with arthritis and back pain. Weโ€™ll explore the use, addiction and treatment methods of Percocet and provide a fuller picture of how harmful a Percocet addiction can be.

How a Person Uses and Abuses Percocet

Percocet is a highly abused drug. It comes in a pill form that is meant to be swallowed, although people who abuse it commonly crush it and then snort or even inject it. When it is snorted or injected, the effects are felt within minutes, although they will not last as long as they would if swallowed.

Binds to Dopamine Receptors

The Oxycodone that is in Percocet binds to the brainโ€™s dopamine receptors. This produces intense feelings of pleasure and well-being. When a person abuses Percocet, they often develop a tolerance, a dependence, and eventually an addiction that requires treatment.

An Addiction Can Happen Quickly

Many people take Percocet to ease their pain, but because of the euphoric-like feelings that the drug produces, it is not uncommon for users to begin abusing the drug. Even more alarming is that a user can develop a Percocet addiction in as little as three weeks of continual use or abuse.

There are also users who may take Percocet simply to feel its euphoric effects. In any of these situations, the person is abusing Percocet, and if the user does not stop, they will develop an addiction requiring treatment.

How is Percocet Abuse Defined?

Percocet abuse is defined as taking the drug in any variation differing from a doctorโ€™s orders. This might include taking it too often or in larger doses than prescribed. Users often abuse it for pleasure only.

People who begin to abuse or develop an addiction to Percocet normally never intend to do so. Normally, the abuse begins when the person gets written a prescription following surgery, an injury, or chronic pain. The user may feel like they are not feeling the same original effects; they may then increase their dose without a doctor’s recommendation. They have now developed a tolerance, and as they continue to increase their dose, they will develop dependence and addiction.

When a person abuses Percocet, they may begin to cause harm to their own body and their social surroundings and possibly lose all their money. Anyone who is involved in their life will begin to be affected by their abuse, especially if they do not discontinue it. Percocet abuse does not necessarily mean that the user has an addiction to the drug, but if they do not quit their abuse, they will eventually develop one.

Effects of an Addiction

Percocet is both physically and emotionally addictive. Unfortunately, most people who have an extended prescription for Percocet will find themselves physically addicted to the drug very quickly.

A Percocet addiction happens when the user is unable or does not want to stop. If they do stop, they suffer intense cravings for the drug, cravings that normally lead to the user seeking out more and more of it.

Hard to Detect, At First

Percocet abuse and addiction can be very difficult to detect. When a user is knowingly abusing Percocet, they will most likely be very good at hiding their abuse or addiction. Over time, Percocet abuse will reduce the user’s ability to think rationally or be fully aware of their surroundings. Abuse or addiction may also cause confusing thoughts or unusual behaviour. When the user decides to quit, they will experience withdrawal, and this can be very noticeable.

Physical Symptoms of an Addiction

People who abuse or have an addiction to Percocet may experience various physical symptoms. Which symptoms the user will experience will depend mainly on two factors: how long they have been using and how much they are using.

The physical symptoms of Percocet addiction can include:

  • Nausea
  • Rashes
  • Headaches
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Liver Damage
  • Seizures
  • Respiratory depression
  • Respiratory distress

Abuse Can Be Fatal

The more you know about Percocet abuse and addiction, the better. Percocet is a central nervous system depressant. Long-time abusers or people who have a serious addiction to the drug may have problems breathing and regulating their heartbeat. The drug will also interact with other central nervous system depressants such as sleeping pills, alcohol, and sedatives. This interaction can cause serious problems and can even be fatal. Itโ€™s vital to convince a loved one to seek medical treatment for a Percocet addiction.

Percocet Addiction Treatment

Percocet addiction treatment can take several different approaches. Prescription medications can often be effective in helping people recover from a Percocet addiction. Medications, including methadone or buprenorphine, can help a patient get through Percocet withdrawal. Both have been successful at easing the symptoms of numerous types of opioid withdrawal.

The first step to recovery from drug addiction is expert counselling

Counselling can also be an effective treatment in helping people to overcome a Percocet addiction. Counselling can also help concerned family members to understand what the patient is going through.

Contact The Cabin Chiang Mai

The Cabin Chiang Mai is a drug addiction treatment centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that offers effective treatment for Percocet addiction. If you or a loved one is dealing with a Percocet addiction and needs treatment, please contact The Cabin Chiang Mai for immediate help.

About the Author

Lee Daniel Hawker-Lecesne

Lee Daniel Hawker-Lecesne

Clinical Director at The Cabin (MBPsS, British Psychological Society Number: 479469) Lee is a Registered Member of the British Psychological Society. He graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in the UK with a degree in Behavioural Science and a postgraduate clinical focus on addictions from the University of Bath. Lee is a focused and ambitious individual who has in-depth training and experience in a broad range of clinical psychological interventions in the treatment of addiction, dual diagnosis, and complex trauma.

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