MenuClose

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

How Long Percocet Header

How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?

Percocet is a prescription opiate drug that is often given to those who are in moderate to severe pain. This prescription drug is one of the most commonly prescribed opioids in America. It’s also one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. This isn’t surprising considering how addictive Percocet can be.

Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Together, these two drugs are very good at relieving pain. This is why Percocet is frequently a choice after major surgeries or injuries.

It is possible to form an addiction to Percocet, and many people do.

Chronic pain frequently leads to addiction. An addiction can form from using the drug too long, or from using it recreationally.

Many prescription drug addictions started off with a prescription from a doctor. Many people who are addicted to Percocet first started taking it for legitimate reasons. They may have been in an accident or were injured. Some may simply have a medical condition that causes them to be in a lot of pain. Unfortunately, with time, their usage transforms into abuse. Eventually, abuse becomes addiction.

If you have a Percocet addiction, it's natural to wonder how long Percocet will stay in your body. In fact, this is an important question. It will determine when your withdrawal symptoms will appear. It will also determine how you should tackle addiction recovery. Once you know the answer to this question, you can begin to think about your recovery

Do You Have Questions About Addiction? Call Our Recovery Experts Now.

How Long Will Percocet Remain in Your Body?

Percocet is a combination of two different drugs. Because of this, the half-life of each drug needs to be taken into consideration. A drug's half-life is how long it takes for half of the drug to leave the body. The half-life for oxycodone and acetaminophen will be different. 

Percocet

It’s also important to note that the metabolites of oxycodone and acetaminophen may also have lingering effects on the body. The metabolites can also take a long time to be cleared from the body. If the metabolites are still around, the drug abuser may still experience some Percocet effects. The length of time that various drugs stay in one’s system will vary.

The Metabolic Pathway of Oxycodone

The half-life of oxycodone is about 3.5 hours. The half-life of the extended release version of oxycodone can reach up to 5.6 hours. These are just approximate guesses. The actual length of time that it will take for a drug to be metabolized will vary. It will depend on each person’s genetics and body. 

The liver breaks down oxycodone into three metabolites: noroxycodone, oxymorphone and noroxymorphone. The half-life of these metabolites will also vary. Noroxycodone has a half-life of about 3 to 6 hours. Oxymorphone and noroxymorphone have a half-life of about 7.5 to 9.5 hours. In short,it will take one to three days for oxycodone and all of its metabolites to be removed from your body. 

Oxycodone will be removed from one’s body and system within 22.5 hours. It will take longer for the metabolites to be cleared from your system.

What is Percocet

The Metabolic Pathway of Acetaminophen

The half-life of acetaminophen varies between 2 to 3 hours. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver. The metabolites of acetaminophen include sulphate and glucuronide compounds. Acetaminophen is also metabolized into a toxic byproduct, also known as NAPBQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine). This metabolite is immediately detoxified in the liver. 

What is Percocet

What Influences How Long Percocet Stays in the Body?

There are many different factors that contribute to how long Percocet stays in the system. Everyone is different, and the above numbers are just averages. Percocet may remain in the body for shorter or longer periods of time, based on:

  • Whether you were using other drugs. Using other drugs at the same time as Percocet can make it remain in the body longer.
  • How often you use Percocet. An infrequent user will eliminate the drug from their system much faster than a frequent user.
  • How much Percocet you use. A larger dose of Percocet is more difficult for the liver to process. Because of this, it can take longer for it to clear from the body.
  • Your metabolic rate.  Some people process drugs much faster than others. This may or may not be the case for you.
  • Whether you are hydrated or eating while taking Percocet. Taking the drug on an empty stomach may allow it to be processed faster.
  • Your age and weight. Your age and weight can also have an effect on how Percocet is metabolized in your body. Pediatric patients are able to clear oxycodone 20% to 40% more efficiently than adults. Elderly patients will also have a more difficult time metabolizing the metabolite, noroxycodone.
  • Whether you struggle with specific health conditions. Specific medical conditions may affect how well your body can remove Percocet. 

Every person’s ability to metabolize Percocet and clear it from their system will differ. It can be difficult to figure out what the exact timeline may be.

The Chemical Makeup of Percocet

Percocet is made of two different active compounds: oxycodone and acetaminophen. Each compound plays a role in this medication. Percocet also contains several inactive ingredients, like colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized cornstarch, povidone and stearic acid. 

Each dose of Percocet also contains other different coloring agents. Common coloring agents include FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake. 

What is Percocet
Oxycodone

The chemical name for oxycodone is 14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone. Its chemical formula is C18H21NO4. It is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic that comes in the form of a white, odorless powder. This compound tastes bitter.

Oxycodone is also derived from thebaine. This chemical has an opioid effect on the body, and can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Acetaminophen

The chemical name for oxycodone is 14-hydroxydihydrocodeinone. Its chemical formula is C18H21NO4. It is a semisynthetic opioid analgesic that comes in the form of a white, odorless powder. This compound tastes bitter.

Oxycodone is also derived from thebaine. This chemical has an opioid effect on the body, and can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Strength and Dosage

Percocet comes in the form of a tablet. This medication is taken orally. The dosage and strength of the Percocet prescribed will depend on the patient’s condition. Those who are in more severe pain may need a larger dosage or a higher strength. 

Regardless of the strength and dosage prescribed, this opioid analgesic should be administered on an around-the-clock schedule. This will help ensure that patients remain pain-free. The various strengths and dosages of Percocet include: 

  • Percocet 2.5mg/325mg. Most patients will take 2 tablets every 6 hours depending on how much pain they are in. Patients should not take more than 4 grams of acetaminophen in a day.
  • Percocet 5mg/325mg. Patients should take a tablet every 6 hours depending on how much pain they’re in.
  • Percocet 7.5mg/325mg. Once again, patients are usually asked to take one tablet every 6 hours depending on the amount of pain that they’re in.
  • Percocet 10mg/325mg. This is the strongest Percocet tablet available. Once again, patients should not take more than one tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain. 

The strength and dosage prescribed will vary from one patient to another. Doctors must be careful when prescribing Percocet, as this drug is highly addictive. It’s also easy for patients to develop a tolerance to this drug. This makes it difficult for doctors to determine what an appropriate dose is in a world with drug-seeking patients.

Drug Tests for Percocet

The length of time that it takes for the body to clear Percocet is particularly important to those who are taking drug tests. Some people may worry that the drug will show up in their system if they are being tested in a professional setting. Other people may want to administer a test to see whether their loved ones are addicted to Percocet. A drug test is the best way to determine whether a loved one has been abusing this opioid. 

There are various different types of drug testing methods. The most common ones include blood tests, urine tests, hair tests and breathalyzers. 

What is Percocet

How long each drug stays in your blood, urine, and breath can vary. The methods of each drug testing also have variable windows of detection. Drug testing timelines can vary based on several factors. Some factors include: 

  • Your physiological makeup, height, age, weight and body fat percentage
  • Your state of health presently
  • Your exercise patterns
  • Your state of mind 

When you take drugs, how you’re feeling at that moment can play a part in how long drugs stay in your system. The frequency and length of the drug use will also be contributing factors. Addiction plays a role in how quickly your body will get rid of the drugs also.

At times, it may be necessary to check for Percocet via a saliva test. This is a test that police officers often use when they suspect drug impairment. This type of drug test can also be used in workplaces, and is also one of the easiest tests to get. Due to this reason, many loved ones may rely on saliva tests to see whether their loved ones are using drugs or not. 

A saliva test will yield a relatively quick result for Percocet in the body. It can be detected for as long as 1 to 4 days after the last use of the drug. This type of test is non-invasive. The results are usually instantaneous. Tests that are analyzed in laboratories tend to be a lot more precise and accurate. They also tend to have a longer detection window. 

In hospital settings, and in some clinics, a blood test may be used to check for Percocet. Blood tests are excellent, and their results are quite reliable. Oxycodone will peak in the bloodstream within one hour of the last dose. However, most experts say that Percocet can be detected in blood in as little as 15 minutes. 

