About Percocet Addiction

Learn More About Percocet Addiction

Percocet is the brand name of a prescription painkiller that is most commonly used in the treatment of moderate to severe physical pain. The effects of Percocet are the result of two ingredients, oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone, which is an opioid, works with the receptors in the central nervous system to reduce pain and bring on a sense of relaxed euphoria. Acetaminophen works to relieve pain and minimize fever.

When used as directed under the watch of a qualified prescribing professional, Percocet can be very beneficial. However, when an individual abuses Percocet for either self-medication attempts or recreational purposes, he or she runs the risk of suffering extensive damage. Oxycodone can suppress heart rate and respiration, and the overconsumption of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure. As an opioid, oxycodone is also tremendously addictive, which can cause an individual to become dependent on Percocet.

Without proper professional care, it can be very challenging for an individual who is addicted to Percocet to stop his or her abuse of this drug. At The Camp, we understand the many ways that Percocet addiction can affect an individual, and we provide Percocet addiction treatment that can help an individual defeat the urge to abuse this substance and develop the skills needed to live a drug-free life.

Statistics

Percocet Addiction Statistics

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), opioid use disorder (the kind of substance use disorder that includes Percocet addiction) impacts nearly 0.37% of the adult population in the United States of America. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that the annual number of prescription opioid overdose deaths rose by 265% in men and by 400% in women between 2000 and 2010. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has reported that between 1990 and 2010, the annual number of deaths in the country that result from prescription opioid overdose increased by over 300%.

Causes & Risks

Causes and Risk Factors for Percocet Addiction

A handful of factors can impact whether or not an individual will be at greater risk for abusing or becoming addicted to Percocet.

Genetic: According to the APA, various genetic factors can have a direct and an indirect impact on one’s risk for developing opioid use disorder, including Percocet. The APA has recognized specific heritable traits, such as novelty-seeking and impulsivity, as genetic factors that can affect one’s risk of becoming addicted to Percocet.

Risk Factors:

Novelty-seeking
Family history of substance abuse and addiction
Being female (women are at increased risk for Percocet dependence)
Being prescribed Percocet
Having access to Percocet
Impulsivity

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms that might indicate that an individual might be abusing or may have become addicted to Percocet:

Behavioral symptoms:

Attempting to borrow or steal money
Abusing Percocet even after experiencing negative effects from prior use
Trying to obtain fraudulent prescriptions for Percocet
Using Percocet when it is obviously dangerous to do so, such as in combination with other drugs or when operating a motor vehicle
Taking Percocet in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than intended
Attempting to borrow or steal Percocet that was prescribed to someone else
Trying but failing to reduce the amount or frequency of one’s Percocet use

Physical symptoms:

Slowed heart rate
Weight loss
Coordination and balance problems
Constipation
Insomnia
Shallow breathing
Exhaustion and fatigue
Slurred speech
Withdrawal symptoms when not taking Percocet

Cognitive symptoms:

Impaired ability to focus or concentrate
Memory problems
Poor judgment

Psychosocial symptoms:

Agitation
Withdrawal
Mood swings
Anger
Aggression

Effects

Effects of Percocet Addiction

Ongoing, untreated Percocet abuse can expose an individual to a number of negative outcomes, such as the following:

Withdrawal or ostracization
Suicidal ideation
Job loss and unemployment
Financial devastation
Family discord
Strained or ruined interpersonal relationships
Eye problems
Injuries sustained while under the influence of Percocet
Cardiovascular damage
Sexual dysfunction
Onset or worsening of co-occurring mental health disorders
Poor academic performance
Substandard occupational performance
Legal problems, including arrest and incarceration
Suicide attempts
Death

Co-Occurring Disorders

Percocet Abuse & Co-Occurring Disorders

Those who develop opioid use disorder, including Percocet, might be at an increased risk for experiencing a number of co-occurring mental health conditions, such as:

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

Withdrawal

Effects of Percocet Withdrawal & Overdose

Effects of Percocet withdrawal: When an individual becomes addicted to Percocet, any attempt to end or dramatically reduce his or her abuse of this medication can cause a number of upsetting symptoms of withdrawal, such as:

Diarrhea
Intense cravings for Percocet
Excessive sweating
Insomnia
Dilated pupils
Twitches and tremors
Watery eyes
Runny nose
Elevated body temperature
Dysphoria

Effects of Percocet overdose: Both the oxycodone and acetaminophen found in Percocet can lead to serious issues when an individual overdoses on the drug. Anyone who displays the following symptoms after consuming Percocet should be taken to receive immediate medical attention from a qualified professional: