Percocet, also known as percs, is a pain-relieving drug that’s often abused. Some people get addicted to percs, which can have devastating consequences. Thankfully, support to recover from Percocet addiction is available. Read on to find out what percs do, why percs are addictive and what you can do to start the journey toward recovery.
What Do Percs Do?
Percocet is a prescription medication that combines two pain-relieving drugs. The first is oxycodone, which is a powerful opioid painkiller. The second is acetaminophen, a very common non-opioid pain reliever.
Are Percs Addictive?
Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This binding alters the perception of pain and the emotional response to pain, resulting in pain relief and sometimes a sense of well-being or euphoria as well. Because of these effects, oxycodone has a high potential for abuse and addiction.
Acetaminophen has less addictive potential but can be harmful to the liver if taken in large quantities.
Doctors often prescribe Percocet to people to help them manage moderate to severe pain, such as after a surgery or while they’re healing from an injury. Due to it containing oxycodone, Percocet is addictive.
Percs is a slang term for Percocet. People sometimes take large amounts of percs to get a “high” or euphoric feeling. Over time, this can lead to dependence, as well as some serious health problems.
How Commonly Is Percocet Abused?
Percocet abuse is a growing concern in the United States. The recent opioid epidemic has seen a significant rise in the misuse of prescription painkillers like Percocet.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of deaths resulting from an overdose of opioid drugs rose from 49,860 in 2019 to 81,806 in 2022. This rise occurred despite a significant fall in the number of deaths resulting from heroin overdose. Prescription opioids like percs can be just as dangerous as street drugs if misused.
Dangers of Percocet Use
Abusing Percocet poses a number of dangers. It’s harmful to health and can have some serious negative effects on your everyday life.
- Addiction. Percocet is highly addictive, and even short-term use can lead to dependency.
- Overdose. Taking too much Percocet can result in a fatal overdose. High doses of the drug can cause you to stop breathing, become unconscious or die.
- Health risks. Long-term use of Percocet can cause severe liver damage due to the acetaminophen. It can also cause other health issues, such as constipation, nausea and respiratory problems.
- Behavioral changes. Addiction often leads to significant changes in behavior, including social withdrawal, neglect of responsibilities and engaging in risky activities to obtain the drug.
Challenges of Withdrawal
Withdrawal from Percocet can be extremely difficult, and if you’ve been using it for some time, you may be both physically and psychologically dependent on it. Some of the main symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- Physical symptoms. Muscle aches, sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and insomnia
- Psychological symptoms. Anxiety, depression, mood swings and intense cravings for the drug
The severity of these withdrawal symptoms often drives people to continue using Percocet. That means it can be very difficult to quit without professional help. Thankfully, that help and support is available.
One of the biggest challenges people have when recovering from drug addiction is the risk of falling back into old habits.
Treatment Options for Percocet Abuse
Overcoming Percocet addiction is possible with the right treatment and support. The right treatment for you will depend on the severity of the addiction, your support networks and the situation that caused you to become addicted. Some common treatment options include:
- Detoxification. Medically supervised detox can help manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure you stay safe during the initial phase of recovery, which is often the most difficult.
- Inpatient rehabilitation. Comprehensive treatment programs provide a structured environment with medical and psychological support to address the underlying causes of addiction.
- Outpatient programs. These programs offer flexibility so you can receive treatment while continuing your daily activities.
- Therapy and counseling. Counseling and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you understand the addiction, develop coping strategies and prevent relapse.
- Support groups. Joining support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides a community of people who share similar experiences and offer mutual support.
When to Call
If you or someone you know is showing signs of Percocet addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. You can call the National Rehab Hotline to get the help you need. Here are some situations in which it’s a good idea to call for help:
- You’re struggling with Percocet misuse and feel you can’t stop on your own.
- A loved one is showing signs of addiction and you need guidance on how to help them.
- You have questions about treatment options and need professional advice.
- You’re ready to take the first step toward recovery and need immediate assistance.
Get Help With Percocet Addiction Today
Percocet addiction can be overwhelming, but help is available. The National Rehab Hotline is here to provide the support and resources you need to overcome addiction and start a new chapter in your life. Don’t wait; call us today and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free future.