Percocet is a commonly prescribed pain reliever used to treat moderate to severe pain. It combines oxycodone, a powerful opioid pain medicine, with acetaminophen, another pain reliever that enhances the analgesic effect.
While Percocet can effectively relieve pain, it carries significant risks, especially when taken in high doses or over a long time. Understanding what Percocet does to a person is critical for safe use and for preventing life-threatening consequences.
In this article, we explore what Percocet does to a person, the side effects of Percocet abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and the life-threatening dangers associated with opioid use.
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What Does Percocet Do to a Person?
Percocet works primarily by targeting the central nervous system. Oxycodone, the opioid component, binds to specific opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This interaction blocks pain signals, offering powerful pain relief. Additionally, oxycodone causes an increase in dopamine release, which can create feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
The acetaminophen in Percocet acts as a non-opioid pain reliever. It enhances pain relief but also carries a risk of liver damage in high doses or with prolonged use. After taking Percocet, effects typically begin within 10 to 15 minutes, with short-term formulations lasting around 3 to 6 hours, while extended-release versions can last up to 12 hours.
Short-Term Effects
In the short term, Percocet can:
Long-Term Use of Percocet
When used as prescribed, Percocet is an effective pain medicine. However, opioid pain medicines like Percocet carry a risk of developing opioid use disorder if misused. Tolerance to the drug means the body requires higher doses to achieve the same effect. Dependence may follow, which increases the risk of opioid addiction and substance use disorders.
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Side Effects of Percocet Abuse
Like all opioid pain medicines, Percocet can cause several side effects, especially if abused or taken in higher doses than prescribed. Common side effects include:
Abusing Percocet can intensify these side effects and lead to severe health complications. Respiratory depression is especially dangerous and can be life-threatening. Percocet misuse can also cause physical symptoms like a runny nose, sweating, and pupillary constriction.
Long-term use or taking higher doses increases the risk of tolerance, meaning the body requires higher doses to achieve the same pain relief or euphoric effect. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of building dependence and eventually opioid addiction.
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Dangers of Percocet Abuse
Percocet abuse carries multiple dangers that go beyond its intended use as a pain reliever. One of the most significant risks is life-threatening opioid overdose, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. Overdose can cause severe respiratory depression, coma, and death.
According to recent data, over 5.9 million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, and millions misuse prescription pain medicines. The risk of addiction increases dramatically when opioids are taken for longer than a short time, such as more than three months.
Additional dangers include severe liver damage from excessive acetaminophen intake and social consequences such as loss of employment and strained relationships.
Substance use disorders linked to opioids require treatment programs that combine medication and counseling to effectively manage addiction and withdrawal.
Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms and Duration
People who use Percocet regularly for a long time can develop a physical dependence on the drug. When they stop or reduce the dose suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can occur. These withdrawal symptoms include:
Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours after the last dose in short-term use and can last for several days, depending on the duration of use and dosage. The intensity of withdrawal symptoms varies but can be very uncomfortable and may require medical supervision.
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Treatment and Recovery Options for Percocet Addiction
Overcoming Percocet abuse and opioid addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependency. Treatment programs are designed to help individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and develop skills to maintain long-term recovery.
Medical Detox
Detox programs provide medical supervision to manage withdrawal safely. Doctors may prescribe medications to ease physical symptoms and reduce cravings. Detox typically lasts several days to a week, depending on the person’s history of Percocet use and dosage. Medical detox helps prevent serious complications and prepares individuals for further treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Drugs like buprenorphine and methadone can help stabilize brain chemistry. These medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and lower the risk of relapse. Methadone and buprenorphine, for example, can suppress withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings for the long time needed to stabilize the patient, while naltrexone blocks opioid effects, helping prevent relapse.
Counseling and Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals understand the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms to avoid relapse. It addresses negative thought patterns and teaches skills to manage triggers and stress without returning to drug use.
Counseling may be provided individually or in group settings and often involves family members to improve communication and support systems. Therapy also helps patients address co-occurring mental health disorders, which frequently accompany substance use disorders.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs
Rehab programs vary in intensity and setting. Each person’s recovery journey is different, but combining medical care with therapy provides the best results.
Support Groups and Aftercare
Peer support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are vital in recovery, offering individuals a community that understands their struggles. Many groups follow a 12-step model, which encourages ongoing personal growth and commitment to sobriety.
Aftercare programs are critical for long-term recovery, providing ongoing therapy, relapse prevention strategies, and support as individuals reintegrate into daily life. Sober living environments may also offer a drug-free space with structure and accountability.
Men’s Drug Rehab in Arizona
Percocet is a powerful pain medicine that can effectively relieve pain in the short term when used as prescribed. However, misuse and abuse can cause serious side effects and lead to opioid addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and life-threatening complications like overdose.
Understanding these risks is key to preventing substance use disorders and promoting safe use. Anyone struggling with Percocet use or opioid addiction should seek help from specialized treatment programs designed to support recovery and manage withdrawal safely.
Soberman’s Estate is Arizona’s premier men’s-only rehab, dedicated to helping men overcome addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges in a private, residential setting.
Our programs are designed exclusively for men, offering personalized treatment, dual diagnosis support, and a secure environment to focus on lasting recovery. To connect with a care coordinator, call (480) 351-6749 or email info@SobermansEstate.com. Discover more about our approach at SobermansEstate.com.
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