Percocet® is a Schedule II controlled substance, but some people think it doesn’t pose serious addiction risks. Because it contains acetaminophen as well as oxycodone, 10 mg of Percocet® has a slightly lower percentage of the opioid than 10 mg of pure oxycodone, often sold by the brand name OxyContin®. However, it isn’t a good idea to underestimate the potency of Percocet®. It’s addictive and contains health risks like any other opioid.
When people develop a tolerance to Percocet®, they may increase their dosage without consulting a doctor, which constitutes misuse. This behavior is a common pathway to addiction. If you’re struggling with physical dependence on Percocet®, consider seeking support through a substance abuse treatment program, such as the ones we offer at The Right Step Houston.
What to know about prescription pain medications
When your doctor prescribes a medication like Percocet® for pain—perhaps after surgery or an injury—you likely don’t anticipate facing signs of addiction. However, drug tolerance can quietly progress into dependence before you even realize it. As the prescribed dose starts to feel less effective, you might take a little more each time or increase the frequency. Once your prescription runs out, withdrawal symptoms can quickly set in.
For others, a casual encounter with Percocet® being used off-label to get high can also lead to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Addiction to pain pills might seem unimaginable—until it becomes your reality.
Addiction is a disease—a physical and psychological phenomenon—and it’s treatable. If you’re struggling with Percocet® abuse, reach out for help.
Common side effects of Percocet use
What are the warning signs of Percocet® abuse? Misusing the medication—such as taking it in ways other than prescribed or using someone else’s prescription—constitutes abuse. Dependence occurs when your body adapts to the drug, leading to physical withdrawal symptoms if it’s unavailable. Addiction, on the other hand, is a neurological condition that impacts the brain’s reward system, driving compulsive drug-seeking behaviors.
The common side effects of Percocet® addiction are typically in three categories: physical, behavioral, and brain-centered—e.g., psychological and cognitive.
Physical Percocet side effects
- Compromised motor skills, including balance and coordination
- Slowed heart rate
- Weight loss
- Suppressed breathing
- Fatigue
- Poor sleep hygiene
- Slurred speech
- Withdrawal symptoms when the drug is unavailable
Behavioral Percocet side effects
- Self-isolation
- Inability to meet your responsibilities
- Lying to hide Percocet® abuse
- Stealing to afford Percocet®
- Inability to cut down despite wanting to
- Seeking Percocet® or other opioids illegally when your prescription runs out
Psychological and cognitive Percocet side effects
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of memory
- Poor judgment
- Mood swings
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Emotional dysregulation
Percocet® abuse doesn’t have to govern your life. If you’re ready to leave Percocet® behind, there’s help available.
How addiction treatment can help
The treatment for an addiction to Percocet® follows the same guidelines as any opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment. Once you’ve chosen a rehab path to follow—for example, gender-specific, inpatient, or outpatient—you can expect:
- Medically managed detox to help ease withdrawal symptoms
- Evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- A clinical and support team that manages and carries out your treatment plan
- Peer support groups
- Dual diagnosis treatment in the event of a co-occurring disorder
- Aftercare programming that helps ease you back into life post-discharge
At The Right Step Houston, you’ll receive personalized attention and care in a safe setting. Individual, group, and family therapy help you understand and manage your addiction, give and receive support, practice accountability, and repair relationships.
Begin substance abuse treatment at The Right Step Houston today
Recovery involves a series of steps toward your goal. You don’t have to figure out every step all at once. That’s what we’re here for—to offer information, support, treatment, and reassurance. Sometimes your steps may falter—this is normal and not a cause for despair. Ultimately, the path you walk is one of recovery and wellness.
What’s the right first step on your journey? Call The Right Step Houston at 1.844.768.0169 to get started. You can also complete our online form, and we’ll get back to you.