Percocet is an opioid painkiller prescribed by doctors nationwide to help treat patients experiencing moderate to severe pain. However, its helpful medical applications are not the only things that have given this medication its popularity. Unfortunately, more and more people have begun smoking Percocet due to its ability to provide an intense and euphoric high.
What many fail to realize is that abusing Percocet won’t provide the escape they’re looking for. Instead, the extremely dangerous habit will likely result in physical dependence and addiction that may deteriorate their quality of life.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet is a brand name for a combination medication that contains Oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is an opioid pain reliever, while acetaminophen is a non-opioid pain reliever, which is what makes Percocet so effective for treating severe and chronic pain.
This medication is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Many prescription opioids like this one have become a significant public health issue nationwide due to their easy accessibility and intense side effects.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of prescription opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021 alone totaled 16,706. This, of course, includes deaths influenced by the misuse of prescription drugs like Percocet.
With these numbers in mind, it is essential to understand precisely what risks Percocet can have when not taken correctly and how to avoid these consequences moving forward.
How Is Percocet Used?
Percocet usually comes in the form of pills or capsules taken by mouth, as directed by a doctor. In most cases, the usual dose of Percocet is one or two tablets every 4 to 6 hours, as needed for pain. However, the specific dose a person may need will depend on their pain level and tolerance.
Of course, this is not the only way that this drug is taken. For those who abuse Percocet, it is not uncommon for them to crush these pills and inject, snort, or smoke them. While this can produce an intense and pleasurable high, using Percocet in this way can have serious side effects.
How Long Does Percocet Last?
To understand how Percocet can affect the body, knowing how long it remains in your system is important. So, how long do opioids stay in your system? In the case of Percocet, this medication has a half-life of 3.5 hours, meaning this is how long it will take for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body.
The effects of Percocet, in comparison, typically last for 4 to 6 hours, depending on the person. How long it will take for Percocet to fully leave your system can vary depending on your weight, metabolism, liver function, and other factors.
The best way to stay safe when using this medication is to only do so with a doctor’s permission and strictly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Is Smoking Percocet Dangerous?
Because of its reputation for producing an enjoyable high, the question of “What does Percocet feel like?” can lead many people to experiment with this medication. In many cases, people will smoke Percocet because they believe it will produce a faster and more intense high.
However, smoking Percocet is very dangerous. When smoked, the Oxycodone in this medication is absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly than when it is taken orally, which can lead to a much higher risk of overdose.
In addition, the heat from smoking can damage the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory problems. Acetaminophen in Percocet is also dangerous, causing life-threatening damage to the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Misusing Percocet in any way can have serious adverse health effects in the short and long term. If you or a loved one is abusing this medication, seeking professional treatment as soon as possible is important.
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How is Percocet Addiction Treated?
Percocet addiction is a serious condition that can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available that can help people stop smoking Percocet and live sober lives.
The treatment for Percocet addiction typically involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy. MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common medications used to treat Percocet addictions include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
These medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Likewise, some MAT medications block the euphoric effects of opioids like Percocet which can remove the temptation of relapsing. As a result, people are like likely to return to smoking Percocet after starting treatment. Ongoing medication management is a proven form of OUD treatment that reduces the risk of relapse and promotes long-term sobriety.
Comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorders also incorporates evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Through CBT, clients can recognize and address negative thoughts and behaviors that lead to addictive behavior.
While each Percocet addiction treatment plan will vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals, certain aspects remain the same. Some of the most common treatment options include:
- Inpatient treatment: Residential care is a more intensive form of treatment that can provide round-the-clock care and support. This makes it a good fit for people who have a severe addiction or who need help detoxing from Percocet.
- Outpatient treatment: Outpatient programs provide less intensive treatment that can help people with a less severe addiction. Outpatient can also benefit people who are able to maintain their sobriety without round-the-clock care.
- Ongoing care: Addiction recovery is a lifelong process, so it is important to participate in aftercare services. These include participation in peer support groups, individual and group therapy, and community service opportunities.
Opioid Addiction Treatment at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality and effective addiction treatment services. Our program takes a whole-health approach to treatment, providing the support you need to overcome not just your addiction to opioid medication but the underlying causes as well.
When you decide to start your recovery process at one of our rehab centers, you will have access to a wide variety of treatment services, including:
- Medical detox program
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Evidence-based therapies
- Holistic and wellness services
- Alumni support
No matter what your recovery needs may be, we can provide the necessary resources you need in treatment and recovery from Percocet addiction. Reach out to us by calling 877-RECOVERY to learn more information about our treatment facilities and how we can help you get started on your road to recovery today!