A blood test for Percocet will remain positive for as long as 24 hours after the last dose. If an overdose is suspected, a blood test provides immediate information about the drug that was ingested. 

The only downside of a blood test is that it is a bit invasive. Those who take a blood test will need to go to a medical center for the test. They will also need to wait for the results, as the blood sample needs to be analyzed at a laboratory.

Urine tests are the types of tests most frequently used to check for Percocet in the body. Within 2 hours of ingestion, Oxycodone will show up in a urine test. 

Furthermore, a positive urine test for Percocet will stay positive for 48 hours, on average. Peak levels of Oxycodone will be present between 3 and 19 hours after the last dose. 

Frequent Percocet users may find that their urine tests remain positive for a bit longer. It's possible for these individuals to test positive for the drug for 10 additional hours. 

These tests are non-invasive. All that’s needed is a urine sample. The results are also immediate. The drug test kits will turn a different color depending on whether there is any Percocet or Percocet metabolites in the urine. In general, urine tests are also fairly inexpensive and accessible, making them a great option for those who want to do a drug test at home.

The Oxycodone in Percocet can also be detected through a hair sample, under some circumstances. A hair test for Percocet might be used if the individual is suspected to have a recent history of abuse. A hair test is not a good option for more immediate Percocet use. It can take several weeks before Oxycodone is detected in hair. 

Once it is detected, a Percocet hair test might remain positive for as long as 30 days. In some cases, it may even remain positive for longer. 

A hair test offers the most in-depth analysis possible. The closest 1.5 inches of hair near the roots will be taken for testing. Most tests will require anywhere from 50 to 200 strands of hair. Every 0.5 inches of hair can offer insight as to whether the individual took any drugs for a 30-day window. As a result, 1.5 inches of hair can detect drug use for up to 90 days.

Mixing Percocet with Other Substances

It is never a good idea to mix Percocet with other substances. Percocet is a depressant. This means that it will have a relaxing effect on the body and mind. Those who take too much Percocet are at risk of experiencing cardiac depression, arrest or failure. They may also be at risk for respiratory depression and failure. 

Mixing Percocet with other substances can result in some unwanted consequences. If you mix Percocet with another depressant, you increase your risk of an overdose. This is because both substances will have the same effect on the body and brain. As a result, they will magnify the effects of the other. This means that a smaller Percocet dose can push your body and mind over the edge. 

On the other hand, mixing Percocet with a stimulant, like cocaine, can also result in some unsavory consequences. For one, both of these substances have the opposite effect on the body. This means that the effects of each substance will be dulled. Someone who is taking Percocet with cocaine may not feel the effects of either drug. As a result, they may take a larger dose of each substance to achieve the effects they need. This may cause them to take a dangerous dose. 

It’s also important to note that the body clears each substance at a different rate. If the body clears the stimulant first, it may become overwhelmed by the opioid.

Many people who abuse Percocet also like to drink. As a result, it’s not unusual for many people to abuse both Percocet and alcohol at the same time. Both substances are depressants, which means that they can increase a person’s risk of overdosing. Those who take Percocet and drink alcohol together may feel the effects of each substance magnified. 

Another dangerous side effect of mixing Percocet with alcohol is an increased risk of alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome. This happens when a drug user takes acetaminophen with alcohol. When metabolized, acetaminophen becomes a dangerous toxin to the liver. Those who take Percocet and drink alcohol at the same time will be more likely to develop acute liver damage. If this condition is not treated immediately, alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome can quickly lead to liver failure.  

Marijuana is a central nervous system depressant, like alcohol. With that said, addiction experts are not worried that mixing marijuana and Percocet may lead to an increased risk of overdose. In fact, the chances of this happening are fairly slim. 

The danger of abusing Percocet and marijuana together is that the two substances an easily build upon one another. They both have an effect on the reward center of the brain. Those who take both marijuana and Percocet at the same time are more likely to develop a physical dependence and an addiction to both substances.

Percocet also doesn’t mix well with many other prescription drugs. Some of these prescription drugs will interact with oxycodone, while others will interact with acetaminophen. Those who are prescribed Percocet need to make sure that they aren’t taking any of the prescription drugs below:

  • alcohol
  • anesthetics
  • Antihistamines like cetirizine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine
  • antipsychotics like haloperidol, quetiapine, olanzapine and risperidone
  • "azole" antifungal medications like fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole
  • baclofen
  • barbiturates like butalbital, phenobarbital, and secobarbital
  • benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam
  • bosentan
  • bupropion
  • buspirone
  • butorphanol
  • carbamazepine
  • chloral hydrate
  • cholestyramine
  • dasatanib
  • dexamethasone
  • dextroamphetamine
  • imatinib
  • warfarin 
  • isoniazid
  • Lamotrigine
  • macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, and telithromycin
  • methocarbamol
  • monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs like tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and moclobemide
  • other narcotic analgesics like codeine and morphine
  • pentazocine
  • phenothiazines like perphenazine, and thioridazine
  • phenytoin
  • primidone
  • protease inhibitors like daraunavir, indinavir, lopinavir, ritonavir and saquinavir
  • quinidine
  • rifabutin
  • rifampin
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; like citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline
  • St. John's wort
  • thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, and indapamide
  • tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine and imipramine

It’s important to note that the Percocet can interact with so many prescription drugs. Due to this reason, you should always read the warning labels first. If you take any of the prescriptions above, you should highly consider speaking with your doctor or pharmacist first. 

Depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking one of the medications. They may also recommend that you switch one of the medications to something more suitable. In some cases, your doctors may recommend that you stay with Percocet. In these situations, they’ll give you a list of side effects to keep an eye out for.

Does Detox Take Longer If You Mix Percocet with Other Drugs?

Klonopin In Your System

If you take other substances with Percocet, detox will take longer. The different drugs may have a larger influence on the neurochemical levels in your brain or body. They may cause a larger imbalance. When that happens, it will take your body a longer period of time to return back to its normal state. This will cause the detox period to become longer. You may need to use a variety of medications to ease your withdrawal symptoms. 

You may experience withdrawal symptoms for a longer period as well, as your body tries to return back to normal. You may also experience other types of withdrawal symptoms that are associated with the other substances. 

In general, most people will opt for a longer medical detox treatment. With that said, the detox can be coupled with holistic detox services. Holistic detox services don’t rely on any medications at all. Instead, they rely on using natural approaches to ease withdrawal symptoms. For example, patients may do yoga to learn how to relax and how to keep their minds off of withdrawals.

It can be difficult to determine what type of interactions may occur between Percocet and various other substances. With that said, many other addiction websites have looked at possible interactions between the active ingredient, oxycodone, and various substances. Take a look at the chart below for more information.

Oxycodone

LSDLow risk and no synergy
MushroomsLow risk and no synergy
DMTLow risk and no synergy
MescalineLow risk and no synergy
DOxLow risk and no synergy
NBOMesLow risk and no synergy
2C-xLow risk and no synergy
2-C-T-XLow risk and no synergy
5-MeO-xxTLow risk and no synergy
CannabisLow risk and synergy
KetamineDangerous
MXEDangerous
DXMDangerous
NitrousCaution
AmphetaminesCaution
MDMALow risk and no synergy/ Caution
CocaineDangerous
CaffeineLow risk and no synergy
AlcoholDangerous
GHB/ GBLDangerous
TramadolDangerous
BenzodiazepinesDangerous
MAOIsCaution
SSRIsLow risk and no synergy
What is Percocet

How Does Percocet Affect Different Body Parts?

Percocet can have an effect on various parts of your body. The active chemicals and compounds will attach to various receptors in your body. Once they’ve attached to these receptors, Percocet molecules will stimulate the receptors to instigate a response. Let’s take a look at how Percocet can affect various body parts.

