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Percocet Addiction And Abuse

Percocet addiction and abuse can lead to some pretty severe consequences. This drug can be extremely difficult to stop using, and it can lead to fatal results in those who are struggling with it. Percocet addiction can cause severe and drastic changes in a person and their life. Knowing how Percocet can affect a person and the benefits of receiving help can help loved ones and those that are struggling to seek 12>professional care before Percocet addiction causes irreparable damage.

What is Percocet?

Those who struggle with pain know how hard it is to function. Percocet is a strong 12>prescription medication used to alleviate pain in people who have had surgery or struggle with chronic conditions resulting in pain. This prescription painkiller combines the opioid oxycodone with acetaminophen. Painkillers are extremely addictive and can lead to dependence on the substance in order to function. Percocet addiction and abuse is a prevalent issue in the United States and many people struggle with this harmful substance on a daily basis.

Signs of Percocet Abuse

When wondering if a loved one is struggling with Percocet addiction and abuse there are different signs that someone could look out for. These signs can be behavioral, physical, social, or cognitive. Knowing the signs to look out for can make a difference in identifying the problem and encouraging someone to get help as soon as possible. These signs can include:
  • Using despite negative consequences
  • Social withdrawal
  • Isolation
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Using more Percocet than prescribed
  • Unsuccessfully trying to stop the use of Percocet
  • Doctor shopping
  • Lying or stealing in order to get Percocet
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Slurred speech
  • Constipation
  • Withdrawal when unable to use Percocet
  • Loss of focus and concentration
  • Memory problems
  • Poor judgment
  • Anger and agitation
These signs can be indicative of Percocet abuse and addiction. Loved ones can encourage someone who is struggling to receive proper professional care and support in order to begin recovering from addiction. 

Percocet Short and Long-Term Effects

The immediate, short-term effects of Percocet can seemingly feel euphoric, this is what leads users to begin abusing the drug. Percocet abuse and addiction can occur as a result of these short-term effects. Those effects can include euphoria and relation, drowsiness and sedation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, slow or shallow breathing, nodding in and out of consciousness, constipation, and pain relief.  The long-term effects of Percocet abuse and addiction can include more severe consequences. Those who do not seek proper and effective care can end up in a pretty severe situation where their life has taken a turn and they can’t seem to get back to a normal way of life. The long-term effects of Percocet abuse and 12>addiction can include damage to the heart and lungs, job loss and continued unemployment, loss of trust, strained interpersonal relationships, financial problems, and continued problems with law enforcement. Addiction to Percocet can also lead to needing more and more resulting in overdose. 

Percocet Withdrawal

When the body becomes dependent on a substance, it can be seemingly impossible to go a day without using it. Percocet is no different. Percocet abuse and addiction can lead to inevitable withdrawal symptoms from the substance. These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and hard to endure. The symptoms of Percocet withdrawal can include:
  • Muscle cramps
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Restlessness
  • Cravings
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose
  • Muscle spasms
  • Watery eyes
  • Pupil dilation
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
These symptoms can be extremely hard to endure alone. There is professional help available that can make these symptoms more comfortable, and help to ensure that complications from Percocet withdrawal can be addressed to avoid serious damage. It is highly recommended that someone who is addicted to Percocet receive professional care as they begin the process of recovery from addiction to this substance.

Percocet Detox

Percocet is a strong and highly addictive substance. Those who struggle with Percocet abuse and addiction should seek professional care as they begin recovering from addiction to this harmful substance. Detox is a vital component to effectively treating an individual who is addicted to Percocet. Deciding to receive effective and proper care as a person decides to end Percocet abuse and addiction is the best thing someone could do for themselves. Struggling with this drug does not need to continue to alter the course of a person’s life. Being monitored professionally can help a person to avoid potentially life-threatening complications, as well as make the process a lot more comfortable to go through. There is help available. Getting better is possible.

Begin Healing Now

Struggling with dangerous drugs such as Percocet can lead to extreme changes in a person. It can affect all aspects of their life, physically, emotionally, and socially. It can lead to legal issues, strained and broken relationships, loss of jobs, and loss of trust. There is hope though. If you or a loved one are struggling with Percocet addiction, Louisville Addiction Center can help. We offer comprehensive care to those who are struggling with this dangerous drug. Our team of professionals is standing by to help as you begin a life in recovery. 12>Contact us today to begin your journey. 
Educational & Informational Use

The content published on Louisville Addiction Center blog pages is intended for general educational and informational purposes related to addiction, substance use disorders, detoxification, rehabilitation, mental health, and recovery support. Blog articles are designed to help readers better understand addiction-related topics and explore treatment concepts, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or individualized treatment planning.

Addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions are complex medical issues that affect individuals differently based on many factors, including substance type, length of use, physical health, mental health history, medications, age, and social environment. Because of this variability, information discussed in blog articles—such as withdrawal symptoms, detox timelines, treatment approaches, medications, relapse risks, or recovery strategies—may not apply to every individual. Reading blog content should not replace consultation with licensed medical or behavioral health professionals.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. Emergencies may include suspected overdose, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe confusion, hallucinations with unsafe behavior, loss of consciousness, suicidal thoughts, or threats of harm to oneself or others. Louisville Addiction Center blog content is not intended for crisis intervention and should never be used in place of emergency care.

Detoxification from drugs or alcohol can involve serious medical risks, particularly with substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and certain prescription medications. Withdrawal symptoms can escalate quickly and may become life-threatening without proper medical supervision. Any blog content describing detox, withdrawal, or substance cessation is provided to raise awareness and encourage safer decision-making—not to instruct readers to detox on their own. Attempting self-detox without medical oversight can be dangerous and is strongly discouraged.

Blog articles may discuss various addiction treatment options, including medical detox, residential or inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, therapy modalities, medication-assisted treatment, aftercare planning, and recovery support services. These discussions reflect commonly used, evidence-informed approaches but do not represent guarantees of effectiveness or suitability for every person. Treatment recommendations should always be based on a comprehensive assessment conducted by licensed professionals.

Information related to insurance coverage, treatment costs, or payment options that appears within blog content is provided for general informational purposes only. Insurance benefits vary widely depending on the individual’s plan, carrier, state regulations, and medical necessity criteria. Coverage details may change without notice, and no insurance-related statements on blog pages should be interpreted as a promise of coverage or payment. Louisville Addiction Center encourages readers to contact our admissions team directly to verify insurance benefits and eligibility before making treatment decisions.

Some blog posts may reference third-party studies, external organizations, medications, community resources, or harm-reduction concepts. These references are provided for educational context only and do not constitute endorsements. Louisville Addiction Center does not control third-party content and is not responsible for the accuracy, availability, or practices of external websites or organizations.

Use of Louisville Addiction Center blog pages does not establish a provider–patient relationship. Submitting comments, contacting the center through a blog page, or reading articles does not guarantee admission to treatment or access to services. Recovery outcomes vary, and no specific results are promised or implied.

If you are struggling with substance use, withdrawal symptoms, or questions about treatment, we encourage you to seek guidance from licensed healthcare providers. For personalized information about treatment options or insurance verification, you may contact Louisville Addiction Center directly. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.

→ Sources
  1. Alcohol Rehab Help. (2022). Alcohol statistics in Kentucky. Alcohol Rehab Help. https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/kentucky/alcohol-statistics/
  2. Healthy KY. (n.d.). Drug and alcohol statistics in Kentucky. Healthy Kentucky. https://www.healthyky.org/drug-and-alcohol-statistics-in-kentucky.html
  3. Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy. (n.d.). An assessment of Kentucky’s substance use disorder crisis. Commonwealth of Kentucky. https://odcp.ky.gov/
  4. Kong, J. (2022). An assessment of alcohol use disorder and treatment [Research brief]. University of Louisville. https://louisville.edu/sphis/departments/cik/docs-and-pdfs-1/Kong_AUD_ResearchBrief_FINALADA.pdf
  5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). State profile: Kentucky—N-SSATS report. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/quick_statistics/state_profiles/NSSATS-KY19.pdf
  6. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Underage drinking prevention programs in Kentucky. SAMHSA. https://library.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/kentucky-iccpud-state-report-2024.pdf
  7. Wikipedia. (2025). Casey’s Law (Matthew Casey Wethington Act). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey%27s_Law
→ Contributors
Portrait of Dr. Vahid Osman, Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist & Addictionologist
Dr. Vahid Osman is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist with extensive experience treating mental illness, chemical dependency, and developmental disorders. Dr. Osman trained in Psychiatry in France and in Austin, Texas. Read more.
Portrait of Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Clinically Reviewed By
Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Board-Certified Clinical Social Worker
Joshua Sprung serves as a Clinical Reviewer at Louisville Addiction Center, bringing a wealth of expertise to ensure exceptional patient care. Read more.

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