Percocet is a prescription pain medication that combines oxycodone and acetaminophen. It’s often prescribed after surgery or an injury, but even when taken as directed, it can be habit-forming. 

Over time, a person may start needing more of the drug to feel the same relief, or even just to feel “normal” at all. When that happens, the line between medical use and addiction can blur quickly.

Recognizing what Percocet addiction looks like is the first step toward getting help. Understanding how it develops and what signs to look for can make it easier to step in before the addiction takes over.

What Does Percocet Addiction Look Like?

Percocet — also called “perks” — addiction often starts subtly but becomes harder to hide over time. Over time, their world starts to narrow. Daily routines, responsibilities, and relationships take a backseat as getting or using Percocet becomes the main focus. What once seemed like normal pain management starts to look more like dependence.

How Common Is Percocet Abuse?

Percocet abuse is a commonly abused prescription drug because it contains oxycodone, a highly addictive opioid. In the U.S., millions of people are prescribed opioid painkillers each year, and many become dependent on them over time. Research shows that 3.2 % (or about 8.9 million) people aged 12 or older misused opioids in 2022 alone.

Percocet abuse has also contributed to the broader opioid crisis. As prescriptions run out, some people turn to illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl to avoid withdrawal or maintain the same high, which significantly increases the risk of overdose.

How Percocet Addiction Develops

Like other drugs, Percocet affects the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine levels, which can create a strong sense of relaxation and pleasure. This feeling can become something a person wants to experience again and again.

Over time, the body builds tolerance, meaning the same dose no longer has the same effect. The person may start taking more pills or taking them more often than prescribed. Once dependency forms, withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, nausea, sweating, and muscle pain can appear if they stop.

Eventually, using Percocet becomes less about pain relief and more about avoiding withdrawal or emotional distress. This cycle can pull people in deeper, even when they genuinely want to stop.

Signs of Percocet Addiction

Percocet addiction doesn’t always look the same from one person to another. It often begins subtly, with small changes in habits, energy, or mood. Then, the addiction gradually takes hold in every part of a person’s life. The following signs often overlap and build on one another, creating a pattern that’s hard to ignore once you know what to look for.

Taking Larger Doses or Using Someone Else’s Medication

One of the first warning signs is taking more Percocet than prescribed or finding ways to get extra doses. Someone might convince themselves that they “need” a little more for pain relief, even when the pain should be manageable. 

In other cases, they might borrow or buy pills from friends or family. This behavior often starts as a way to manage physical pain but quickly shifts into a mental and emotional dependency. When the need for the drug becomes stronger than the concern for safety, it’s a clear signal of addiction.

Running Out of Prescriptions Early or “Doctor Shopping”

As tolerance builds, running out of medication too soon becomes common. Some people begin seeing multiple doctors or exaggerate symptoms to get new prescriptions. They may also become defensive when questioned about how quickly they use their medication. 

These behaviors stem from the growing fear of withdrawal symptoms, something that can feel unbearable once dependency takes hold. Over time, this cycle can strain relationships and erode trust, both personally and professionally.

Drowsiness, Confusion, and Slurred Speech

Percocet affects the central nervous system, slowing brain and body functions. As a result, a person may appear unusually drowsy, have trouble staying awake, or seem “out of it” during conversations. Their speech might slur, or they might lose their train of thought mid-sentence. 

These symptoms often appear before the person realizes how impaired they’ve become. When someone regularly looks sedated or disconnected, it’s a strong indicator that their body has adapted to constant opioid use.

Mood Swings, Irritability, or Secrecy

Emotional changes are another major sign. A person addicted to Percocet may become defensive, anxious, or easily frustrated—especially when the topic of medication comes up. They might pull away from friends or family, preferring to isolate to hide their use. 

This secrecy often stems from shame and fear of judgment, not a lack of care. Over time, the emotional ups and downs create tension in relationships, deepening the sense of isolation and dependence on the drug for comfort.