So many people are focused on what Percocet can do to your brain that they don’t realize that it has an equally large impact on one’s heart. Percocet abuse can lead to many cardiac problems, like: 

  • A depressed function of the heart muscle. Opioids can cause the heart muscle to contract forcefully. This can cause them to experience some degree of cardiac weakness with time. This is especially true for those who mix opioids with other substances, like benzodiazepines. Percocet misuse can cause cardiomyopathy. Combining benzodiazepines with opioids can lead to heart failure. 
  • Bradycardia. Those who take opioids may also develop bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. Although the symptoms aren’t too noticeable when the user is at rest, they can really kick off when the drug abuser exercises. 
  • Vasodilation. Opioid use can also cause hypotension, which is low blood pressure. This can lead to severe lightheadedness or syncope. 
  • Atrial fibrillation. This happens when a user experiences a rapid, irregular heart rhythm. Those with atrial fibrillation have an increased risk of stroke and heart attacks.
  • Infectious endocarditis. This is a life-threatening infection of the heart valves. While this infection is not particularly common, those who participate in intravenous opioid abuse may be at risk.
  • Cardiovascular death. No one really knows why opioids, like Percocet may cause cardiovascular death. The reigning theory is that Percocet may cause sleep-disordered breathing. 

Percocet abuse puts a lot of unnecessary strain on the heart. Those who abuse Percocet are more likely to face cardiac problems in the future. A lot of these problems are permanent and irreversible.

Percocet floods the brain with both dopamine and serotonin, as well as other chemicals. These neurochemicals are responsible for creating the euphoric sensations that get people hooked on Percocet. 

As Percocet artificially floods the brain with these neurochemicals, the brain starts to rely on the artificial boost and will make less of the neurochemicals by itself. This causes the brain to become dependent on Percocet. When there is no more Percocet in its system, it will start to react via withdrawal symptoms. 

The neurochemicals that flood the brain activate different biological pathways. Some of these pathways affect the respiratory system and others affect the nerves. 

A lack of dopamine and serotonin can cause the drug user to fall into depression. It can also cause the onset of many co-occurring disorders. Those with a co-occurring disorder will usually experience worsened symptoms. The neurochemical levels can take a while before they return to normal. In extreme cases, the brain is in so much distress that a lack of Percocet can lead to deadly consequences.  

Percocet is a drug cleared by the kidneys. Those with kidney problems cannot take such a large dose of the drug, as their body cannot remove it efficiently. Those with impaired kidney function need to be extra careful when taking Percocet, as they are more likely to overdose even on a small dose. 

Those with impaired kidney function may want to consider switching to another medication. This is especially true if they notice that they are developing a tolerance to Percocet. Increasing their dosage can be quite dangerous. It can also lead to some very unexpected consequences.

Percocet Withdrawal Symptoms

Anyone who has developed a physical or chemical dependence on Percocet will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. This is standard for all types of addictions

In fact, withdrawal symptoms are one of the tell-tale signs that you have an addiction to Percocet. The withdrawal symptoms will usually appear when you haven’t had any Percocet in your system for some time. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms will vary from one drug addict to another. It all depends on the length of the Percocet abuse, the dosage taken and other factors.

What is Percocet

Percocet withdrawal symptoms can be extremely unpleasant. In fact, they are the main reason why many people relapse. The withdrawal symptoms can feel so uncomfortable that many people would do anything necessary to relieve the discomfort. The type of withdrawal symptoms that each drug abuser may experience will vary. With that said, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Whole body pain
  • Extreme sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Yawning
  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Raised heart rate
  • Muscle aches and pain
  • Hypertension 

Most recovering addicts report that Percocet withdrawal symptoms feel like a bad flu. Many people find that the psychological symptoms are the most difficult to beat. After all, they are the ones that tend to linger around for some time. 

Some patients may experience a wide range of withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, other patients may experience only a limited range of symptoms. No one knows for sure who will experience a lot of withdrawal symptoms, and who will be able to get away with experiencing very few symptoms.

Withdrawal Timeline for Percocet Abuse

The withdrawal timeline for each drug will vary significantly. It all depends on the type of interactions that the chemicals have with the body. The withdrawal timeline will also vary based on each person’s genetics and biological makeup. There isn’t a sure answer for how long withdrawals will last. 

“Most physical withdrawal symptoms tend to subside by the 2nd week.” 

