What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription pain medication that contains the opioid pain reliever oxycodone and the non-opioid pain reliever acetaminophen. When prescribed legitimately, it is called Percocet or Percodan. When obtained for Percocet abuse and addiction, it has been known to be called “percs”
Percocet comes in only a pill form and is yellow in color and oval-shaped most commonly but has also been made in a round shape and white or blue in color. It is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, typically after a surgical procedure due to the fever-reducing effects of the acetaminophen in the medication.
Percocet Effects
Percocet contains the opioid product oxycodone so it can be used to treat moderate to severe pain, but when abused in the absence of pain, users feel euphoric, sedated, and lightheaded. These are milder forms of what is felt when taking oxycodone alone or other opioid products like morphine, fentanyl, or heroin, so abusers of Percocet tend to take larger doses of the medication than recommended.
Signs of Percocet Abuse and Addiction
Because it contains an opioid product, Percocet abuse and addiction are a high risk of misusing this medication. Those who are legitimately prescribed it are closely monitored and their doses regulated, but unfortunately, addiction still occurs. Some signs that you or someone you know is beginning to struggle with Percocet abuse and addiction are:
- “Doctor hopping” to get additional prescriptions
- Buying Percocet off the street
- Taking larger doses or for a longer period of time than originally anticipated
- Social withdrawal
- Being unable to reduce their Percocet use
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking Percocet
- Weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms
The withdrawal symptoms from Percocet abuse and addiction are the same as the ones for opioid withdrawal because of the product of opioid it contains. This includes:
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Severe stomach cramps
- Muscle aches
- Shakes
- Sweats
- Insomnia
Long Term Side Effects of Percocet Abuse
Abusing Percocet leads to Percocet abuse and addiction and the inability to discontinue use on your own without experiencing symptoms of physical withdrawal. The negative effects of long-term use of Percocet due to the opioid products it contains are:
- Extreme fatigue
- Cardiovascular difficulty
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Gastrointestinal problem
- Visual disturbances
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and agitation
- Hallucinations
- Depression
Percocet Addiction Treatment
Percocet abuse and addiction should be taken seriously. Percocet is an opioid product and causes the same physical dependency as opioid addiction. If you or someone you care about has been abusing Percocet, admission to a medical detox program and inpatient treatment is the best option for recovery.
The TruPath Recovery network is proud to offer addiction treatment resources that stand apart from others in the field of behavioral health in fully accredited facilities. It is our goal to serve those struggling with substance use disorder by empowering them to live their best lives free from the burden of addiction to drugs or alcohol. We provide them with the tools they need and a community of support and encouragement as they find the road to recovery.
For those struggling with Percocet abuse and addiction, we are here to help. Our detox centers are fully equipped to help you safely go through withdrawal in as much comfort as possible. FDA-approved medications are prescribed and administered by trained medical professionals and you will be under 24/7 health monitoring and observation so we can mitigate any uncomfortable symptoms further.
Once you are through detox, we have multiple treatment options available to help you prevent relapse and understand how to navigate your life with your recovery at the front of your mind. Our residential and outpatient treatment centers use clinically driven and evidence-based therapeutic practices, combined with holistic interventions that support the progress you make in therapy.
We understand that access to recovery resources has a significant impact on anyone’s ability to recover from addiction and substance use disorder. Our admissions office is ready and available to help you understand the process of enrolling in treatment, what your options are based on your schedule, and how to get treatment covered by your insurance.
Recovery is possible for everyone who is struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol, and we would be happy to help you every step of the way. Reach out to the TruPath Recovery Network today.