Loss of Interest in Activities or Responsibilities

As Percocet use intensifies, other areas of life start to fall away. Hobbies, social activities, and even work may no longer bring joy or motivation. The person may call in sick more often, miss deadlines, or skip events they used to enjoy. This isn’t laziness—it’s a reflection of how opioids change the brain’s ability to feel pleasure naturally. As addiction progresses, life becomes centered around the next dose, leaving little space for anything else.

Withdrawal Symptoms When Trying to Stop

When someone dependent on Percocet tries to cut back or quit, withdrawal symptoms can appear within hours. These may include anxiety, sweating, chills, stomach pain, nausea, and intense cravings. The discomfort can be overwhelming, making it difficult to stop without medical support. 

Experiencing withdrawal doesn’t mean someone is weak; it means their body has adapted to the drug. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as professional detox programs can help manage them safely and reduce the risk of relapse.

Short-Term Effects of Percocet Addiction

Percocet addiction can cause immediate changes in both the body and mind, even before tolerance develops.

Physical effects:

• Fatigue and drowsiness: The opioid in Percocet slows activity in the central nervous system, leaving a person feeling sluggish or sedated.
  
• Slowed breathing: Opioids suppress the brain’s ability to control breathing, which can lead to shallow or irregular breaths — a serious risk if the dose is high or mixed with other depressants.
  
• Constipation and nausea: The drug slows digestion, often causing uncomfortable constipation, stomach cramps, and nausea.
  
• Clouded judgment: Because Percocet affects brain areas tied to decision-making and impulse control, people may take more than intended or make risky choices they wouldn’t normally make.

Emotional and social effects:

• Mood swings and irritability: As the drug wears off, irritability or anxiety often increase, creating tension in relationships.
  
• Decline in performance: Missing work, falling behind in school, or neglecting responsibilities can happen as focus and motivation drop.

Long-Term Effects of Percocet Addiction

Over time, the body and brain adapt to constant opioid exposure, leading to deeper and more lasting damage.

Physical effects:

• Liver damage: Percocet contains acetaminophen, which in high doses can scar or permanently damage the liver.
  
• Hormonal imbalance: Chronic opioid use can lower testosterone and disrupt other hormones, leading to fatigue, sexual dysfunction, or changes in mood and appetite.
  
• Increased pain sensitivity: Long-term use can cause a condition called opioid-induced hyperalgesia, where the body becomes more sensitive to pain rather than less.
  
• Chronic constipation and digestive issues: These can persist long after stopping use, often requiring medical treatment.

Mental and emotional effects:

• Depression and anxiety: The brain becomes reliant on the drug to release dopamine, making it difficult to feel joy, motivation, or calm without it.
  
• Memory and concentration problems: Cognitive function often declines, making it harder to think clearly or remember things.
  
• Social withdrawal and isolation: As addiction worsens, maintaining relationships or social commitments can feel overwhelming, leaving the person isolated.

Healing from Percocet Addiction

Recovering from Percocet addiction takes time and professional support, but it’s absolutely possible. Treatment focuses on helping the body heal from dependency and addressing the underlying issues that led to substance use.

Detox and Medical Support

Detox is often the first step. It helps the body safely remove the drug while managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Inpatient detox programs offer round-the-clock care and can make the process more comfortable and secure.

Therapy and Counseling

Behavioral therapies—like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)—help people understand the thoughts and emotions behind their addiction. These therapies teach coping skills and provide strategies for managing triggers and stress in daily life.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Some people benefit from medications that ease cravings or reduce withdrawal symptoms. MAT can be especially helpful early in recovery to support long-term stability.

Ongoing Support and Aftercare

After treatment, ongoing therapy, support groups, and relapse prevention programs help people stay connected and accountable. Recovery is an ongoing process, and having the right support network makes a lasting difference.

Find Help for Percocet Addiction

You don’t have to face this alone. If you or someone you care about is showing signs of Percocet addiction, help is within reach. Our team offers compassionate, evidence-based care to support recovery from detox through personalized prescription drug addiction treatment. 

We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you take the first step toward healing. Contact Northpoint Recovery today to learn how we can help.