What Are Perks Slang For? Signs of Percocet Addiction

Percocet, often called “perks,” is a prescription painkiller that people sometimes misuse. It can lead to addiction, overdose, and other serious problems. In this post, we’ll look at how Percocet works, why some people abuse it, and the warning signs of addiction. Understanding these risks can help you recognize if you or someone you know might need help.

What Are Perks Slang For?

Perks are the street term for the prescription medication Percocet, an opioid narcotic. Percocet is made from a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen and the opioid painkiller oxycodone. 

Perks pills are classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Food and Drug Administration, along with various other prescription painkillers, or opioid narcotics.

Other Street Names for Percocet

These terms are often used to refer to Percocet pills in illegal or non-medical settings:

• Percs
• Blues
• Roxy
• 512s
• Paul’s Boutique
• Beans

Why Do People Abuse Percocet?

People misuse Percocet for different reasons. Some start using it to manage pain, but the feelings of relaxation and euphoria it causes can lead to misuse. Over time, this can turn into dependency and/or addiction. 

Here’s how Percocet use can evolve into abuse, as people begin to seek both physical relief and a way to escape emotional struggles.

Pain Relief

Percocet is often prescribed for moderate to severe pain. People may misuse it by taking higher doses or using it without a prescription to manage physical pain, especially if they have built up a tolerance or feel that over-the-counter medications aren’t effective.

As people develop a tolerance, they may start increasing their dosage without consulting a doctor, putting themselves at risk for misuse. This often happens when they feel their prescribed amount no longer provides enough relief.

Euphoria and Relaxation

Percocet can create a sense of euphoria and relaxation due to the opioid oxycodone. People may abuse it to experience a “high” or to escape emotional stress, anxiety, or negative feelings. Over time, chasing this “high” can cause people to take Percocet more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed, which significantly increases the risk of addiction.

Escaping Emotional or Mental Pain

For some, physical pain is not the only reason for misuse. People dealing with emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety may abuse Percocet to numb their mental and emotional struggles. This type of misuse can be particularly dangerous because it avoids addressing the root of the emotional or mental issues, often worsening these problems over time.

Developing Tolerance

Over time, the body can build up a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effects. This can lead to misuse and abuse, as people may take more Percocet than prescribed.

Addiction and Dependence

Percocet is an opioid, and like other opioids, it has a high potential for addiction. People may begin abusing it because of physical dependence, where their bodies require the drug to feel normal or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Peer Pressure or Recreational Use

Some people, particularly younger individuals, may abuse Percocet due to peer pressure or curiosity about its effects. It may be used recreationally in social settings to enhance mood or for experimentation.

Self-Medication

Some individuals may not have access to proper mental health treatment or may not recognize the need for it. As a result, they use Percocet to self-medicate for underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma.

Accessibility and Misconceptions

Prescription opioids like Percocet may be perceived as safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by doctors. This can lead to misuse if people believe it’s less dangerous than illegal drugs, especially if they have access through friends, family, or their own unused prescriptions.

Signs of Percocet Addiction

Recognizing the signs of Percocet addiction early can prevent more serious consequences, like overdose. Below are some common indicators that someone may be struggling with addiction:

Increased Tolerance

One of the first signs of addiction is needing more Percocet to feel the same relief or effects. For example, someone may go from taking one pill as prescribed to taking multiple pills just to feel normal. If they talk about the medication not working as well anymore or if they’re frequently requesting refills earlier than expected, it’s a sign their body is building tolerance.

Withdrawal Symptoms

As addiction develops, a person might experience withdrawal when the drug wears off. This can include symptoms like restlessness, anxiety, nausea, sweating, or body aches. They may become irritable or agitated until they can take more Percocet. These withdrawal symptoms can push them to use the drug more often, just to feel comfortable or avoid these negative feelings.

Constant Focus on the Drug

Addiction often leads to obsessive thinking about the drug. A person may spend a lot of time planning how to get their next dose, worrying if they have enough, or rearranging their schedule to make sure they can take the drug. Their mind may be preoccupied with Percocet to the point where it interferes with their daily life, making it harder to focus on work, family, or personal interests.

Neglecting Responsibilities

As addiction grows, responsibilities at work, school, or home may begin to slip. They might miss deadlines, forget important appointments, or be late more often because of their focus on Percocet. In some cases, they may even skip social or family events to use the drug or because they don’t feel well without it.

Mood and Behavior Changes

Addiction can cause significant changes in behavior and mood. Someone may become more secretive, withdrawn, or defensive if asked about their drug use. You might notice them becoming more irritable or anxious, or their mood could change quickly from calm to angry. This is often because their mood is closely tied to their drug use — feeling good when they have it and struggling emotionally when they don’t.

Doctor Shopping or Getting the Drug Illegally

As their need for Percocet grows, some people may start “doctor shopping,” or visiting multiple doctors to get more prescriptions. They might lie about losing their medication or claim they need more than is prescribed. 

In more severe cases, they may turn to illegal methods, such as buying Percocet from friends, dealers, or online sources. This desperation to keep up their supply is a clear sign of addiction.

Social Withdrawal

People addicted to Percocet may start pulling away from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed. They may isolate themselves to hide their drug use, or they may feel too overwhelmed or unwell to participate in normal social interactions. This withdrawal can be a sign that their addiction is taking over their life, making them feel disconnected from their usual support systems.

Difference Between Percocet Abuse and Dependence

There’s a fine line between dependence and abuse of medications like opioids and benzodiazepines. Dependence occurs when the body adapts to regular use, which is normal if monitored by a doctor. 

Abuse happens when medication is intentionally misused, such as taking more than prescribed or altering its form, like snorting. Both dependence and abuse can lead to withdrawal, with symptoms varying in severity. 

What Does an Overdose on Perks Pills Look Like?

If you take too many Percocet or mix them with alcohol or other drugs, overdose is extremely possible. Overdose does not always imply death, but if not addressed immediately, an overdose could lead to death. 

It’s important to know what to look for in an overdose so you can seek proper medical attention if someone you know has overdosed. You have the potential to save their life. 

Signs of Percocet overdose include:

• Blue shade in skin or lips
• Sudden loss of or lapses in consciousness
• Cold, clammy skin
• Extreme sleepiness or dozing off
• Overall feeling of discomfort or sickness
• Low blood pressure and/or pulse
• Shallow, slow, or labored breathing
• Complete unconsciousness
• Lack of responsiveness

If you notice any of the above signs of an overdose in your friend or loved one, call emergency services immediately. If you act quickly, there are medications to counteract the effects of an overdose.

Get Help for Percocet Abuse Today

Struggling with Percocet abuse can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it on your own. We offer specialized addiction treatment programs designed to address the root causes of addiction.

Our team will work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs, offering the care and support necessary to overcome addiction and move forward in recovery.

Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options and how we can help you or a loved one on the path to healing.