Percocet, which is comprised of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is a prescription opioid pain reliever that has helped many men and women experience alleviation from pain in a life-changing way.

Understanding Percocet Addiction

Learn about Percocet and substance abuse

When taken as directed by a doctor, this medication can allow an individual to function in a healthy manner when living day-to-day is compromised by moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, if someone misuses this medication, a euphoric high can be achieved along with a substance abuse problem that can be exceptionally challenging to overcome without seeking professional support.

If you have ever abused Percocet, then you’re probably aware of the withdrawal symptoms that can emerge once you’re not able to acquire more or are trying to stop using Percocet. However, what you also need to know is that you don’t have to live a life that is dictated by Percocet. You can seek professional help at a reputable addiction clinic, learn how to resist urges to abuse Percocet or other drugs, and form the confidence and skills you need to live a sober lifestyle.

Don’t let one more day pass by as someone addicted to Percocet. It’s time to take back your life and experience the good health that is deserving of all people.

Statistics

Percocet addiction statistics

The current opioid crisis in America is due to not just heroin, but also prescription opioids like Percocet. With a stark increase in the number of prescriptions written for medications like Percocet, it’s not really a surprise that so many are struggling with this type of chemical dependency problem. In fact, since the year 2000, opioid-related deaths have increased by 300%, with more women actually suffering from painkiller addictions and overdoses than men. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, stated that painkiller abuse, which includes the abuse of Percocet, increased four-hundred percent among women, and two-hundred and seventy percent among men. Considering these jaw-dropping statistics, it’s important for those grappling with the abuse of Percocet or other painkillers to get the treatment they so desperately need to save their own lives.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for Percocet addiction

There are many roads that can lead to the abuse of Percocet. If you’re wondering why and how this sort of substance abuse problem has become a factor in your own life, consider the following research-backed findings that explain why some come to struggle with the abuse of Percocet while others do not:

Genetic: Since addiction is a concern that can be passed on via one’s genes, your addiction to Percocet may be due in part to your genetic makeup. Research has isolated the gene cluster that can make substance abuse more of a problem form some individuals, so it could be beneficial to look into your own family history for examples of individuals who have also struggled with this sort of issue.

Environmental: The environment in which you spend time, the people you associate with, and your ability to handle stress can all influence whether other not you will abuse Percocet or other drugs. These are a just a few examples of how your environment can affect your own susceptibility to abusing substances. Lastly, if you have a prescription for Percocet or are able to easily get this opioid medication, you are also at risk for eventually misusing it.

Risk Factors:

Prior history of substance abuse and/or mental illness
Lacking impulse control
Having easy access to Percocet
Having a novelty-seeking personality
Family history of substance abuse and/or addiction
Family history of mental illness
Being prescribed Percocet

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction

Percocet abuse may be more obvious in some people, but not so apparent in others. Depending on the amount of this painkiller that you’re taking, how long you’ve been taking it, if you’re abusing it with other drugs, and if you’re physically dependent on it, you may or may not be struggling with the following symptoms:

Behavioral symptoms:

Trying to steal Percocet
Trying to borrow or steal money in order to get Percocet
Taking Percocet in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than intended
Social withdrawal
Attempting to obtain an illegal prescription for Percocet
Attempting but being incapable of reducing one’s Percocet use
Abusing Percocet when it is clearly dangerous to do so
Abusing Percocet even after prior use has resulted in negative effects

Physical symptoms:

Withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet
Weight loss
Slurred speech
Slowed heart rate
Sleep problems
Shallow breathing
Problems with balance
Fatigue
Exhaustion
Constipation

Cognitive symptoms:

Poor decision-making
Poor concentration
Memory problems
Lack of focus

Psychosocial symptoms:

Mood swings
Anger
Agitation
Aggression

Effects

Effects of Percocet addiction

If you continue to misuse Percocet, you can expect to endure a great deal of interpersonal strife. Among the many consequences that result from battling a Percocet addiction, the following are the most commonly reported by those who have sought treatment, but are now in recovery from this sort of chemical dependency problem:

Suicide attempts
Suicidal ideation
Strained relationships
Social isolation
Sexual dysfunction
Job loss
Interaction with the legal system
Homelessness
Financial problems
Family discord
Eye problems
Development mental health problems
Damage to heart and lungs
Chronic unemployment

Co-Occurring Disorders

Percocet addiction and co-occurring disorders

The abuse of Percocet can either make already-existing mental health symptoms worse, or it can trigger the onset of new disorders that can further affect a person’s life. If you’re suffering from other mental health concerns at the same time as a Percocet addiction, know that help and hope exist. Many programs offer care for the following co-occurring disorders in addition to services for treating Percocet abuse:

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Other substance use disorders
Depressive disorders
Bipolar disorders
Anxiety disorders
Antisocial personality disorder

Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of Percocet withdrawal and overdose

Effects of Percocet withdrawal: As with other opioids, Percocet abuse can cause you to experience withdrawal if you stop using it after being addicted to it for a long time. The following are effects of withdrawal and signify that you’re going to need professional help to defeat this type of addiction:

Watery eyes
Twitches and tremors
Runny nose
Pupillary dilation
Powerful cravings for Percocet
Insomnia
Excessive sweating
Elevated body temperature
Dysphoria
Diarrhea

Effects of Percocet Overdose: Percocet, being the dangerous prescription painkiller that it is, can certainly cause an overdose if you ingest too much of it. If you over-consume Percocet and experience the following symptoms, not only are you possibly experiencing an overdose, but you’ll need emergency medical treatment to heal from this sort of issue: