Percocet addiction is a real thing. In fact, it’s one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in America. It’s been around since 1969 and was originally used as an opioid to fight post-surgical pain. Percocet combines acetaminophen with oxycodone, which is an opioid that works by binding to the brain’s opiate receptors to reduce pain.
It’s often prescribed for moderate to severe pain relief after surgery or injury—and sometimes for chronic pain management. But because it’s so effective at reducing pain, Percocet can also be highly addictive. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), over half of people who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them at some point in their lives.
So what does this mean if you’re taking Percocet? Well, it means that you should be aware of how your body reacts to the drug and how long it lasts in your system so that you can make sure you don’t become dependent on it or addicted.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is an opioid pain reliever that contains oxycodone hydrochloride and acetaminophen (paracetamol). It’s used primarily to treat moderate to severe pain, but it can also be used for short-term relief from postoperative pain after surgery or dental procedures.
How Does Oxycodone Work?
Oxycodone works by binding to opioid receptors in your brain and spinal cord. These receptors are responsible for reducing pain signals from your body. When these receptors are blocked by oxycodone, they stop sending those signals to other parts of your brain that perceive pain as unpleasant or threatening—this is called analgesia (pronounced an-al-GEE-zhah).
Long-Term Side Effects of Percocet
Percocet, or Oxycodone/Acetaminophen, is a painkiller that’s been used by people to treat chronic pain and acute pain. It works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, which blocks the perception of pain. But it also has some side effects that can be dangerous over time.
One of these is constipation. Percocet can cause constipation because it slows down your digestive system, which means you’ll have trouble getting rid of waste from your body. If you’re not able to get enough fiber in your diet, this can lead to painful constipation. You may need to increase your fiber intake—try mixing in some whole grains or fruits into your diet—and drink plenty of water so that your bowels don’t get backed up too much.
Another long-term side effect of Percocet use is liver damage. The liver plays an important role in detoxifying drugs and alcohol from our bodies as well as breaking down medications like Percocet so they can be absorbed into our bloodstreams properly. When we take too much medication like Percocet over time, we can cause damage to this organ system.
5 Signs You May Be Addicted to Percocets
Are you addicted to Percocets? If you’re having trouble getting out of bed in the morning, or you’re finding that you can’t seem to get through the day without taking another pill, it might be time to reassess your relationship with Percocets.
If you have any of these five signs, it’s probably time to seek professional help:
- You take more than one pill at a time.
- You’ve used up all of your prescription at once or within a short period of time.
- You’ve tried unsuccessfully to stop taking them and feel like you can’t do without them anymore.
- You feel like nobody understands how much pain you’re in—even though anyone who knows anything about this drug will tell you that it is highly addictive and should only be taken under medical supervision!
- You find yourself spending more and more money on this drug because it’s so expensive!
Realities of Percocet Addiction
The truth is, Percocet addiction is a real problem. It’s not just something that happens to people who are acting out and making bad decisions. It can happen to anyone who has a prescription for the drug and decides to abuse it.
Percocet is an opiate pain reliever that works in much the same way as heroin, morphine, and other drugs like it. It’s usually prescribed for severe pain after surgery or an accident, but it can also be used on a short-term basis to treat discomfort from chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain.
The problem with Percocet is that when you take it as directed by your doctor—and only when you’re supposed to—the drug works really well as a pain reliever. But if you take more than prescribed or if you take it too often, then it builds up in your system and starts affecting your brain chemistry, which can lead to addiction.
If you or someone you love is abusing Percocet, it’s important to get help immediately. Here are some signs of Percocet abuse that you should look out for:
- Using more than prescribed
- Taking it more frequently than prescribed
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not taking Percocet
- Experiencing cravings for Percocet
- Feeling guilty about using Percocet
Percocet Addiction: Can You Overdose?
Percocet is a prescription painkiller that combines acetaminophen and oxycodone. It’s a powerful drug, and it’s only prescribed for short periods of time—typically less than two weeks. But what happens if you take Percocet for longer than that?
For starters, you’re going to get addicted. The drug is addictive because it causes the release of endorphins in your brain, which makes you feel good. The more you take it, the more endorphins are released, so your body starts to need more of the drug to feel good. These feelings can be very strong; they can even make you feel like you’re floating above everything else in your life (like how some people describe being high on cocaine).
But what happens if you take more of the drug than is recommended? Can you overdose on Percocet? The answer isn’t clear-cut because there are so many factors involved—like what other drugs are being taken at the same time—but generally speaking, yes: it’s possible to overdose on Percocet.
How to Get Rid of a Percocet Addiction
Percocet addiction is a serious problem, and it can be hard to get rid of. But we’ve got the tools to help you do it! If you or someone you love is addicted to Percocet, it can be really hard to get them to admit it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of tips for helping your loved one to see that they have a problem and start the process of recovery.
First, you need to figure out why you’re feeling so drawn to Percocet in the first place. It could be that your life is stressful, or maybe you’re dealing with chronic pain. You might not even know why—that’s okay! The important thing is that you take steps to deal with whatever’s causing your stress and/or pain.
Next, start taking things one day at a time: focus on what’s happening today, and stop worrying about tomorrow or yesterday. Focus on being present in the moment and doing whatever it takes for your body to heal itself (which may include some prescription medications). One day at a time can help keep you from getting overwhelmed by anxiety about what might happen next. Finally: remember that there are people who love and support you, even when they don’t understand what you’re going through. We promise!