How Addictive Is Percocet?: Understanding the Role of Tolerance & Dependence

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.

How Tolerance & Dependence Influence Addiction

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.

How Addictive Is Percocet?

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.

Why Is Percocet So Addictive?

Percocet’s addictive nature stems from several key factors that make it prone to misuse and dependence. These include the following:

• Opioid status: Percocet contains oxycodone, and this is a potent opioid painkiller. Opioids interact with the brain to relieve pain and produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation.[4] This pleasurable effect can lead to a strong desire to use the drug again and again, fostering OUD.
• Feel-good sensations: Taking Percocet can make a person feel joyful or “high.” This triggering of the pleasure pathway reinforces the desire to seek out the drug to maintain this elevated mood state.
• Pain relief: Percocet is commonly prescribed to manage acute or chronic pain. When it is effective in reducing pain, it can improve quality of life and offer relief. This can create a psychological dependence on the drug to cope with pain, leading to continued use or taking higher doses than recommended.
• Physical dependence: Long-term or high-dose use of Percocet can result in physical dependence, wherein the body adjusts to the drug’s presence and requires higher doses to maintain the newly normalized state. When someone abruptly stops or reduces their use, they usually experience withdrawal symptoms, motivating them to keep using Percocet to avoid these unpleasant effects or “stay well.”[4]
• Availability: Percocet and other prescription opioids have been widely prescribed for pain management for post-operative care. Many people have bottles of unused Percocet in their medicine cabinets without a use for the drugs, which makes them easily accessible to people who are seeking them to maintain their OUD.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Percocet?

The timeline for addiction to Percocet, or any substance for that matter, is highly personal and characterized by the interplay of complex factors, including:

• Genetics
• Physiology
• Mental well-being
• Environment
• Patterns of Percocet misuse

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.

Breaking Down Tolerance

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.

Signs That Someone Is Addicted or Misusing Percocet

Identifying signs of Percocet addiction or misuse is essential in providing support to those in need. These are some signs to look for:

• Needing higher doses of Percocet over time to achieve the same effect
• Using Percocet more often or for longer periods than prescribed
• Attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions or visiting multiple doctors to acquire additional Percocet[5]
• Being preoccupied with thoughts of Percocet, including planning its use and obtaining the drug
• Neglecting personal, professional or academic duties due to the focus on Percocet use
• Withdrawing from social activities and previously enjoyed interests, preferring to isolate and use Percocet 
• Physical issues related to use, such as drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slurred speech, as well as behavioral shifts like mood swings, irritability or aggression
• Persisting with Percocet use despite negative consequences in relationships, legal matters or finances
• Repeatedly trying to stop Percocet use or reduce doses without success[1]
• Withdrawal effects, such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, restlessness, insomnia or anxiety, when attempting to quit or decrease Percocet use

Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder

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.