With that said, addiction experts now have an approximate timeline to work with. Most patients will experience a withdrawal timeline that is similar to the timeline below: 

  • Days 1 to 3. Since Percocet has a relatively short half-life, most of the drugs will begin to clear from your system within a day. Your body will notice the lack of drugs, and will start to respond. This is essentially what withdrawal symptoms are. The withdrawal symptoms will tend to peak in severity and intensity within the first day, and will only get worse until day 3. Drug abusers can expect to vomit or have diarrhea during this time.
  • Days 4 to 7. The physical withdrawal symptoms will have peaked by this time. New symptoms will start to emerge. The most common withdrawal symptoms experienced during this time include insomnia, chills and cramping. Some drug users may also start to experience cravings at this point in time. Days 1 to 7 is when most drug users go through detox. 
  • Week 1 to 2. After a week or 2, the physical symptoms will start to subside. The only withdrawal symptoms that are left are the psychological ones. Common psychological withdrawal symptoms include depression and anxiety. Counselling is needed to get through this period of time. 
  • Weeks 3 to 4. By this time, most Percocet addicts won’t have any physical withdrawal symptoms left. Unfortunately, they’ll still battle with psychological ones. 

Physical withdrawal symptoms tend to dissipate quite early on. The psychological withdrawal symptoms are the ones that tend to linger on. These symptoms are the ones that drug users need to be the most careful of.

Some recovering opioid abusers will experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome, otherwise known as PAWS. This type of withdrawal syndrome happens after the initial stage. The onset of this syndrome can pop up anywhere from 2 weeks to a month after a recovering drug addict has quit taking Percocet. 

PAWS has many unique withdrawal symptoms that can last for months. In worst-case scenarios, the symptoms can last for years, making it difficult for recovering addicts to move on with their lives. Some of the most common symptoms of PAWS include: 

  • Tremors and seizures. In extreme cases, seizures can have fatal consequences.
  • Hyperactive autonomic nervous system. This presents itself as sweating, nausea and a rapid heart rate.
  • Intense drug cravings that absolutely take over one’s life. It becomes difficult to think or to do anything without thinking about Percocets.
  • Mood swings. The recovering drug user may experience periods of mania. They may also feel depressed for no apparent reasons.
  • Anhedonia. This is a fancy way of saying that the drug user has lost interest in everything. They may no longer have any interest in once-pleasurable activities and hobbies. They may even seem bored or unhappy with life in general.
  • .Sleep disturbances. It’s not unusual for recovering opioid addicts to have difficulties sleeping. They may have vivid, realistic dreams. Or, they may simply have a hard time falling asleep.
  • Cognitive impairment. Some recovering drug abusers report having difficulties thinking clearly. They may seem to always get distracted. 

These symptoms can also disappear within a matter of weeks. They can also linger on for months, if not years. No one really knows what influences the severity of PAWS. This syndrome will manifest itself differently in each individual. These individuals also tend to have a higher sensitivity to stress.

Recent Incidents of Percocet in the News

Percocet is still making headlines in the news. This drug of abuse is often stolen or overprescribed. There are so many notable incidents to consider. Many of the headlines are of crimes that involve stealing or forging Percocet tablets and pills.  Let’s take a look at some recent news headlines that involve Percocet for a better idea of what’s happening in America.

A Walgreen employee in Key West, Florida stole Percocet pills from her work. She was caught on surveillance video putting the pills in her pocket. The incident was only discovered when a Walgreens manager noticed that some pills were missing, and decided to review the security camera footage. The manager estimates that the employee stole about 18 pills in total. 

This headline shows that anyone can get addicted to Percocet and prescription opioids. Many addicts are willing to take big risks in order to get their hands on their next fix.

A nurse in Naples was recently charged for forging a doctor’s prescription to get Percocet tablets. He faces two felony charges. One for attempting to obtain a controlled substance through forgery, and the other for trying to use the identification of another person without his or her consent. 

He was caught stealing prescriptions from the doctor that he worked for, and writing his own name as a patient instead. Each prescription was worth 90 Percocet tablets.

