Addicted to Percocet? Get Help in Deerfield Beach

By We Level Up | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: January 13, 2023

What Is Percocet?

Percocet is a prescription painkiller that combines oxycodone, an opioid, with acetaminophen. Doctors prescribe it for moderate to severe pain, often after surgery or an injury. Percocet dosage varies by prescription. Common strengths include 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg oxycodone. Each strength is paired with acetaminophen. The opioid in Percocet slows down the brain and body, and this effect of Percocet can create feelings of calm and pain relief. This calming effect is part of why the drug can feel appealing beyond pain relief alone. Taking more than prescribed, or using it without a prescription, raises the risk of becoming addicted to Percocet.

Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Addiction

• Taking more Percocet than prescribed or using it longer than needed
• Strong cravings or thinking about Percocet often
• Needing higher doses to feel the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms when a dose is missed
• Hiding or lying about Percocet use
• Trouble stopping, even when it causes problems at home or work

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Percocet Side Effects

Percocet side effects range from mild to severe, and they often get worse with long-term misuse.

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Nausea or constipation
• Slowed or shallow breathing
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Mood swings or irritability
• Itching or heavy sweating

Effects of Percocet Addiction on Daily Life

Being addicted to Percocet does not stay contained to the body. It tends to spread into every part of daily life, and most people in recovery point to the same set of struggles:

• Tension or breakdown in close relationships
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Falling behind at work or school
• Financial strain from buying more of the drug
• Legal trouble, including forged prescriptions or doctor shopping
• Ongoing health problems, including liver strain from acetaminophen

Left untreated, Percocet addiction can also lead to riskier drug use, including switching to stronger opioids. Getting help early can prevent many of these consequences before they take hold.

How Percocet Addiction Is Diagnosed

A doctor or addiction specialist completes a full assessment to diagnose Percocet addiction. This includes a clinical interview, a review of symptoms, and a look at medical history. Sometimes psychological testing helps confirm the diagnosis and shape the treatment plan.

Percocet Detox Symptoms

Percocet detox symptoms appear as the body adjusts to functioning without the drug. Detox is often the hardest part of recovery, but medical support makes it safer and more comfortable.

• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Sweating and chills
• Anxiety or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Strong cravings for Percocet

These symptoms usually peak within the first few days and ease over one to two weeks. Medical detox with 24/7 monitoring helps manage discomfort and lowers the risk of relapse.

Evidence-Based Percocet Addiction Treatment Options

Percocet addiction is highly treatable with evidence-based care. The most common treatments include:

• Medically Supervised Detox: Removes Percocet from the body safely while managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps people recognize and change the thoughts and behaviors that drive drug use.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Certain medications ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms during recovery.
• Group Therapy: Builds peer support and reduces the isolation that often comes with addiction.

We Level Up Deerfield Beach’s Approach to Percocet Addiction Treatment

At We Level Up Deerfield Beach, we use multiple therapeutic approaches tailored to each person’s needs:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Builds emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills.
• Group therapy for addiction: Offers peer support and connection with others in recovery.
• Family Counseling: Repairs relationships and builds a strong support system at home.
• Medication Management: Our clinical team works with you to manage cravings and withdrawal safely.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaches grounding skills to manage stress and cravings.

What Our Percocet Addiction Treatment Program Offers

Every person who walks through our doors gets a plan built around their history, health, and goals. Our Percocet addiction treatment program offers:

• 24/7 medical monitoring and support during detox and beyond
• Individualized treatment plans that adjust as progress is made
• Access to physicians, therapists, and addiction specialists
• Medication management for withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Peer support groups that build community and accountability
• Family counseling and involvement to rebuild trust at home
• Aftercare and relapse prevention planning before discharge
• Dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health conditions

Levels of Care

• Medical Detox: If Percocet has taken hold of your body, detox comes first. You’ll stay on-site under 24/7 medical supervision while clinicians manage withdrawal safely and comfortably.
• Inpatient/Residential Treatment: This level offers the most structure and support. You’ll live on-site, attend therapy daily, and have round-the-clock access to medical and clinical staff. It works best for people who need a break from daily triggers.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP offers several hours of treatment each day. You return home or to sober housing at night. It suits people who need intensive care but not 24-hour supervision.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): IOP has fewer weekly hours than PHP. This lets you return to work, school, or family life. You still get structured support.
• Outpatient rehab services: Outpatient treatment offers the most flexibility, with regular therapy sessions that fit around daily responsibilities. It works well for people who have completed a higher level of care.

Risk Factors for Percocet Addiction

Anyone who takes Percocet can become addicted, even when using it exactly as prescribed. Still, some factors raise the risk:

• A personal or family history of substance use disorders
• Untreated mental health conditions, including anxiety or depression
• Chronic pain that leads to long-term opioid use
• Easy access to Percocet through a prescription or a family member’s medicine cabinet
• A history of trauma or high stress levels

Understanding these risk factors will not end an addiction. But it can help someone see the need for treatment sooner.

Co-Occurring Percocet Addiction and Mental Health Conditions

Percocet misuse often occurs alongside mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Physical or emotional pain can lead people to use Percocet to cope. Long-term use can worsen mood and anxiety over time. Left untreated, one condition tends to feed the other, making both harder to manage on their own. Treating addiction and mental health together, through dual diagnosis treatment, leads to better, longer-lasting recovery.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, opioid-related deaths statewide dropped by 26 percent in 2024. This was compared to 2023. Still, prescription painkillers like Percocet play a role in thousands of overdoses each year. (Florida Medical Examiners Commission) Getting help early lowers that risk.

FAQs About Percocet Addiction