Percocet Addiction: Behavioral Signs of An Addiction & How To Get Help

The opioid epidemic is still raging, and it is getting worse every single day. Countless lives and futures have been destroyed by both illegal and prescription opioid addiction, abuse, and dependency. One of the more commonly abused opioids is legally prescribed by doctors and other healthcare professionals daily. That drug is called Percocet, ensnaring more innocent lives in its grip daily.

Percocet is a brand of drug formulated from oxycodone, a potent opioid, and the conventional over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen. It is only available by prescription, and when taken as directed, it can effectively mitigate some or all of the patient’s severe pain. However, since it provides a very comfortable feeling of relaxation and pain reduction, Percocet is also frequently abused consciously or subconsciously by those who consistently desire those effects.

The most significant problems with Percocet addiction are the health issues and risks that are associated with taking the drug in the first place, even when taken as directed, as well as the dependency that the drug creates in the person and the uncomfortable or even painful withdrawals that begin when a dose is missed. Many people are initially drawn in by the enticing effects and feelings, only to find that they have become dependent on the substance in a very short time.

Is Percocet Addictive?

Yes, Percocet is a highly addictive painkiller, especially when taken in high doses or over a prolonged period. The oxycodone component binds to opioid receptors in the brain, flooding it with dopamine and reinforcing the desire to continue using.[1]

Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the drug to function normally. This can lead to addiction. Often, people become addicted without even realizing it, sometimes after being prescribed the drug for post-surgical or chronic pain.

Percocet Addiction Behavioral Signs

If you think that you or someone you care about may be living with a Percocet addiction, many signs may provide additional insight to confirm or deny your feelings. While not every individual with a Percocet addiction will show all the signs, they will often show at least a few, even if they have become adept at hiding many of them.

Just like all opioid addictions, a Percocet addiction will frequently cause many significant changes in the person. There will often be physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral signs that can be objectively observed.

Some of the physical Percocet addiction symptoms include sudden or unexpected changes in body weight or body composition, persistent constipation, always looking tired or obviously fatigued, and becoming exhausted easily.[2] In addition, observers often note coordination and movement problems, incomprehensible speech, and a visibly lowered respiration rate. The heart rate and blood pressure are also frequently reduced to borderline dangerous levels.

The cognitive symptoms that may begin to present include a higher level of difficulty maintaining concentration or focus on the current task, problems creating and recalling memories, and making poor decisions.[3] These are some of the symptoms that are harder to recognize in others, but can help with self-diagnosis for Percocet addiction.

If someone has become dependent on Percocet and is taking them out of fear of withdrawal, there are usually emotional signs that can be seen, though they are often relatively short-lived. Emotional signs of Percocet addiction can include aggression, irritability, anger, becoming easily agitated, and difficulty with emotional modulation, resulting in frequent wild mood swings.[4]

In many cases involving Percocet addiction, the person will begin to show changes in behavior that are often much easier to spot than even the physical changes, which are sometimes easier to hide. These behavioral changes can include general social withdrawal, inability to maintain healthy relationships, loss of their job, failing educational performance, and loss of interest in things that aren’t Percocet.[5]

There are also behaviors specific to individuals taking Percocet, such as taking it when it is not safe, consuming more than prescribed, taking it for longer than prescribed, trying to steal Percocet from others with valid prescriptions, taking Percocet even after negative consequences, and being unable to reduce their own Percocet use.[6]

Continued Percocet abuse often worsens other conditions, leading to financial collapse, eye problems, lung problems, loss of housing, sexual dysfunction, suicidal ideation, and even suicide attempts.

Long-Term Effects of Percocet Use

The long-term effects of Percocet can be devastating. Chronic use can damage the liver because of the addition of acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the drug, especially when combined with alcohol or other medications. Other risks include:[7]

• Reduced cognitive function
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hormonal imbalances
• Depression and anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Increased sensitivity to pain

Using Percocet chronically over long periods can also significantly increase the risk of overdose and possible death.

Withdrawal From a Percocet Addiction

Since Percocet causes such intense dependence in those who abuse it, many people only continue to take it to avoid the potentially uncomfortable or painful withdrawal symptoms. In severe cases, Percocet withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating and possibly dangerous without qualified medical supervision. The dependency is often too strong, and the acute withdrawal stage is too difficult to attempt detox alone.

Some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal include uncontrollable sweating, increased body temperature, watery eyes, runny nose, intense diarrhea contributing to dehydration, disruption of sleep patterns, including insomnia, dysphoria, dilated pupils, and tremors or shaking.[8]

If the addiction is severe enough, there may even be a point before attempting withdrawals where there is the potential for an overdose. Opioid overdoses can be common with Percocet addictions and can happen quickly due to how the body metabolizes the drug. Percocet overdoses can also be common after attempting a detox or withdrawal and relapsing, since the tolerance built up in the person quickly diminishes with abstinence.

Some of the signs that an overdose may be imminent or in progress include slurred speech, very shallow breathing or difficulty breathing overall, trouble recalling memories, depressed heart rate, difficulty staying awake or maintaining consciousness, intense stomach pain and cramping, vomiting, with the most serious cases resulting in coma or even death.[9]

Why You Need to Get Help For a Percocet Use Disorder & How to Get The Help You Need

If you know someone who may be struggling under the weight of Percocet addiction, the best thing to do is reach out to experienced professionals who can help with the most challenging parts of detox and withdrawal. Not only will the individual be able to work through their acute withdrawal stage under the care of experienced recovery specialists, but also under medical supervision to help minimize any potential complications. Afterward, the recovering individual can work on developing more effective coping mechanisms to further strengthen their ongoing recovery.

For those seeking New York inpatient addiction treatment options for Percocet recovery, Ascendant is here to help. We offer various programs for substance abuse treatment, including detox and rehab services.

Amanda is a prolific medical content writer specializing in eating disorders and addiction treatment. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Purdue University with a B.S. in Social Work. Read more