Percocet addiction: definition, symptoms, side effects, withdrawal, and treatments
Table of content
Percocet addiction is the compulsive seeking and use of Percocet that occurs in both misuse and intended use of the painkiller. It involves a psychological dependence characterized by strong cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior with a physical dependence where the body depends on the substance to operate normally.
The symptoms of Percocet addiction include insomnia, shallow breathing, mood swings, constipation, fatigue, increased tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
The side effects of Percocet addiction are nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, headaches, itchiness or rash, loss of appetite, and stomach pain.
The most common Percocet withdrawal symptoms are sweating, shaking (tremors), anxiety, irritability, muscle aches, chills, diarrhea, and watery nose and eyes.
Treatment options for Percocet addiction include detoxification, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), support groups, counseling, and aftercare programs.
What is Percocet addiction?
Percocet addiction describes a dependence on the pharmaceutical painkiller Percocet. Addiction to Percocet is a form of opioid addiction that typically begins with the prescribed use of Percocet for managing moderate to severe pain. However, over time, certain individuals develop a tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same pain-relieving effects.
How common is Percocet addiction?
Percocet addiction is common, with 2.5 million affected individuals. It accounted for 30.7% of prescription painkiller abuse in 2022, according to an article titled, “Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health” published in November 2023 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is a prescription drug for moderate to severe pain relief. Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic and fever reducer, and oxycodone, an opioid pain reliever, are the two active ingredients in this combination medication.
When used to treat conditions including injury, surgery, or chronic pain, oxycodone significantly reduces pain by changing how the brain and nervous system react to it. On the other hand, acetaminophen improves oxycodone’s ability to relieve pain and lowers fever.
Due to the presence of oxycodone, Percocet carries a risk of addiction, misuse, and dependency, which is why it is typically prescribed for short-term use under strict medical supervision.
Why is Percocet addictive?
Percocet is addictive primarily because it contains oxycodone, a potent opioid that interacts with the brain’s reward system. Oxycodone, upon intake, attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, stimulating the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to sensations of pleasure and euphoria.
A powerful sense of well-being is produced by this dopamine rush, which makes one want to repeat the experience over and over. A continuing education activity last updated in February 2024 titled, “Oxycodone” by Sadiq et al., explained that oxycodone is advantageous when employed with caution for pain management; however, it poses a risk of causing addiction and physical dependence.
How long does it take to get addicted to Percocet?
The time it takes to become addicted to Percocet varies widely depending on several factors, including the individual’s biology, dosage, frequency of use, and whether the drug is taken as prescribed or misused.
In opioid-naïve individuals, physiological dependence and withdrawal develop within as little as 4-8 weeks of consistent exposure to opioids, as per a study titled, “Opioid Use Disorders” published in the July 2016 issue of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America. Reinstatement after relapse accelerates the process in those with prior dependence.
What are the Percocet addiction symptoms?
Percocet addiction symptoms refer to the indications that a person is reliant on or addicted to the drug. The most common Percocet addiction symptoms are listed below.
- Insomnia: Percocet disrupts normal sleep patterns, leading to restless nights and difficulty maintaining a regular sleep schedule. Of the 8,433 community members surveyed in a 2017 paper by Serdarevic et al., titled, “The Association between Insomnia and Prescription Opioid Use: Results from a Community Sample in Northeast Florida,” 2,115 (or 25%) reported having insomnia, while 4,200 (50.3%) said they used opioids. Compared to non-users, opioid users had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting insomnia after controlling for variables.
- Shallow breathing: Shallow breathing is a serious symptom of Percocet use, particularly when the drug is taken in high doses. Opioids like oxycodone slow down breathing to dangerously low levels, reducing oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs. This leads to dizziness, confusion, or even loss of consciousness in severe cases.
- Mood swings: Mood swings are sudden and intense changes in emotional state that occur as a result of Percocet addiction. The drug’s effects on the brain’s chemistry cause fluctuations in mood, leading to periods of euphoria followed by irritability or anxiety.
- Constipation: Opioids tend to slow down the digestive system. Oxycodone’s most prevalent adverse effect is constipation, according to a publication by Sadiq et al., titled, “Oxycodone” last updated in February 2024. The worsening of gastrointestinal problems caused by chronic constipation necessitates dietary changes, increased fluid intake, or treatment with drugs.
