Percocet Abuse and Addiction Treatment: Signs, Symptoms & Solutions

Percocet is a pain medication with a high abuse risk. Addiction treatment can help those showing Percocet abuse signs stop using the opioid and live-drug free.

Percocet is a powerful prescription opioid medication that combines oxycodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid analgesic and fever reducer). Physicians typically prescribe Percocet to manage moderate to severe pain following surgery or injury, but its potency and high risk of dependence make it a frequent target of misuse and abuse. As opioid addiction rates have surged across the United States, understanding the effects, risk factors, and signs of Percocet addiction is crucial. This article outlines the various factors involved in Percocet addiction and abuse, along with relevant statistics, symptoms and long-term impacts.

Percocet Abuse and Addiction

Percocet is an analgesic with oxycodone as its opioid component and acetaminophen. The drug fights pain by working on the brain’s mu opioid receptors. It also triggers the brain’s reward circuit, causing a surge of the feel-good chemical dopamine, which can propel people to continue taking the drug even when it’s no longer medically necessary.

Percocet Addiction Statistics

Although exact statistics on Percocet abuse are not available, the drug was prescribed to more than 2.2 million Americans in 2022. In general, 8.6 million (3%) of people aged 12 or older misused prescription pain relievers in 2023. Misusing prescription opioids like Percocet is also a risk for further opioid abuse: 80% of people who use heroin started with prescription opioids.

Percocet has dropped considerably in rank, but it still remains in the top 100 most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. at #98. Although frequently prescribed to treat pain, Percocet is a Schedule II controlled substance, which carries a high risk for addiction, abuse and dependence. Prescription opioids were also responsible for 14,000 overdose deaths in 2022.

Causes and Risk Factors for Percocet Addiction

The potential for Percocet abuse arises from the medication’s effects on the brain’s reward system. Oxycodone binds to opioid receptors, causing pain relief and euphoria. Repeated use can make the brain and body dependent on this external source of opioids, leading to addiction. While anyone can develop a substance use disorder, several risk factors may increase vulnerability:

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of substance use disorders can amplify the likelihood of developing an opioid addiction. Genetic factors contribute to how an individual experiences and metabolizes substances.
• Chronic Pain Conditions: People dealing with prolonged pain may be prescribed Percocet for extended periods. Long-term use can inadvertently heighten the risk for misuse and dependency.
• Mental Health Disorders: Untreated or undertreated mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead a person to self-medicate with opioid painkillers. This can escalate into an addiction if emotional distress remains unresolved.
• Environmental and Social Influences: Stressful life events, peer pressure or exposure to drug use in one’s family or social circle can facilitate substance misuse.
• History of Substance Abuse: Individuals who have already dealt with addiction to other substances, such as alcohol or stimulants, may be more susceptible to developing an opioid use disorder.

Understanding these risk factors helps healthcare professionals and loved ones identify individuals who may be more prone to misusing Percocet and supports the implementation of preventive measures.

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

Recognizing the early signs of Percocet addiction can make a significant difference in seeking prompt treatment. People struggling with from opioid use disorders often experience both physical and behavioral changes, including:

• Increased Tolerance: Needing higher doses of Percocet to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria indicates the body is building resistance to its effects.
• Cravings: A persistent urge or craving for the medication, even when pain is absent or minimal, may signal psychological dependence.
• Changes in Mood and Behavior: Irritability, depression, mood swings or drastic changes in social activities can occur when addiction begins to take over.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: If someone attempts to cut back on or stop using Percocet, they might experience flu-like symptoms (such as nausea, sweating, anxiety, restlessness and muscle aches). These symptoms can be severe and make it difficult to quit without assistance.
• Doctor Shopping: Seeking multiple prescriptions from different healthcare providers or frequent requests for early refills are typical red flags.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work or school, failing to meet family obligations or withdrawing from social engagements may suggest a growing dependency that takes precedence over daily life.

If you or a loved one displays these signs, it may be time to seek professional help to address potential Percocet addiction.

Effects of Percocet Addiction

Percocet addiction can impair nearly every aspect of a person’s life. The immediate impact of opioid misuse is often overshadowed by the long-term consequences for both physical and mental health, social relationships and overall well-being.

• Physical Health Consequences: Chronic opioid use can lead to respiratory depression, reduced energy levels and hormonal imbalances. Additionally, the acetaminophen component in Percocet can cause liver damage, especially when taken in excessive doses or combined with alcohol.
• Cognitive and Emotional Impact: Opioid misuse can impair cognitive function, complicate decision-making and exacerbate or contribute to mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Mood swings and emotional instability can hinder personal and professional relationships.
• Social and Relationship Strain: Isolation from friends and family, conflicts with loved ones and difficulties at work or school often arise as addiction progresses.
• Financial and Legal Problems: Costs associated with maintaining the addiction, potential job loss or reduced performance, and legal issues stemming from illicit drug-seeking behavior can compound an already challenging situation.
• Increased Risk of Overdose: As tolerance builds, individuals may take dangerously high amounts of Percocet, raising the risk of a life-threatening overdose.

Percocet Addiction and Co-occurring Disorders

Many individuals with Percocet addiction also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, sometimes called dual diagnosis or comorbid disorders. Common co-occurring disorders include:

• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or social anxiety often coexist with substance use as an attempt to self-medicate or escape distressing thoughts and feelings.
• Depression: Opioid misuse can exacerbate depressive symptoms, resulting in a vicious cycle where substance use worsens mood, which in turn fuels more misuse.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Individuals with PTSD may be prescribed opioids for pain or may use them recreationally to dampen severe anxiety and flashbacks.
• Bipolar Disorder: The mood swings characteristic of bipolar disorder can increase susceptibility to substance misuse during manic or depressive episodes.

A thorough assessment and integrated treatment plan that addresses both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues simultaneously is critical to successful recovery.

Percocet Withdrawal and Overdose

Withdrawal from Percocet occurs when a person who has become dependent on the medication stops or significantly reduces use. Withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable and include:

• Restlessness and anxiety
• Muscle aches and body pains
• Insomnia and yawning
• Excessive sweating
• Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

These symptoms are rarely life-threatening but can be intense, leading people to continue using to avoid discomfort. Medically supervised detox can provide medications and supportive care to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and stabilize patients.

Overdose is a more urgent threat and can occur when someone uses too much Percocet or combines it with other substances that depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines. Signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Severe respiratory depression or slowed breathing
• Pinpoint pupils
• Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
• Pale, clammy skin

An opioid overdose requires immediate medical attention. Naloxone (Narcan) can be administered to reverse life-threatening respiratory depression. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away.

Percocet addiction can develop rapidly and have serious implications for an individual’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Fortunately, recovery is possible with the right combination of professional support, evidence-based treatments and ongoing care. If you or a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction, consider reaching out to a specialized treatment center like The Recovery Village Kansas City. Comprehensive treatment programs can address withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring disorders and the root causes of substance abuse, helping individuals reclaim their health, relationships and overall quality of life. Remember, taking the first step is often the hardest, but it is also the most important step toward healing and long-term recovery.