Percocet is a commonly prescribed pain medication. It contains a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Percocet is abused by many suffering from substance use disorder.
Understanding Percocet abuse signs and symptoms saves lives and helps people understand more about substance use disorders.
Read our Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction guide to learn more about Percocet and Percocet treatment options.
What Is Percocet Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse rates have been steadily on the rise since the opioid crisis began in the 1990s. Pain medications, such as Percocet, have been a popular option for those who struggle with chronic pain. Although Percocet is an extremely effective pain medication, it also can create a feeling of euphoria in those who take it, which often leads to abuse.
Percocet is a prescription only controlled substance made up of a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone. People who abuse the medication, will normally mix other drugs with Percocet in order to increase its euphoric effect. If Percocet is taken in larger quantities it will produce a similar effect to heroin. Abusers also often crush the pill and snort it, or even dilute it and inject it intravenously in order to create a more rapid onset of the high.
Abusing Percocet is extremely dangerous, especially due to the fact that acetaminophen is one of the main ingredients. If acetaminophen, commonly known as tylenol, is taken in large quantities it can cause serious physical harm, including death. Acetaminophen can severely damage the liver through hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity can lead to permanent liver damage, organ failure, and death.
Individuals who abuse Percocet can also suffer from poly-substance abuse. They will mix sedatives such as Xanax and alcohol in order to feel a more intense high, or they will take stimulants in order stay alert. Poly-substance abuse also increases the chance of serious physical and mental health problems.
Early intervention and treatment is vital to increasing the success of treatment, which is why it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction.
The Signs And Symptoms Of Percocet Addiction
The signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction can vary based on the individual. It can also depend on the amount and length of time an individual has been abusing the medication. Below are some of the physical, emotional, and mental warning signs.
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Percocet addiction will also lead to physical side effects. The physical side effects can include dry mouth, constricted pupils, decreased heart rate, nasua, impotence, dizziness, constipation, and fatigue. The more dangerous side effects include organ failure, organ damage, seizures, comas, and overdoses.
Emotional Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Individuals who are abusing Percocet often experience a cycle of intense emotions. When the drug is in their system they will act carefree and extremely calm. If the drug is not in their system and they begin to experience withdrawal symptoms, they will feel agitated, anxious, depressed, and nervous. The rapid cycling of emotions is a red flag that someone may be suffering from an addiction to Percocet.
Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
Psychologically, the symptoms of Percocet addiction can be very severe. An individual may experience blackouts, meaning they will have no recollection of a period of time. They could also suffer from delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, and have frequent memory loss. Co-occuring mental health disorders will normally rapidly worsen. Percocet addiction could also lead to poly-substance abuse, if an individual starts to mix drugs in order to experience a more euphoric and long lasting high.
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction
There are a number of clear behavioral warning signs for Percocet addiction. Drug seeking behavior is normally a very good indicator that an individual could be struggling. Drug seeking is trying to get more quantities of a particular medication prescribed to you. This could look like frequent trips to the hospital, or seeing multiple doctors in order to get more prescriptions for Percocet. Agitation and depression are also strong good indicators. An individual struggling with percocet addiction will begin to isolate from loved ones, and no longer participate in previously enjoyable activities. Behavioral signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction can even include illegal activities, such as forging prescriptions, robbery, and drug dealing.
The Effects Of Percocet Addiction
Unfortunately, the effects of percocet addiction can be both short term and long term. Even after individuals achieve sobriety, they may still have to face the consequences of their addiction. The effects of Percocet addiction include legal struggles, financial instability, damage to personal relationships, and job loss. Furthermore, the individual could experience permanent physical health side effects such as a seizure disorder or permanent liver damage.
Percocet Addiction Treatment Birmingham, AL
An addiction to Percocet is extremely serious and requires professional treatment services. Here at Birmingham Recovery we offer a treatment program specifically designed to those who struggle with opiate addictions, including Percocet. If you believe you or a loved one is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of Percocet Addiction call our admissions team today and get the help you need to find long-term recovery.