- Fatigue: The body becomes drained as it struggles to cope with the effects of the drug, leading to exhaustion even with minimal physical activity. Fatigue impairs daily functioning, making it difficult to perform tasks or engage in normal activities. It additionally contributes to a cycle of dependence, as individuals tend to use more Percocet to combat this overwhelming tiredness.
- Increased tolerance: Increased tolerance occurs when a person needs higher doses of Percocet to achieve the same pain-relieving or euphoric effects they once experienced with lower doses. As tolerance builds, the individual starts taking more of the drug or uses it more frequently. In a 2012 study by Cooper et al., titled, “Effects of repeated oxycodone administration on its analgesic and subjective effects in normal, healthy volunteers,” participants indicated a rise in certain favorable subjective effects of oxycodone while following the intermittent dose schedule. This suggests a possible escalation in the drug’s propensity for misuse when not taken consistently.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms appear when a person reduces or stops taking Percocet after becoming physically dependent on it. The discomfort of drug withdrawal often drives individuals to continue using the drug to avoid these unpleasant sensations.
What are the side effects of Percocet addiction?
Side effects of Percocet addiction include a wide variety of problems that arise from taking the painkiller for an extended period of time or in large doses. The side effects of Percocet addiction are listed below.
- Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of Percocet addiction due to the way opioids interact with the digestive system and the brain’s vomiting center. In fact, opioid-treated cancer patients frequently experience nausea and vomiting; prevalence rates range from 11% to 78% for nausea and from 7% to 49% for vomiting, according to a 2011 review from the journal Palliative Medicine titled, “Management of opioid-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients: systematic review and evidence-based recommendations.”
- Dizziness: Dizziness is a frequent side effect of Percocet use, caused by the drug’s effect on the central nervous system and blood pressure. Individuals experience a feeling of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, especially when standing up quickly. Particularly risky for the elderly and those with preexisting health issues, dizziness heightens the likelihood of accidents and falls.
- Confusion: Confusion is a cognitive side effect of Percocet addiction, where the person struggles to think clearly, remember things, or make decisions. Disorientation, poor judgment, and difficulty completing daily duties are the consequences of this mental fog. It is more difficult for the person experiencing confusion to understand the seriousness of their addiction because it exacerbates other symptoms like anxiety and mood swings.
- Headaches: Headaches are a potential side effect of Percocet use, either as a direct result of the drug’s impact on the brain or as a rebound effect when the medication wears off. According to a medication guide titled, “OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE- oxycodone hydrochloride tablet” last revised in September 2022 by the United States Food and Drug Administration, throughout oxycodone’s clinical trials, headaches were among the most frequently reported adverse effects.
- Itchiness or rash: Although the precise causes of opioid-induced itching are unknown, there are a few theories. Opioids’ actions on the neurological system account for one of them. Opioids interact with skin receptors to provide an itching sensation that travels from the skin to the brain through the nerves, as per the 18th chapter of the book, “Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment” titled, “Peripheral Opioids” by Paul L Bigliardi and Mei Bigliardi-Qi.
- Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite is a common side effect of Percocet addiction, as the drug suppresses hunger signals and causes gastrointestinal discomfort. This reduced desire to eat leads to malnutrition, weight loss, and a weakened immune system over time.
- Stomach pain: Stomach pain results from Percocet use due to its effects on the digestive system, particularly when combined with the constipation and nausea that often accompany opioid use. These gastrointestinal effects are a result of opioids slowing down bowel movements and increasing fluid absorption in the intestines, leading to hard stools and difficulty evacuating the bowel.
What are the Percocet withdrawal symptoms?
Percocet withdrawal symptoms refer to the range of effects that occur when a person who has become dependent on Percocet suddenly reduces or stops using the drug. The most common Percocet withdrawal symptoms are listed below.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating is a typical symptom of drug withdrawal, as the body attempts to regulate its temperature without the influence of Percocet. The sudden drop in opioid levels trigger the autonomic nervous system, causing profuse sweating, particularly at night.
- Shaking (tremors): Shaking or tremors are involuntary muscle movements that occur during withdrawal due to the nervous system’s heightened state. As the body adjusts to the absence of Percocet, it experiences shakiness, particularly in the hands and limbs.
