Percocet is a combination of oxycodone with acetaminophen. This medication is used to treat moderate to severe pain, mostly on a short-term basis. However, this schedule II drug can be highly addictive, and with 81% of the total world production of Percocet being consumed in the United States, there’s no doubt a crisis is forming.
Nowadays, drug tests detect the drug’s presence in the urine, saliva, and hair follicles. While many try to quit opioids on their own, they often fail. Here’s how to get Percocet out of your system safely.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is the brand name for a prescription opioid that blends Oxydocone and Acetaminophen. Percocet is a short-term treatment for moderate to severe pain after surgery or injury.
It works like other highly addictive drugs such as heroin and morphine. It binds to the brain’s neurotransmitters and affects the central nervous system, changing the way our brains perceive pain. Percocet is also available in the streets as percs, perks, and hillbilly heroin.
How Long Does Percocet Stay in Your System?
The half-life of drugs is how long it takes, on average, for the initial dose to leave the system. It usually takes several half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from the system. On average, Percocet has a half-life in the blood of 3.5 hours, but this varies depending on liver function.
This means it will take your system at least 19 hours to eliminate all Percocet. However, Percocet traces can be detected in urine as early as 2 hours after the last dose. Percocet stays in their system for 24 hours for many people, but it can still be traceable for days after.
- Blood Test: Up to 24 hours after the last dose
- Urine Test: Up to 4 days after the last dose
- Saliva Test: Up to 2 days after the last dose
- Hair Test: Up to 30 days to 90 days after the last dose
Factors That Affect How Long Percocet Stays in Your System
While the average time Percocet stays in your system is based on the drug’s composition, many factors play a significant role. Things like metabolism, age, other medications, and how long someone has been taking drugs play a role. For example, it’s known that adults over the age of 40 get Percocet out of their system at a slower rate than younger adults.
Dosage
Like other drugs, Percocet levels can build up in the body. Anyone who’s been taking it for some time will have a more difficult time getting rid of it. In this case, Percocet will be detectable in their system for a more extended period of time.
Body Composition
A person’s height and weight determine the amount of fatty tissue in their body. Here is where the drug is stored in our bodies. Even after considering different dosages, there’s evidence that suggests body composition plays a massive role in how long drugs take to get out of your system.
Even gender plays a role. According to OxyContin, oxycodone (one of the components of Percocet) concentrations in healthy females are up to 25 higher than in males.
Overall Health
If your body isn’t at its optimal level, it might take longer to metabolize Percocet. Since Percocet is removed through your urine, liver, and kidney function is fundamental to help your body excrete oxycodone. Your metabolism also plays a role.
Usually, those with substance use disorder have impaired digestive enzymes that can affect metabolism. Age, gender, weight, and overall physical activity can also have an impact.
How to Get Percocet Out of Your System
Getting Percocet out of your system, much like with other opioids, is a complicated process. The body develops a tolerance for Percocet rather quickly, which is why technically, it’s only used as a short-term pain relief solution. When someone misuses Percocet, they can develop a dependence that leads to abuse.
In essence, drinking lots of fluids and exercising may help dilute the substance in your urine or slightly boost your metabolism. However, there are not effective or proven ways to get Percocet out of your system. Not to mention, attempting to quit Percocet on your own increases the chances of withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening.
Through Detox
Because the risk of overdose from Percocet is high, the best way to get it out of your system is through medical detox. Opioid withdrawal symptoms can start 6 to 30 hours after your last dose, but they can extend for a week or months without proper assistance.
The problem with quitting opioids is that when people experience withdrawal symptoms, they’re likely to use them again. Sometimes, they might cope with the symptoms by incorporating other drugs or alcohol. These drugs can cause Percocet interactions that produce dangerous side effects, including breathing problems, coma, and even death.
A medical detox program may also incorporate medication-assisted treatment, such as naloxone to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and help people be better prepared for rehab.
Getting Help for Percocet Addiction
Stopping Percocet suddenly and without the right assistance can lead to troublesome withdrawal symptoms. If you think you may have developed a dependence or addiction to Percocet, it’s essential to talk to a medical professional and mental health professional. Addiction treatment can help you address the physical and psychological effects of a substance use disorder. These treatments often incorporate various treatment options that include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Most of the time, these sorts of addictions develop due to compulsive behaviors that must be treated at the source. CBT helps address these addictive behaviors.
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment Programs: When patients seek addiction treatment while maintaining daily obligations like work, school, or caregiving, IOPs are a more flexible option that still gives people access to the help they need.
- Long-term Recovery Programs: With long-term recovery assistance, patients can have the ongoing support they need to maintain long-lasting sobriety. Recovery programs are crucial to relapse prevention.
Over 100 Americans die from an opioid overdose every day. If you or someone you know is struggling with Percocet addiction, please know there’s help available. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our addiction recovery programs offer a comprehensive and patient-first approach to treatment. Our commitment is to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and challenges to help you find the right path toward long-lasting recovery.
