Percocet can be very addictive because of its primary active ingredient, the opioid oxycodone.
This substance binds to opioid receptors in the brain, blocking pain signals and creating a sense of pleasure and relaxation that can be addictive, even after short-term use.[1] With repeated use, many people quickly develop both a physical and psychological dependence on Percocet and find it very difficult to stop using the drug on their own.
The time it takes to become addicted to Percocet varies from person to person. Factors like how much is taken on average and how often it's used can affect the timeline greatly.
Overall, when someone takes Percocet regularly, their body gets used to it, and they may need higher doses to feel the same effects. This is called tolerance, and it can happen in a few weeks or months.
Tolerance is a big part of why Percocet is addictive, but it’s just part of the puzzle. As tolerance increases, people may take more of the drug in order to feel the desired effects.
Taking higher and more frequent doses to overcome tolerance can speed up the development of Percocet dependence, which means a person’s brain and body have adjusted to the presence of the opioid. If they try to stop using Percocet, they will experience painful withdrawal symptoms. The discomfort often prompts a return to use, even if they want to stop.
This can create a cycle of Percocet misuse, withdrawal, and return to use, which facilitates addiction development.
It's important to recognize signs of opioid use disorder (OUD), such as hiding drug use, changes in behavior or mood, neglecting responsibilities, strong cravings or risky actions to get more Percocet.[2] If you see these signs, professional help is recommended.
When used responsibly and as directed by medical experts, Percocet's addiction risk remains relatively low for short-term pain management, yet misuse or prolonged use can cultivate both physical and psychological dependence. In this regard, Percocet is very similar to other highly addictive substances that are also opioids, such as hydrocodone or morphine.[3]
Several factors contribute to Percocet's addictive nature, including its ability to cause euphoria, alleviate pain and induce relaxation. Additionally, opioids can trigger physical dependence, wherein the body becomes reliant on the substance for normal functioning.
Abrupt cessation or dosage reduction following prolonged Percocet use may provoke withdrawal symptoms and cravings for the drug.
Percocet's addictive nature stems from several key factors that make it prone to misuse and dependence. These include the following:
The timeline for addiction to Percocet, or any substance for that matter, is highly personal and characterized by the interplay of complex factors, including:
It's worth noting that OUD is not solely determined by the length of time a person uses Percocet or the dose they take on average. Each person's response to the drug is unique. While some people may find themselves dealing with OUD relatively quickly, others may use Percocet for an extended period and never develop a misuse problem.
Tolerance is an intricate physiological process that occurs when our bodies get used to a drug's effects over time, and it plays a key role in the development of OUD.
When we take drugs like opioids repeatedly, our bodies adapt to their presence. At first, the drug has a strong impact and provides the desired effect, but as use continues, the body becomes less responsive. This means higher doses are necessary to feel the same effect that occurred with original use.[3]
Tolerance happens because our bodies try to find balance. The body makes changes in how receptors work, how we metabolize the drug and even in brain chemistry to adapt to the presence of the new substance.[1] While these changes help our bodies cope with the drug's presence, they also make it less effective in managing abrupt shifts in levels of that substance.
As tolerance builds, and higher doses of the drug are needed to achieve the initial high or relief originally experienced, it becomes a cycle. The body needs more, so we take more, which increases the minimum amount that must be maintained in order to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms.
These withdrawal symptoms can be so devastating that psychological balance becomes dependent on maintaining that high level of the drug in the system at all times. This increases compulsive use and misuse of the substance, which in turn increases physical dependence.
Not everyone who develops a physical tolerance to a substance will become addicted, but it's an important warning sign that addiction may be developing.
Identifying signs of Percocet addiction or misuse is essential in providing support to those in need. These are some signs to look for:
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) that utilizes Suboxone is one of the best options available today for the treatment of opioid use disorder.[5] Unlike traditional detox methods that often involve a prolonged and challenging withdrawal process, MAT allows for a smoother transition to recovery. You can stop misusing Percocet and other opioids without triggering overwhelming withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of opioid use disorder.[6] With Suboxone therapy, people in crisis can quickly transition into treatment for OUD, experience relief from withdrawal symptoms and regain a sense of normalcy in their lives sooner. It greatly reduces the risk of relapse and increases the chances of sustained recovery.
Suboxone is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral therapies and support services to address the physical, psychological and social aspects of addiction.[7] The specific combination of therapeutic approaches that works best will be tailored to each individual in treatment.
If you would like more information on Suboxone treatment, contact Bicycle Health today. Find out if our telehealth MAT services are right for you.
Peter Manza, PhD received his BA in Psychology and Biology from the University of Rochester and his PhD in Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He is currently working as a research scientist in Washington, DC. His research focuses on the role of the brain dopamine system in substance use disorders and in aging. He also studies brain function in obesity and eating disorders.
