Percocet is a combination of medications used to treat severe or chronic pain.
It contains both an opioid (oxycodone) and acetaminophen. While oxycodone works to alleviate pain, acetaminophen reduces any fevers. Many people make the mistake of believing medications are safe because they’re prescribed by doctors; however, like any prescription drug, Percocet has a high potential for abuse and can affect the brain in various ways. How Percocet impacts the brain depends largely on the severity and longevity of the person’s addiction. Because this particular medication contains an opioid, the risk of developing a dependency is high. Opioids are also known for their detrimental effects on the brain.
As a drug and alcohol treatment center in Boca, we’ve had firsthand experience with the impact of drug abuse on the brain. Even prescription drugs aren’t entirely safe and misusing or abusing these drugs in the slightest can lead to dependency and brain damage.
How Does Percocet Affect the Brain?
Percocet affects the brain by directly impacting opioid receptors. Because it contains oxycodone, Percocet works by latching onto opioid receptors in the brain in order to block any pain or discomfort. The longer someone takes Percocet, the more difficult it may be for them to stop. Opioids and other prescription painkillers are usually prescribed for a short amount of time. Unfortunately, many people start to rely on the pain-relieving benefits, causing them to take more than the recommended dosage. This can easily lead to a Percocet overdose and brain damage.
The long-term effects of Percocet on the brain include:
How Percocet impacts the brain depends on whether the individual is misusing it. When a person begins to take more Percocet than the recommended dosage or take it more often than prescribed, their body slowly builds a tolerance for it. The more tolerant they become, the more Percocet they’ll need in order to feel any pain relief, possibly resulting in addiction. Once the brain becomes accustomed to the feelings of pleasure and ease that Percocet produces, it can be difficult for the individual to quit. Many who attempt to suddenly stop taking Percocet after long-term use experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
The opioid epidemic continues to get worse as more and more people become addicted to prescription drugs.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Boca, we usually recommend a prescription pill detox to patients who are struggling with a prescription drug addiction. During a detox treatment, patients will receive 24-hour medical assistance and supervision to ensure their health, safety, and that they can move onto their next phase of addiction treatment.
The best way to avoid the effects of Percocet on the brain is by receiving professional assistance. Call our Banyan Boca team at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our
residential treatment program.
Sources:
NCBI –Prescription opioid analgesics rapidly change the human brain
Related Reading:
Meth & The Brain: How Does Meth Affect the Brain?
Sober Things to Do in Boca
A Deeper Look at Drug Use & Fertility
