Can You Get Addicted to Percocet?

Using prescription painkillers can lead to a number of different consequences. But can you get addicted to Percocet? Absolutely. Using prescription opiates, such as Percocet, can definitely lead to a physical dependence. It doesn’t take long, and once it takes over, it can be extremely difficult to break its hold on your life. The longer someone continues to take these powerful drugs, the worse it can be. Everyone’s journey through opioid addiction is different, and some have more outwardly devastating consequences, but when it comes down to it, addiction is a soul crushing experience for all who endure it, and recovery from addiction to Percocet can be a healing experience.

What is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription drug used to treat pain. It is often prescribed to athletes who injure themselves playing sports, or after someone undergoes surgery. It was created in the early 1900s and is made of two main ingredients, acetaminophen and Oxycodone. Due to its powerful potency, it is only meant to be used short term in order to treat moderate to severe pain. However, for this reason, you can get addicted to Percocet.

What Happens When Percocet is Abuse?

Using Percocet more than prescribed, taking someone else’s prescription pills, or using them in a manner not prescribed are all ways that this drug can be abused. Now, when Percocet is abused, it can lead to dependence. When the opioid receptors are altered due to this drug, and they become accustomed to a certain amount of it, or level of stimulation, stopping the drug is highly uncomfortable and can lead to some severe withdrawal symptoms. Abusing these powerful opioids will only increase the chances of this happening.

Percocet Side Effects

Like many opioid prescription painkillers, Percocet comes with its own set of side effects. Using this drug, whether for the first time or the thousandth time, can produce some of these side effects. These include, but are not limited to:

Drowsiness
Constipation
Nauseah
Vomiting
Itching
Sweating
Headaches
Dry mout

When using this drug, understanding that you can get addicted to Percocet is very important. If you reach the level of addiction, seeking help for the dependence is also super important.

Long-Term Effects of Percocet Addiction

Because you can get addicted to Percocet, knowing the long term side effects can help you to make a decision to seek help when the addiction takes hold. These can be extremely devastating, not only for you but your family and friends as well. Some of the long term effects of Percocet addiction can include:

Addiction and dependence
Legan problems
Organ damage
Brain damage
Broken relationships with family and friends
Loss of jobs
Financial problems

The most devastating and severe effect of Percocet addiction is overdose and death. With Percocet being so addictive, getting help for yourself or a loved one before the more severe consequences occur is highly suggested. Undergoing professional care and treatment for opioid addiction does not mean anything other than you are strong enough to know you need help. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Percocet addiction can be extremely uncomfortable, and oftentimes leads people back to using the drug in order to alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing.

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Everyone experiences different symptoms when detoxing from this drug. Due to the fact that you can get addicted to Percocet, it goes without saying that there will be some pretty unpleasant symptoms associated with coming off the drug. Going through detox from Percocet alone is not suggested. Having a team of medical professionals available to monitor and assess you as you go through it can prevent some severe reactions to giving it up. Not only that, being able to address the physical and psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal is highly beneficial to successfully recovering from Percocet addiction. Some of those symptoms include:

Anxiety
Depression
Sweating
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Spikes in blood pressure
Heart palpitations
Muscle pain
Weakness
Fatigue
Restlessness
Involuntary muscle movements

You do not have to go through these symptoms alone, it can be scary and it can be extremely uncomfortable. There are ways of managing these symptoms and making the process as comfortable as possible.

Help for Percocet Addiction in Lexington, KY

Addiction to prescription painkillers, like Percocet, can have a huge impact on your life. It can affect every single aspect, from family relationships, to your career, to school, and even your legal background. After all, addiction is a monster of a disease, and getting help is probably the best thing you can do. If you or a loved one are struggling with Percocet or other substances, there is help! At Lexington Addiction Center, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable environment where you can learn to live life without the substances once again.

There is hope. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery