Percocet is an opioid pain medication that is a combination of the drugs oxycodone and acetaminophen. Doctors typically prescribe it as a last resort to those not responsive to non-opioid pain relievers. The dangerousness of Percocet to individuals lies in its addictive qualities. Individuals who misuse their prescription can quickly end up abusing Percocet and seeking other opioids to get the same effect.
Percocet Abuse Potential
The oxycodone hydrochloride used to create Percocet binds with receptors in the brain that inhibit their ability to sense pain. How dangerous is Percocet? The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that nearly 2 million people suffered from addiction issues with the drug as of 2012.
Percocet’s abuse potential led to the drug’s manufacturer, Endo Pharmaceuticals, to recommend only prescribing the drug if there is no other non-opioid alternative working for a patient. Many Percocet abusers crush or chew the drug to increase the effect it provides. They tend to combine its use with other drugs or alcohol, increasing their odds of suffering from an overdose.
How Dangerous is Percocet Long-Term?
Some Percocet users experience various side-effects from the drug even if they are using it as prescribed. They include feelings of dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Some people end up having an allergic reaction and other more severe side-effects.
- Hypothermia
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Slower heartbeat
People already suffering from alcohol use disorder risk going through liver failure. The combination of alcohol and the acetaminophen in Percocet stress out the organ, which leads to liver damage.
Your body breaks the oxycodone in Percocet down the same way it does heroin. Abusers of Percocet experience a feeling of euphoria and pleasure because of oxycodone’s effect on the brain. Over time, people need larger doses of the drug to achieve a similar experience on the brain’s pain receptors. Not activating the receptors with enough of the drug causes you to feel more pain and discomfort.
Is Percocet dangerous to the body? Yes, abusing Percocet over a long period often leads to other physical damage to the body and its systems.
- Kidney failure
- A slight decrease in testosterone levels in men
- Osteoporosis
- Immune suppression
- Psychological damage
The following symptoms are indicators of a potential Percocet abuse disorder.
- A growing tolerance to the medication
- Needing the drug to get rid of withdrawal symptoms
- Requiring a dose of Percocet to get through daily activities
- Dropping your normal activities to use Percocet
- Developing sexual dysfunction
How dangerous is Percocet? Emergency rooms across the country report an increase in people visiting them because of abusing Percocet and other opioids. They cause more overdoses than any other form of a prescribed drug.
Percocet’s Dangers to Older Individuals
Life changes that typically occur later in life leave older adults more vulnerable to abusing prescription drugs like Percocet. Changes like a divorce, children leaving home, or retirement lead to feelings of isolation that people attempt to ease with addictive substances.
Older people also experience more health problems requiring the use of pain relievers. Chronic pain from conditions like arthritis cause individuals to take more Percocet than prescribed. How dangerous is Percocet to older people? As our bodies age, it breaks down drugs and alcohol at a slower rate, increasing the chances of developing addiction problems.
Getting Help for Percocet Addiction
Sagebrush Treatment Center offers help for those looking for help with Percocet abuse disorder. We take a holistic approach to substance abuse treatment, focusing on healing the mind and spirit along with the physical.
Our staff guides clients through the different aspects of their being and show them techniques on changing the patterns that led to abusing Percocet. They learn to promote healing within themselves and receive tools that provide support on their journey to sobriety.
Sagebrush Treatment Center offers clients the choice of taking part in residential or outpatient treatment. Both offer the choice of the following therapy programs.
- Traditional psychotherapy
- Spiritual counseling
- Physical challenges
- Yoga and meditation
- Acupuncture
- Art therapy
We provide a path to healing for our clients that minimizes or eliminates the use of support medications. Our methods naturally release toxins from the body to promote healing from within. Clients receive regular consultations from a medical doctor available to monitor their progress.
Contact Sagebrush Treatment Center at 866.488.1156 to learn more about how we can provide relief from Percocet abuse.
