Percocet is an opioid pain reliever that have helped many find alleviation from pain. However, when Percocet is abused, it can result in Percocet addiction. Often, people struggling with substance use disorders from misusing prescription drugs continue to be a significant problem throughout the country. If you suspect someone you care about is misusing Percocet, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with Percocet high symptoms.
Buckhead Behavioral Health can help you if you’re struggling with Percocet addiction. Our drug rehab in Atlanta provides the vital, effective care you need to get you on the path toward recovery. Visit our admissions page or give us a call at (470) 460-6789 now.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription pain reliever that is used to treat moderate to severe pain, as well as acute, chronic pain. The drug is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a non-habit-forming pain medication. However, it is not powerful enough to alleviate all types of painful conditions.
Oxycodone is a much stronger medication that attaches itself to pain receptors in the brain and central nervous system to reduce pain. By combining the two drugs together, people benefit from time-released pain relief.
Why is Percocet Prescribed?
Percocet is prescribed in situations where other drugs are not effective at alleviating painful conditions. Some doctors also prescribe Percocet as a replacement for different types of habit-forming medications. However, if those other drugs are also in the opioid family, switching to Percocet can further cause a person to develop a dependence on prescription opioid medications.
Risk Factors for Percocet Addiction
People misuse Percocet because they enjoy the Percocet high symptoms they experience after the drug makes its way to the brain and starts working. However, just like other addictive substances, the body builds a tolerance to Percocet.
So, in order to maintain a Percocet high, larger doses are required. Unfortunately, many people develop an addiction to Percocet even when they are taking it as directed by their doctors.
Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
When someone first uses Percocet, the high they experience often brings about pleasurable sensations and feelings. So, the initial signs and symptoms of Percocet misuse to look for include:
- Increased Risk-Taking
- Decreased Appetite
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Black Outs
- Lightheadedness
- Faking Symptoms to Get a Prescription
- Lowered Inhibitions
- Impulsiveness
As Percocet misuse continues, another indication of Percocet dependence and addiction to Percocet is when the individual crushes Percocet tablets and ingests them in other ways, such as snorting, smoking, or dissolving the powder in water and injecting it for a more intense and faster high.
As one continues to abuse the drug, other less desirable signs and symptoms can manifest, such as:
- Irritability/Anger
- Violence
- Drug Seeking Behaviors
- Doctor Shopping
- Paranoia
- Withdrawal from Friends and Family
- Hanging Out With Other Drug Users
- Financial Problems
- Legal Problems
- Inability to Maintain Employment
- Mixing Alcohol and Other Substances with Percocet
How Addictive is Percocet?
Percocet is a highly habit-forming and addictive substance. It acts on the same brain receptors that illicit substances such as heroin interact with. As such, someone can become addicted to Percocet even while taking it as prescribed. This is why those with a Percocet addiction often turn to heroin and other illicit opioid drugs when they are unable to obtain Percocet.
Percocet Overdose Symptoms
As tolerance to Percocet increases, the risks of accidental overdose increase. If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately. Indications of a Percocet overdose include:
- Seizures
- Cold, Clammy Skin
- Pupils Constrict (Shrink)
- Coma
- Bluish Tint on the Fingernails and Lips
- Lowered Blood Pressure
- Slowed Breathing
- Breathing Stops and Starts
- Respiratory Distress
- Slowed Heart Rate
- Heart Stops Beating
- Death
Percocet Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
As Percocet starts to wear off, the individual will experience withdrawal symptoms from the drug, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Tremors/Shakes
The severity of these symptoms gradually increases the longer Percocet is abused and could include:
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Problems Focusing/Concentrating
- Fatigue
- Body and Muscle Aches and Pains
- Inability to Function
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Difficulties Breathing
Percocet Addiction Treatment Options
Since Percocet is an opioid drug, quitting “cold turkey” is highly discouraged. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening in some instances. In addition, many people that attempt to stop on their own often fail because of the discomfort they experience from withdrawal.
As such, Percocet addiction treatment options should include opioid rehab a well as supervised detox with medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Quick Nav
- What is Percocet?
- Why is Percocet Prescribed?
- Risk Factors for Percocet Addiction
- Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
- Want to Learn more about Buckhead Behavioral Health?
- How Addictive is Percocet?
- Percocet Overdose Symptoms
- Percocet Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
- Percocet Addiction Treatment Options
- Percocet Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
- Contact Us
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Addiction and mental health disorder effects the lives of millions of Americans each year. Contact Buckhead Behavioral Health today to get the help you deserve.
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Percocet Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
At Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta, we understand how enticing a Percocet high can be and the difficulties it creates when you want to stop misusing Percocet. When you are ready to take the first steps to recovery, we are happy to help you by offering supervised detox with MAT and personalized treatment programs.
To learn more about our Percocet detox and addiction treatment options, please feel free to contact our admissions team today!
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Rahul Gupta, MD
Written by: Erika Dalton, LMSW
Updated on January 9, 2023
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