Percocet is a mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen. As with so many other opioids, addiction can be very fast-forming, even within a few weeks of first use. The drug, though often prescribed for legitimate pain relief, is used for illegal purposes most commonly among men younger than 25. Studies have shown this demographic is most susceptible to the formation of addiction.

Percocet addiction can be psychological or physical in nature, or a combination of both. The main sign of abuse is when someone takes the pill much more often than prescribed, simply to achieve a euphoric feeling or to “relax.” This pill abuse is relatively easy for an addict to hide from friends and family members, however. For that reason, it can be very difficult for a Percocet addict to get the help they need, because nobody is pushing them to acknowledge the addiction. One other sign to watch for is a preoccupation with obtaining prescriptions, whether legally or illegally. It may involve talking with different doctors, or more drastically, stealing from loved ones or buying pills on the street.

When pills are no longer available for some reason, the addict will experience withdrawal symptoms similar to those exhibited with the flu. These symptoms can begin 12 to 36 hours from last use, and may include nausea, sweating, shivering, appetite loss, irritability, anxiety, etc.

Often, the best approach to Percocet addiction treatment is threefold – nutritional, psychological and medical. If your loved one is exhibiting signs of addiction to Percocet or some other prescription pill, then consult with trained experts at a Percocet addiction treatment center to learn your options going forward.