- Anxiety: Anxiety is a common psychological symptom of Percocet withdrawal, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. The duration of withdrawal anxiety typically ranges from five to 14 days following the cessation of opioid medication, according to a 2019 paper titled, “Review Article: Effective Management of Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms: A Gateway to Opioid Dependence Treatment” from The American Journal on Addictions.
- Irritability: Irritability is a prominent element of the negative emotional state linked to opiate withdrawal, which continues from the initial phase to long-term abstinence, according to a 2023 study by Ozdemir et al., titled, “Advances in the characterization of negative affect caused by acute and protracted opioid withdrawal using animal models.” This persistent irritability plays a crucial part in the cycle of opioid dependence and relapse.
- Muscle aches: Muscle aches and pains are physical symptoms that occur during withdrawal as the body reacts to the sudden lack of Percocet. The drug often masks pain, and its absence causes muscles to become sore, stiff, and uncomfortable.
- Chills: Chills, often accompanied by goosebumps and shivering, are a physical reaction during Percocet withdrawal. The body’s temperature regulation is disrupted as it adapts to the absence of the drug, leading to sudden feelings of coldness.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common withdrawal symptom as the body reacts to the absence of Percocet, which previously slowed down gastrointestinal function. A 2020 review article titled, “Opioid withdrawal symptoms, a consequence of chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder: Current understanding and approaches to management” from the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics indicated that after opioid discontinuation, the body releases an inordinate amount of norepinephrine, which is responsible for a variety of acute physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as diarrhea.
- Watery nose and eyes: A watery nose and eyes, similar to symptoms of a cold, are common during Percocet withdrawal. This occurs as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug, which affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased mucus production.
What are the treatments for Percocet addiction?
Treatments for Percocet addiction are different types of programs that are meant to help people stop being dependent on Percocet. The treatments for Percocet addiction are listed below.
- Detoxification (detox): Detoxification is the initial step in treating Percocet addiction, where the body is gradually weaned off the drug. This process typically occurs under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety of the individual. Detox takes several days to a week, during which the body adjusts to functioning without Percocet.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Medication-assisted treatment involves using specific medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. These medications work by either mimicking the effects of opioids in a safer way or blocking the effects of opioids altogether. Buprenorphine and methadone have been shown to improve treatment retention in patients with opioid use disorders, according to a publication by Dowell et al., titled, “CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioral therapy is a psychological treatment that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction. A 2020 paper titled, “Combined Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults With Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” from JAMA Network Open revealed that in comparison to conventional care and pharmacotherapy, the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy was associated with greater benefits. In particular, there were minor but statistically significant improvements in the reduction of substance use amount and frequency as a result of this combination.
- Support groups: Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), provide a community-based approach to recovery where individuals share their experiences and support each other. These groups assist members maintain their sobriety by following a structured program, which is frequently based on the 12-step model. Having a shared experience and feeling of community are two strong incentives to continue long-term healing.
- Counseling: Counseling involves one-on-one or group sessions with a trained counselor or therapist to explore the underlying issues contributing to Percocet addiction. This form of therapy addresses emotional, psychological, and social factors that have led to substance use. A 2023 meta-analysis by Wen et al., titled, “Comparative efficacy of psychosocial interventions for opioid-dependent people receiving methadone maintenance treatment: A network meta-analysis” confirmed that individuals undergoing methadone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence benefited greatly from psychosocial therapies, counseling being among the most effective.
- Aftercare programs: Aftercare programs provide ongoing support and resources for individuals who have completed primary treatment for Percocet addiction. With ongoing therapy, support groups, and frequent check-ins with a counselor or addiction specialist, these programs assist avoid relapse.
How to overcome Percocet addiction?
To overcome Percocet addiction, the first step is often to consult a healthcare professional who is able to guide you through the process of detoxification, where the body is gradually weaned off Percocet under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
After undergoing detoxification, it is crucial to participate in a complete treatment program that incorporates therapy, namely cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to target the psychological components of addiction and cultivate more adaptive coping strategies.
Relapse prevention and craving suppression are two other areas where medication-assisted treatment (MAT) excels. Throughout the recovery process, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a community of individuals who have undergone comparable experiences with encouragement.
After finishing a treatment program, it is essential to have aftercare assistance to sustain long-term sobriety and avoid relapse. This assistance ensures that individuals are equipped with the requisite resources and tools to establish a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.
When is Percocet addiction counseling necessary?
Percocet addiction counseling becomes necessary when an individual struggles to control their use of the drug, experiences cravings, or continues to use it despite negative consequences in their personal, professional, or social life.
Counseling is crucial when addiction leads to physical dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet, or when psychological dependence causes obsessive thoughts about the drug.
It is further essential when attempts to quit on one’s own have failed, or when the addiction has led to strained relationships, impaired functioning, or legal and financial problems.
What are the Percocet addiction causes?
Percocet addiction causes are the several variables that contribute to the emergence of a Percocet addiction. The most common Percocet addiction causes are listed below.
- Genetic predisposition: Genetic variables play a key role in opioid addiction, as they do in other addictive diseases. In fact, research on twins and families has shown that the likelihood of having an opioid addiction is around 50% attributable to genetics, as per a 2021 paper by Brian Reed and Mary Jeanne Kreek titled, “Genetic Vulnerability to Opioid Addiction.”
- Mental health disorders: Individuals who have previously had untreated depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or childhood trauma are more susceptible to developing opioid use disorders like Percocet addiction, according to an article titled, “Opioid Use Disorder” by Dydyk et al., last updated in January 2024. Eventually, dependence and addiction develop as a result of repeated use of Percocet, which originally provided transient relief.
- Environmental influences: The environment in which a person lives significantly impacts the risk of developing a Percocet addiction. Growing up in a household or community where drug use is prevalent normalizes the behavior, increasing the likelihood of experimenting with or misusing opioids.
- Tolerance development: Over time, the body develops a tolerance to Percocet, meaning that the same dose no longer produces the desired effects. This leads individuals to take higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria, increasing the risk of addiction. Tolerance is a natural response to prolonged opioid use, but it quickly leads to dependency as the body becomes accustomed to the drug’s presence.
- Stress: Stress, whether from relationships, work, or other sources, drives individuals to misuse Percocet as a coping mechanism. According to a 2012 article titled, “Opiate addiction and cocaine addiction: underlying molecular neurobiology and genetics” from The Journal of Clinical Investigation, long-term neuroadaptations in the brain’s reward and stress systems result from prolonged exposure to stress. These adaptations include modifications in dopamine and opioid receptor activity, as well as modifications in the expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), arginine vasopressin (AVP), and their receptors. It is believed that these alterations are what cause opiate addiction to be chronically relapsing.
What are the risk factors for Percocet addiction?
Risk factors for Percocet addiction are any number of ailments, actions, and traits that raise a person’s chance of becoming addicted to the drug. The risk factors for Percocet addiction are listed below.
- Ease of access: The ease of access to Percocet, whether through a legitimate prescription or illicit means, is a significant risk factor for the development of addiction. Individuals who are prescribed Percocet for pain find it easy to obtain refills or even seek out multiple prescriptions from different doctors, a practice known as doctor shopping.
- Previous substance abuse: Individuals who have struggled with addiction in the past are more likely to develop a dependency on Percocet, as they are more prone to substance-seeking behaviors. Problematic opioid use was consistently linked to a history of substance dependence in a 2020 study by Campbell et al., titled, “Risk factors for indicators of opioid-related harms amongst people living with chronic non-cancer pain: Findings from a 5-year prospective cohort study,” which tracked 1,514 participants who were administered opioids over a five-year period.
- Peer pressure: Peer pressure is a significant risk factor for Percocet addiction, especially among teenagers and young adults. Being in a social circle where drug use is common or encouraged leads individuals to try Percocet, often out of a desire to fit in or avoid rejection. The influence of peers makes it difficult to refuse or recognize the dangers of misuse.
- Impulsivity: Impulsivity, the propensity to act without giving it enough thought, is frequently cited as a major contributing factor to a number of risky behaviors, including the abuse of drugs, according to a 2014 article by Nour-Mohammad Bakhshani titled, “Impulsivity: A Predisposition Toward Risky Behaviors.” Impulsive individuals find it difficult to withstand peer pressure or cravings, which increases their vulnerability to addiction. This lack of self-control accelerates the transition from occasional Percocet use to addiction.
