Understanding Percocet Addiction

Learn about Percocet addiction & abuse

Percocet is a prescription painkiller that is comprised of oxycodone and acetaminophen that is typically administered to patients who are suffering from moderate to severe pain. Under the supervision of the prescribing physician, Percocet can offer much-needed relief in times of healing from bodily trauma. But like its other prescription painkiller counterparts, this medication has become widely abused due to the sense of relaxed euphoria it can create when consumed outside of its intended purpose, or in doses exceeding the recommended use.

Many men and women who are prescribed Percocet by their doctors use the medicine as directed, and never go on to battle an addiction. However, for some, the allure of a painkiller-induced high can prove to be overwhelmingly addictive, causing them to develop a chemical dependence on the substance. Over time, individuals who are abusing Percocet may develop a tolerance for the drug, requiring more of the substance to achieve their desired high. This scenario is evidence that a person has developed Percocet use disorder, and will need professional help to overcome his or her addiction.

From cardiovascular damage and liver problems, to legal troubles and fractured relationships, the negative impact of a Percocet use disorder is vast. And without seeking treatment for Percocet abuse, individuals who are afflicted by this condition will experience a worsening effect of these outcomes over time. But by partnering with a program that offers supports specifically designed to address painkiller addiction, individuals can halt the negative spiral of addiction and return to the substance-free lives they both deserve and desire.

Statistics

Percocet abuse statistics

Everywhere you look, there is evidence that prescription painkiller abuse is on the rise. Drugs like Percocet are in part responsible for the sharp rise in overdoses that account for the increase in tragic loss of life from drug abuse that has been recently seen across the nation. The statistics are staggering, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that the annual prescription drug overdose death rate in the United States increased by 265% among men, and by 400% among women during the first ten years of the 21^stcentury.

Causes & Risks

Causes and risk factors for Percocet abuse

While no one cause can be cited in particular, there are some factors that may lead one to become addicted to Percocet, such as:

Genetic: Having a first-degree relative who struggles with issues of addiction may place one at a greater risk for developing a Percocet use disorder for him or herself. Also, certain hereditary personality traits such as impulsivity may also contribute to the likelihood that one may engage in substance abuse.

Environmental: When a child is exposed to drug and/or alcohol abuse within his or her immediate surroundings early in life, this may lead him or her to develop a substance use disorder later in life. This may be due to the fact that this early exposure can serve to normalize addictive behavior as a means of coping with distress.

Risk Factors:

Gender (women are at increased risk for Percocet dependence)
Having a family history of mental illness
Impulsivity
Being prescribed Percocet or otherwise having access to this medication
Having a family history of substance abuse and addiction
Novelty-seeking personality
Prior substance abuse and/or mental illness

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Percocet abuse

The following list outlines some of the indicators that may signal that a person has developed a Percocet use disorder:

Behavioral symptoms:

Abusing Percocet even after prior use has resulted in negative effects
Social withdrawal
Taking Percocet in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than intended
Attempting but being incapable of reducing one’s Percocet use
Abusing Percocet when it is clearly dangerous to do so, such as when also ingesting other addictive substances or when operating a motor vehicle
Trying to borrow or steal Percocet
Attempting to obtain a fraudulent prescription for Percocet, or acquiring the drug through another illicit means
Trying to borrow or steal money

Physical symptoms:

Sleep problems, including insomnia
Exhaustion
Fatigue
Losing weight
Constipation
Dramatically slowed heart rate
Shallower than normal breathing
Slurring speech
Withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet
Problems with balance, coordination, and motor skills

Cognitive symptoms:

Loss of ability to focus and/or concentrate
Problems with memory and judgment

Psychosocial symptoms:

Mood swings
Agitation
Anger and aggression

Effects

Effects of Percocet abuse

Left untreated, a person who abuses Percocet will continue to experience negative effects, including many of the following:

Eye problems
Damage to heart and lungs
Development and/or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health problems
Injuries sustained due to Percocet-related impairments
Family discord
Strained or ruined interpersonal relationships
Job loss and chronic unemployment
Financial ruin
Suicidal ideation
Suicide attempts
Sexual dysfunction
Social withdrawal
Homelessness
Arrest, incarceration, and other legal problems

Co-Occurring Disorders

Percocet abuse & co-occurring disorders

Substance abuse and mental health concerns often occur simultaneously, and there are some conditions that are known to accompany the diagnosis of a Percocet use disorder, including the following: