Percocet is a medication prescribed for pain relief. If you take this mix of oxycodone and acetaminophen in large amounts and combine it with alcohol, the acetaminophen in Percocet can lead to liver damage. This is one of many reasons it is important to go into treatment for alcoholism to prevent any further complications from occurring when alcohol is combined with high doses of medications like Percocet.
The Dangers of Percocet
As mentioned above, Percocet is a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is a schedule II prescription opioid and acetaminophen is an over-the-counter painkiller. This can lead to a high potential for abuse as well as dependence. Percocet is normally prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain and can last three to five hours. When prescribed, it is usually to treat short-term pain. Oxycodone attaches and activates specific opioid receptors on the nerve cells in the brain. It can bring you feelings of euphoria and pain relief, causing the potential for abuse. Acetaminophen is a non-prescription medication used for muscle aches, headaches, fevers, arthritis, backaches, and sore throats. It is prescribed with opiates in prescription medications to treat moderate to severe pain. The FDA cautions users to never use alcohol when taking a medication that has acetaminophen because of its toxicity to the liver.
Acetaminophen with Alcohol
When acetaminophen is taken in large amounts, it can be dangerous and bring about serious liver injuries, especially if you add alcohol. The enzyme your body uses to break down acetaminophen is also used to break down alcohol. When alcohol is present, it is not as active in breaking down the acetaminophen. This results in higher levels of toxic components of acetaminophen that can cause liver damage when you drink alcohol.
Oxycodone with Alcohol
Drinking alcohol while on oxycodone is very dangerous and can result in a decreased heart rate and blood pressure, slowed or stopped breathing, and possibly death. Since alcohol can cause impaired judgment, you may forget your last dosage of medication and overdose on Percocet. People who use oxycodone and alcohol can build a tolerance for the substances in the body, giving rise to the possibility of addiction. Having a family or personal history of addiction is a high-risk factor to develop a dependence on painkillers. If you are taking Percocet, be sure to take it as directed and never mix it with alcohol. If you are combining the two, it is time to seek help. Just like you can manage your pain with Percocet, you can also manage your addiction through recovery.
At Alta Loma Transformational Living, you will meet knowledgeable, compassionate professionals that understand addiction in all its forms. Alta Loma uses an integrative and holistic approach to treat addiction and mental health issues. No treatment is one-size-fits-all, where you will have a team of experts prepared to create your customized treatment plan. We offer care for your mind, body, and spirit, so that you can heal from the inside out and look forward to a lifetime of sobriety and wellness. If you are ready to take the first step in your recovery, please call us at 866-457-3843.
