Causes, Symptoms & Effects of Percocet Abuse

Learn about Percocet

Percocet is a prevalent and potent prescription medication that is includes oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone, which is an opioid, works to reduce pain and elicits a sense of euphoria and relaxation. Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication that is effective in relieving both pain and fever. Percocet is most commonly prescribed to individuals who have been experiencing moderate to severe physical pain.

When an individual uses Percocet in the dosage and for the period of time that has been prescribed by a medical doctor, he or she can obtain the benefits of this substance without the risks. However, the pleasant effects of Percocet have led many individuals to abuse this substance for self-medication purposes or to achieve a recreational high.

Each of the ingredients in Percocet can pose potential threats to one’s health if they are abused. For example, oxycodone abuse can lead to cardiovascular complications and acetaminophen abuse can cause liver damage. The presence of oxycodone can cause an individual to develop a dependency to Percocet.

If someone who has been abusing or who has become addicted to Percocet does not obtain the appropriate professional treatment for this condition, he or she will grapple with ending his or her Percocet addiction on his or her own. Therefore, it is imperative that professional care is obtained so that individuals can overcome the desire to abuse this substance and instead, develop skills that will encourage them to continue on with lives that are free from opioid abuse.

Percocet addiction statistics

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), approximately 0.37% of the adult population in the United States is impacted by opioid use disorder, which includes Percocet addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that the annual number of opioid-related deaths within the country increased by 300% between 1990 and 2010. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also stated that the annual prescription opioid overdose deaths in America grew by 265% in men and 400% in women within the first decade of the 21^st century. The CDC also reported that almost 300 people lose their lives every year because of acetaminophen poisoning.

Causes and risk factors for Percocet addiction

Many factors can affect one’s chances of abusing or becoming addicted to Percocet, such as the following:

Genetic: The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has stated that both novelty-seeking and impulsivity are two common characteristics that can improve one’s likelihood of developing opioid use disorder, which includes a Percocet addiction. The APA also notes an increased risk of addiction in those who have a first-degree family member like a sibling or a parent who has also struggled with chemical dependency.

Risk Factors:

• Gender (women are at increased risk for Percocet dependence)
• Being prescribed Percocet or otherwise having access to this medication
• Having a family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Prior substance abuse and/or mental illness
• Having a family history of mental illness
• Novelty-seeking personality
• Impulsivity

Signs and symptoms of Percocet addiction

Below are some of the most common signs and symptoms that impact someone who is either abusing or who has become addicted to Percocet:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Attempting to obtain a fraudulent prescription for Percocet, or to acquire the drug through another illicit means
• Abusing Percocet even after prior use has resulted in negative effects
• Social withdrawal
• Taking Percocet in greater quantities or for a longer period of time than intended
• Attempting but being incapable of reducing one’s Percocet use
• Trying to borrow or steal Percocet
• Trying to borrow or steal money
• Abusing Percocet when it is clearly dangerous to do so, such as when also ingesting other addictive substances or when operating a motor vehicle

Physical symptoms:

• Sleep problems, including insomnia
• Shallower than normal breathing
• Exhaustion
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Dramatically slowed heart rate
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet
• Sleep problems, including insomnia
• Slurring speech
• Problems with balance, coordination, and motor skills
• Losing weight

Cognitive symptoms:

• Problems with memory and judgment
• Loss of ability to focus and/or concentrate

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Mood swings
• Agitation
• Anger and aggression

Effects of Percocet addiction

Someone who does not receive effective care for an addiction to Percocet can suffer many negative effects and consequences, including the following:

• Injuries sustained due to Percocet-related impairments
• Development and/or exacerbation of co-occurring mental health problems
• Eye problems
• Suicidal ideation
• Suicide attempts
• Social withdrawal or ostracization
• Homelessness
• Sexual dysfunction
• Damage to heart and lungs
• Family discord
• Job loss and chronic unemployment
• Financial ruin
• Arrest, incarceration, and other legal problems
• Strained or ruined interpersonal relationships

Effects of Percocet overdose & withdrawal

Effects of Percocet withdrawal: When someone attempts to dramatically decrease his or her Percocet abuse after developing an addiction to it, he or she might struggle with a handful of painful symptoms of withdrawal, potentially including the following:

• Runny nose
• Pupillary dilation
• Twitches and tremors
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Elevated body temperature
• Watery eyes
• Dysphoria
• Powerful cravings for Percocet
• Excessive sweating

Effects of Percocet overdose: An individual who shows the following symptoms after ingesting Percocet might have overdosed on this medication and should obtain immediate medical attention:

• Coma
• Abdominal cramping
• Slurring speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea
• Shallow or labored breathing
• Memory loss
• Slowed heartbeat
• Vomiting

Percocet addiction and co-occurring disorders

Those who become addicted to Percocet might also be at increased risk for suffering one or more co-occurring mental health conditions, such as the following:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorders
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depressive disorders
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Other substance use disorders