Percocet is a prescription pain medication that combines oxycodone, a powerful opioid, with acetaminophen. While effective for short-term pain relief, Percocet carries a high risk for dependence, misuse, and addiction, even when taken as directed.
If you or someone you love is concerned about Percocet use, understanding the risks—and knowing help is available—can make all the difference.
What Is Percocet?
Percocet blends:
Oxycodone (opioid analgesic)
Acetaminophen (analgesic/fever reducer)
Oxycodone works by binding to receptors in the brain involved in pain perception and reward. This system also regulates pleasure, motivation, and emotional responses—helping explain why opioids can be addictive.
Is Percocet Addictive?
Yes.
Percocet can be highly addictive, even when prescribed.
Oxycodone activates the brain’s mu-opioid receptors, releasing dopamine and reinforcing repeated use. Over time, the brain can become dependent, causing a person to need more to achieve the same effect (tolerance).
Why Percocet Is Addictive
Euphoric effects: Some people experience intense pleasure, reinforcing use.
Tolerance development: Increasing amounts may be needed to achieve pain relief.
Physical dependence: Stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological dependence: Cravings and compulsive use can develop.
A large body of research confirms that prescription opioids like oxycodone carry high misuse and addiction risk—especially during prolonged use. A 2017 review found that 21–29% of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them, and 8–12% develop an opioid use disorder (Vowles et al., 2015).
How Addiction Develops
Opioid misuse often starts unintentionally—through an injury, surgery, or dental procedure.
Over time, people may:
Take larger doses than prescribed
Use drugs more frequently
Seek early refills
Borrow or buy pills from others
These behaviors are warning signs of misuse and can progress to opioid use disorder (OUD).
Signs of Percocet Misuse or Addiction
Behavioral signs
Taking more than prescribed
Doctor shopping for extra prescriptions
Social withdrawal
Mood changes
Hiding pills
Physical signs
Drowsiness
Confusion
Constipation
Nausea
Slowed breathing
Pinpoint pupils
Withdrawal symptoms
When a person stops using Percocet after dependence has formed, they may experience:
Anxiety
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle aches
Diarrhea
Insomnia
Withdrawal can be uncomfortable and is a key reason many struggle to stop without help.
Is Short-Term Percocet Use Safe?
Short-term use under medical supervision may be appropriate, but risk varies by:
Dose
Duration
Personal or family history of substance use
Co-occurring mental health conditions
Even short-term use can lead to dependence if not carefully monitored.
Percocet vs. Other Opioids
Evidence shows that oxycodone is as addictive as other prescription opioids, including hydrocodone and morphine. Because Percocet contains oxycodone, its addiction potential is equivalent to other oxycodone-based medications.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Percocet Addiction?
Risk increases for people with:
Personal or family history of substance use
Chronic pain
Depression, anxiety, or PTSD
Social stressors like unemployment or trauma
Long-term or high-dose prescriptions
Genetics may account for 40–60% of addiction vulnerability (NIDA, 2018).
Safe Alternatives to Percocet
Depending on the condition, alternatives may include:
Non-opioid medications (NSAIDs, acetaminophen)
Physical therapy
Nerve blocks
Behavioral pain management
Non-pharmacologic treatments (heat/cold, massage)
Always consult a clinician before changing medications.
If You’re Struggling With Percocet Use, You’re Not Alone
More than 2.1 million Americans live with opioid use disorder (SAMHSA, 2023). Substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.
How to Break Addiction to Percocet and other Opioid Painkillers
Breaking an addiction to opioid painkillers is a challenging but achievable process that typically requires a comprehensive approach involving medical, psychological, and social support.
The first step often involves medically supervised detoxification, where healthcare providers manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone can be used to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal.
Following detox, long-term treatment plans should include behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
Support groups and recovery programs provide ongoing encouragement and community. It’s also crucial to address any underlying issues, such as chronic pain or mental health disorders, that may have contributed to the addiction. Affect’s app has a private community for its members who support each other.
Comprehensive treatment plans, personalized to the individual’s needs, increase the likelihood of sustained recovery and help individuals rebuild their lives free from the grip of opioid addiction.
Does Contingency Management work for Opioid Painkiller addiction?
Contingency management (CM) is a highly effective behavioral therapy in the treatment of prescription painkiller addiction, leveraging positive reinforcement to encourage sobriety and adherence to treatment.
This approach involves providing tangible rewards, such as vouchers, prizes, or other incentives, to patients who meet specific treatment goals, such as passing drug tests or attending therapy sessions. Affect’s app is built with the neuroscience of rewards and how they are proven to motivate peoples’ recovery journeys to lasting sobriety.
Research has shown that CM significantly increases retention in treatment programs and reduces drug use compared to standard care alone. The immediate and concrete nature of the rewards helps to combat the often delayed gratification associated with recovery, making it a powerful motivator for individuals struggling with addiction.
By reinforcing positive behaviors and providing structure, contingency management can enhance overall treatment outcomes and support long-term recovery from prescription painkiller addiction.
Can You Quit Opioid Painkillers with Affect’s Telemedicine Addiction Treatment Program?
Yes, quitting opioid painkillers through telemedicine addiction treatment is a viable option and has become increasingly accessible and effective, especially with the advent of modern technology and the growing acceptance of remote healthcare.
Telemedicine provides patients with convenient access to medical professionals who can prescribe medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone, monitor progress, and offer behavioral therapies through virtual sessions.
This method is particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those who have mobility or transportation issues. Telemedicine also allows for more frequent and flexible contact with healthcare providers, fostering continuous support and reducing the stigma associated with seeking addiction treatment.
By leveraging digital platforms, patients can receive comprehensive care that includes medical supervision, counseling, and peer support, all crucial components for successfully overcoming opioid addiction.
Affect’s program is delivered completely through a smartphone app, bringing all the services of an outpatient rehab clinic right to you. With group and individual therapy, medications and medical support, and powerful tools to motivate your recovery, Affect’s program is highly effective. Our members reduce their drug use by over 50% in their first month.
If you’re ready to stop using and start living, we’re ready and waiting for you.