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Mixing Percocet and Alcohol

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Percocet and Alcohol

Mixing alcohol with other substances is not uncommon, and mixing Percocet and alcohol is uniquely dangerous.

Percocet is a potent combination of the opioid painkiller oxycodone and the non-opioid acetaminophen.

This powerful prescription is typically reserved for short-term use in treating moderate to severe pains after surgeries, injuries, or illnesses.

Its fast-acting and potent effects are also fleeting, often triggering abuse, dependence, and addiction.

Some mix Percocet and alcohol to enhance its effects, but this can quickly cause an overdose or liver damage.

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Similarities Between Percocet and Alcohol

Percocet is one of the most common prescription opioids.

Its purpose is to change the way that the body and brain recognize and respond to pain.

Both Percocet and alcohol have sedative-like effects.

They each can lead to an increased sense of pleasure and relaxation and a decreased sense of pain.

Alcohol may increase the effects achieved by Percocet, but doing so can be dangerous for several different reasons.

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The Dangers of Combining Percocet and Alcohol

Oxycodone, the opioid ingredient in Percocet, is a powerful drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. Passing out is not uncommon when Percocet and alcohol are mixed. This can cause you to fall, or crash while driving, and harm yourself and others. In addition to potential physical injuries, this is also dangerous because an unconscious drug user could vomit and choke. But the most troubling problem that occurs when you mix Percocet and alcohol is respiratory depression.

When this happens, users experience slowed breathing that may become irregular, dangerously shallow, or even stop altogether. With this lack of oxygen, the body will begin to shut down because its organ systems cannot function properly. Without treatment, this is often fatal. Doctors, emergency medical technicians, and other medical professionals may use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. But this medication is less effective when there are additional drugs present in the body. As such, mixing alcohol and Percocet would make it harder to reverse the overdose.

Percocet and Alcohol Abuse Rates

Mixing opioids with other substances is one of the most common methods of drug abuse. And misuse of prescription painkillers is only second on the list of the most common forms of illicit drug use today. Misusing prescription opioids increases your risk of overdose, physical and mental health impairments, and other potentially fatal consequences. But Percocet is not an opioid alone. Another concern when mixing Percocet and alcohol is the potential for acetaminophen poisoning, which may cause liver damage. Alcohol also causes liver damage.

Combining a large amount of acetaminophen and alcohol can increase this risk and speed the pace of this potential liver damage. The combination may also damage the stomach lining, increasing the risk of developing an ulcer. Untreated ulcers may open and become septic, leading to life-threatening bleeding and infections. There are many different health impairments that may come from mixing Percocet and alcohol. If you or someone you love is combining this powerful opioid with alcoholic drinks, it is time to take action. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away, but addiction treatment may.

Percocet and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

The first step in recovery from Percocet and alcohol addiction is often a medically-assisted detox. Both of these substances can lead to a wide range of withdrawal symptoms that may be uncomfortable, painful, or even dangerous. Some of the most common and immediate opioid withdrawal symptoms include body aches and pains, nausea, and vomiting. Early alcohol detox symptoms include anxiety, shakiness, headaches, insomnia, sweats, and nausea and vomiting, as well. In high doses, long-term abuse, or the presence of additional complications, the withdrawal symptoms for either of these drugs can evolve to become much more troubling.

Detoxing at home can be scary and dangerous. But detoxing in the safety and comfort of a Resurgence Behavioral Health facility makes it easier. Most of our addiction care programs begin with a personalized detox. If you have a severe addiction, withdrawal symptoms, or cravings, it may be medically-assisted. This type of detox helps ease withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings so that you can focus on recovery. It also allows us to monitor your progress and ensure we are meeting your needs during the stage of early sobriety.

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Addiction Treatment Options

For clients who are addicted to multiple substances or dangerous drugs like opioids, we often recommend an inpatient or residential program. This type of program offers you 24-hour access to the care, support, and guidance of our dedicated addiction teams. The second-most structured program we offer is a partial hospitalization program. We also offer intensive outpatient programs, traditional outpatient programs, dual diagnosis programs, and aftercare services. For specialized needs, we offer trauma-informed care, among other uniquely crafted care programs.

We also offer 12-step programs and alumni groups for continued support. Many clients will work their way through these programs, beginning with an inpatient or residential stay and moving on to a partial hospitalization program next. But each client and addiction is different. We will customize this process to your unique addiction and needs to ensure that you are where you should be. We want you to get the most you can out of your time with us. The best way to meet this goal is to personalize each stage of your addiction recovery journey as best as we can.

Addiction Treatment Methods

During an inpatient program, you will participate in proven treatment methods each day. These include methods like therapy sessions, support groups, and relapse prevention training. You will enjoy three healthy meals and regular recreational activities. Most of our facilities are located within minutes of a beach. You will also have access to creative therapies and holistic remedies. Activities like beach trips, art therapy, fitness classes, and yoga and meditation sessions help you find peace and balance. Addressing the needs of both your body and mind is crucial in addiction recovery. In each of our programs, we will work with you to determine the right combination of proven care methods, creative solutions, recreational activities, and holistic remedies.

Paying for Addiction Treatments

Costs can vary from addiction care program to addiction care program because each one is carefully customized. At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we understand that one-size-fits-all solutions are generally ineffective. We will work to put together a detailed breakdown of costs once we have built your customized care program. In the meantime, please call our admissions counselor for a complimentary insurance verification to get started. Most health insurance providers offer coverage for addiction care, and we work with most major health insurance providers to make the process easier. If you do not have health insurance or your coverage falls short, please ask about our alternative payment options.

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Resurgence Behavioral Health

Our dedicated team of top medical experts offers highly specialized and customized treatment programs.

We are committed to ensuring that each client is treated as an individual and each addiction is met the way that it should be.

From our first phone call through life skills training aftercare planning, we will customize the process and walk alongside you.

You do not have to face your addiction alone.

Call us today for more information, or to start with your complimentary insurance verification.

David Rofofsky
David Rofofsky
After growing up in New York, David chose to get help with substance abuse in California because of the state's reputation for top-tier treatment. There, he found the treatment he needed to achieve more than nine years of recovery. He's been in the drug and alcohol addiction rehab industry for eight years and now serves as the Director of Admissions for Resurgence Behavioral Health. David remains passionate about the field because he understands how hard it is to pick up the phone and ask for help. However, once the call is made, someone's life can be saved.


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