Percocet Addiction Treatment in Cumming & Suwanee

What Is Percocet? 

Percocet is an opioid medication available by prescription only in the United States. Note that “opioid” is the term used to refer to all natural, synthetic, and semisynthetic opioids, whereas “opiate” refers solely to natural opioids, such as heroin. 

Percocet contains a combination of the opioid oxycodone and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever commonly found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol. Although its effects are similar, Percocet is not the same as Vicodin, which is a medication containing the opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen. 

Percocet is available in a pill or tablet form, as well as a liquid form. Percocet should always be taken as directed by a medical professional, and patients should be aware of potential side effects, including increased tolerance and dependency. Suddenly stopping taking Percocet can lead to withdrawal, which may be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous. 

Signs of Percocet Misuse & Abuse 

Prescription drug misuse and abuse often serve as precursors to addiction. In some cases, a person who has been prescribed an opioid medication like Percocet will begin using the drug in an unprescribed way, such as upping their dosage or taking the medication more frequently than instructed.

Other signs of Percocet misuse and abuse include:

• “Borrowing” or taking someone else’s medication
• Misleading or lying to doctors to obtain prescriptions
• Seeing multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions
• Creating a “backup” supply or stockpiling medication
• Increased lying and/or secretiveness
• Spending significant time obtaining, taking, or recovering from Percocet
• Using a fake prescription
• Buying someone else’s prescription medication
• Seeking out or buying Percocet from drug dealers
• Taking Percocet to get high
• Continuing to take Percocet despite negative effects
• Experiencing problems at home, work, or school
• Struggling to keep up with everyday obligations due to drug use
• Being unable to stop taking Percocet despite wanting to or attempts to do so
• Engaging in risky behavior, such as mixing Percocet with alcohol or other drugs

Over time, Percocet abuse can have many negative physical, mental, social, and financial effects. Those struggling with substance use disorders may experience insomnia and other sleep pattern changes, excessive fatigue, problems with balance and coordination, and withdrawal symptoms when not using Percocet. They may even experience more dangerous symptoms, such as slowed heart rate and shallow breathing. In extreme cases, individuals can overdose on Percocet, which can be fatal.