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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?

12 nofollow noopener noreferrer3>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

Frequently Asked Questions About Percocet Addiction

Can you really get addicted to Percocet?
Yes. Percocet contains oxycodone, a powerful opioid that can cause physical dependence and addiction even when taken as prescribed. The risk increases with longer use, higher doses, or misuse.
What is Percocet used for?
Percocet is a prescription pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or injury. It combines oxycodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen and is intended for short-term use only.
How does Percocet addiction develop?
Addiction can develop when Percocet is taken for extended periods, taken in higher doses than prescribed, or used without a prescription. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the drug, making it difficult to stop without withdrawal symptoms.
What counts as Percocet abuse?
Percocet abuse includes taking more than prescribed, taking someone else’s prescription, using it more frequently than directed, or using it to cope with stress or emotions rather than pain.
What are the common side effects of Percocet?
Short-term side effects may include drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, itching, sweating, headaches, and dry mouth. These effects can occur even when the medication is taken as directed.
What are the long-term effects of Percocet addiction?
Long-term Percocet addiction can lead to physical dependence, organ damage, legal problems, brain changes, financial difficulties, damaged relationships, job loss, overdose, and death.
Is Percocet overdose dangerous?
Yes. Percocet overdose is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. The risk increases when Percocet is misused, combined with alcohol or other drugs, or taken after a period of abstinence when tolerance has decreased.
What are Percocet withdrawal symptoms?
Withdrawal symptoms may include anxiety, depression, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, and intense cravings.
Is it safe to detox from Percocet at home?
Detoxing from Percocet at home is not recommended. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to relapse or medical complications. Medical supervision helps manage symptoms and improves safety and comfort.
How long does Percocet withdrawal last?
Withdrawal timelines vary depending on length of use, dosage, and individual health. Symptoms often begin within 12–24 hours after the last dose and can last several days to a couple of weeks without medical support.
What is medical detox for Percocet addiction?
Medical detox is a supervised process where healthcare professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms, monitor vital signs, and provide medications if needed to make detox safer and more comfortable.
Does detox cure Percocet addiction?
Detox addresses physical dependence but does not treat the underlying causes of addiction. Long-term recovery typically requires continued treatment such as therapy, counseling, and relapse prevention planning.
Can someone recover from Percocet addiction?
Yes. Recovery from Percocet addiction is absolutely possible. With proper medical care, support, and treatment, individuals can rebuild their lives and learn healthier ways to cope without opioids.
Where can I get help for Percocet addiction in Lexington, KY?
If you or a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction, Lexington Addiction Center offers professional addiction treatment in a safe and supportive environment to help you begin recovery.

Call or message us

You’ll connect with a compassionate admissions coordinator who understands what you’re going through.

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We’ll ask about your drug use, medical history, and mental health to help build the right plan.

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We’ll verify your benefits and explain exactly what’s covered—no surprises.

Choose a start date

If you’re ready, we can often schedule your intake the same week.
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The content published on Lexington Addiction Center blog pages is intended for general educational and informational purposes related to addiction, substance use disorders, detoxification, rehabilitation, mental health, and recovery support. Blog articles are designed to help readers better understand addiction-related topics and explore treatment concepts, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment planning.

Addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions are complex medical issues that affect individuals differently based on many factors, including substance type, length of use, physical health, mental health history, medications, age, and social environment. Because of this variability, information discussed in blog articles—such as withdrawal symptoms, detox timelines, treatment approaches, medications, relapse risks, or recovery strategies—may not apply to every individual. Reading blog content should not replace consultation with licensed medical or behavioral health professionals.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergencies may include suspected overdose, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe confusion, hallucinations with unsafe behavior, loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts, or threats of harm to oneself or others. Lexington Addiction Center blog content is not intended for crisis intervention and should never be used in place of emergency care.

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