Percocet tablets are not only popular in the pharmaceutical industry, but they’re also fairly popular on the black market. Many people who have a prescription are willing to sell pills that they do not need. Some will sell the pills themselves, while others will try to get rid of the pills in bulk through a drug dealer. Those who are hooked on Percocet can, then, try to buy their pills from the black market. 

Unfortunately, a drug dealer was shot dead after arguing over the price of Percocet with a client. The client had gone to his house and started to argue with him over the price of the prescription opioids. A fight broke out. One thing led to another, and one person ended up dead after the altercation.  

Celebrities who Have Abused Percocet

Percocet is not only on the news because it is a popular drug on the black market. There have been many mentions of Percocet when it comes to celebrity drug use. Celebrities are some of the most vulnerable people to drug use. They may use it to escape from the spotlight that they’ve been thrust under. Or, they may use it to get their creative juices flowing. Many celebrities also struggle with mental health disorders, so abusing Percocet is a way for them to self-medicate. These individuals will need dual diagnosis treatment

Regardless of the reason, let’s take a look at some notable celebrities who have abused Percocet.

Everyone knows Heath Ledger as the Joker. Some people claimed that his role in Joker caused him to overdose while others claim that he was happy. Regardless of the reason behind his drug addiction, one thing is for sure: Heath Ledger often abused a wide range of drugs at a time in order to stay high. He was known to mix various prescription drugs and illicit drugs together to achieve the effects that he wanted. 

Unfortunately, his drug use was his demise. Ledger was found unconscious in his apartment at the age of 28. He had taken a mixture of prescription pills and illicit drugs. Among the drugs in his deadly cocktail, the coroner identified oxycodone.

Percocet has been a popular drug referenced in pop culture. It’s one of the many drugs that you can find references in pop songs and more. Future has created many hit singles that have blessed the radio. He also has many fans, from teenagers to even senior citizens. 

This is why it’s so unfortunate that Future constantly sings about drug use. His description of his drug use in his songs glorifies substance abuse. Many addiction experts believe that pop culture references may encourage teenagers and young adults to experiment with drugs. 

Future’s most popular song that references Percocet is The Percocet and Stripper Joint. The lyrics for this song are below: 

“I just did a dose of Percocet with some strippers
I just poured this lean in my cup like it's liquor
I just need a whole lot of drugs in my system
I just tried acid for the first time, I feel good” 

This song may make it seem like it’s a good idea to not only abuse prescription drugs, like Percocet, but to mix them with other substances as well.

Prince was a legend. Unfortunately, he died at the age of 57 due to Percocet use. Prince was first prescribed Percocet to deal with a chronic hip problem that he had been dealing with for years. Percocet is an easy drug to overdose on, as Prince would need a larger and larger dose in order to get the same pain relief as before. Prince’s addiction to Percocet did not start off intentional. He was prescribed the drug, much like many Americans who also suffer from the same fate. 

Prince is not the only superstar to have overdosed on Percocet. Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Gerald Levert are all believed to have taken the same drug, and met fatal consequences as a result.

Northpoint Seattle

Your Percocet Addiction Treatment Options

If you believe you are addicted to Percocet, there are addiction treatment options for you. Going through drug detox can help your body eliminate Percocet much faster. It's also safer for you than if you were to quit using on your own. There are many drug rehab centers out there that can help you work towards recovery. 

Northpoint Washington is an inpatient drug detox and rehab center. We have a lot of experience in helping patients learn more about addiction and figure out how to achieve sobriety. Our goal is to help our patients achieve lifelong sobriety and uncover the reasons behind their addiction. 

We offer individualized treatment plans for those with an addiction to Percocet. We understand that everyone needs something a little different when it comes to addiction treatment. As a result, we tailor each plan to each patient. Check out our testimonials to see what others have thought about our approach.

If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of specialists available 24 hours of the day to help answer any questions that you may have. We can even assess your situation and help you verify your insurance plan to see what type of coverage you have. We have everything under control, so that you can relax and focus on your recovery.

D Block Mx Auto Img Fluid

Talk to a Rehab Specialist

Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.

888.483.6031Contact Us

Full Infographic

How Long Percocet Stays in System Infographic