As various drug crises continue to affect the lives of countless Americans, substance abusers continue to find creative ways to use drugs. Whether it is to avoid legal trouble, to experience a more intense high, or simply because they aren’t thinking clearly, the streets have seen countless instances of drug abuse in ways that those substances weren’t even intended for. Although it may not necessarily be enough to calm a full-blown addiction, knowledge is power. Understanding the risks involved is an important step in the right direction. Banyan’s military rehab center is analyzing the phenomenon of smoking Percocet and why doing so may not lead to the experience the user was hoping for.
What Does Percocet Do?
Percocet is a combination medicine that is typically utilized as a pain reliever for patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. It contains a mixture of oxycodone and acetaminophen, the former of which is an opioid and the latter of which is not. While acetaminophen is helpful in reducing fever and addressing minor aches in the body, oxycodone works to alter the way that the brain responds to pain. Because oxycodone presents a high risk of abuse and addiction, it is registered as a controlled substance by the United States.
There are various potential side effects of taking Percocet, including:
- Intense fatigue
- Fever
- Feelings of thirst
- Issues urinating
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Overall loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sensations of anxiety and nervousness
- Seizures
- Fainting
- Slow heartbeat
Percocet abuse can result in feelings of euphoria and pleasure, which can very easily result in an addiction. This can even happen without a person realizing the danger involved, and what started out as a routine pain prescription evolves into a lifelong problem. It is also worth keeping in mind that Percocet operates in the body in a similar fashion as heroin. That means that tolerance forms quickly, leading users to up their doses to experience the same positive effects.
If you find yourself in the midst of such a cycle, Banyan’s military addiction treatment centers offer medically supervised detox that can help to bring the body and mind back to a safe and receptive state for the programs to follow.
Can You Smoke Percocet?
It is not advised, but it is technically possible to ingest Percocet by smoking. Although it is typically prescribed to be taken orally, people will attempt to heat up the pill to produce smokable vapors. During this process, a Percocet will be placed onto a piece of tin foil. The foil is held over a lighter, stovetop, or some other kind of heat source, causing the tablet to melt. Once these vapors are inhaled through a straw, the oxycodone in the drug will enter the bloodstream, which can bring about the effects or “high” faster than typical oral usage.
Another important risk to keep in mind is the fact that smoking means you are also inhaling the various binders and fillers of the medication, which can result in severe irritation of the eyes, lungs, and nose.
Side effects of smoking Percocet include:
- Coughing
- Weakness
- Feelings of drowsiness
- Burning of the eyes and throat
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting
Although many of the properties of oxycodone are lost during the healing and inhalation process, someone not in their right mind is still greatly at risk for experiencing an overdose or worse. If this is the case, getting them the professional help they need could ultimately save their life.
Drug Addiction Treatment for Veterans
If someone elects to ingest a drug in a way that was not intended, it can be a clear sign that a deeper problem is at play. It is also why our veteran addiction treatment centers seek to provide effective programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of why this situation is happening and what steps can be taken to mitigate it. From partial hospitalization to inpatient and outpatient, our levels of care will meet you where you are in your disease and guide you down the road to recovery.
Considering that veterans are susceptible to various mental health issues, making sure that these brave men and women have access to effective addiction care can be a true game changer.
To learn more about the therapies and programs available, contact Banyan Military and Veterans in Recovery at 888-280-4763 today.
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