Vicodin and Percocet are two of the most prescribed painkillers. Used for treating pain, while they are effective, they can also be highly addictive, and misuse can lead to serious risks, including addiction and overdose. Knowing the difference when comparing to them can be deadly for anyone; using these can even lead to ruining their own bodies and life. While they are similar drugs with variations of the same chemical structure, each drug contains different ingredients and therefore carries differing risks for addiction. Understand the differences and learn what signs to look for, in order to save them from endless damage.
Help is available for anyone dealing with opioid use. It may be hard to see it through sometimes, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel in the right place, with the correct support and help. Denovo Recovery has a range of treatment programs available to help people and get over their addiction.
What is Vicodin?
It is an opioid medication with two principal ingredients: hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The chemistry involved for why hydrocodone can make pain go away is by attaching to the opioid receptors in your brain, blocking off any signals from traveling up and down the nervous system and creating a pleasant euphoric feeling. Acetaminophen makes the hydrocodone more effective in pain relief and fever. Vicodin is mostly used as an opioid-based painkiller for treating severe pain after surgery or injuries as well as for long-term (chronic) conditions. It works well but has a high rate of addiction because of how hydrocodone can cause euphoria.
What is Percocet?
Percocet is also a medication but contains oxycodone (similar to hydrocodone) and acetaminophen. Percocet is prescribed for pain relief. Oxycodone works by interacting with the brain’s opioid receptors to reduce pain and induce feelings of euphoria. Percocet is slightly stronger than Vicodin due to the potency of oxycodone compared to hydrocodone.
Learning The Differences
Strength and Potency
Twice as strong, oxycodone is the opioid in Percocet, allowing it more potent pain relief. As common practice, Percocet may be prescribed for stronger pain than Vicodin which is primarily used to treat moderate pain. The dose of Percocet has been increasing, leading to higher potential for addiction and overdose.
Medical Uses
Both are used to treat moderate-severe pain, yet the conditions for which they may be prescribed seem dependent on how severe their level of agony is. For example, Percocet is more likely to be prescribed after major surgeries as well as for severe injuries, and Vicodin may be used for less intense pain serving their unique purpose.
Side Effects
They carry similar side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Respiratory depression
Percocet contains a stronger drug effect, and the side effects may be more pronounced compared to Vicodin, especially at higher doses.
The Dangers
Addiction
Both Vicodin and Percocet can lead to physical dependence, where the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur when use is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal from opioids can be highly uncomfortable and includes symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
The severity of withdrawal symptoms often depends on the dosage and duration of use.
Overdose
Because both drugs depress the central nervous system, they can lead to respiratory depression, which is the primary cause of overdose deaths from opioids. Fentanyl is sometimes mixed with counterfeit versions of these medications.
Long-Term Risks
The longer-term use of the acetaminophen component will lead to liver damage. Most concerning with high doses, acetaminophen can also be toxic to the liver; if combined with alcohol or other drugs/medications, the risk of this toxicity may be enhanced. Long-term opioid use can additionally lead to hormonal imbalances, cognitive deficits, and even chronic constipation.
Signs of Abuse
Some signs of abusing Vicodin or Percocet include:
- Taking higher doses than prescribed
- Seeking multiple prescriptions from different doctors (“doctor shopping”)
- Using the medication for reasons other than pain relief (e.g., to feel euphoric)
- Isolating from family or friends
- Declining performance at work or school
- Mood swings or irritability
- Financial or legal problems
Treatment Options
Overcoming addiction to Vicodin or Percocet is possible, but it often requires professional help. At Denovo Recovery, we provide a range of treatment options tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual:
Detoxification
Detox is one of the first steps in recovery. This process involves clearing the drug from the body while managing withdrawal symptoms. At Denovo Recovery, detox is conducted in a medically supervised environment to ensure safety and comfort during this challenging phase.
Therapy
This is vital for people who have been prescription users or over-usage of Vicodin and Percocet. Individual counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and group therapy are a few of the ways that Denovo Recovery helps to address addiction at its core. It can be valuable for anyone wanting to learn new coping mechanisms and reunite with loved ones or family.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. While there are no medications specifically for them, medications like buprenorphine or methadone can be used to manage opioid dependence more generally.
Aftercare and Long-Term Support
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment concludes. Aftercare is essential to maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse. At Denovo Recovery, we provide ongoing support through alumni programs, support groups, and regular check-ins to ensure our clients have the resources they need to stay on track.
Stop Early
The earlier you address the signs of addiction when using both Vicodin or Percocet, the better outcome we have to help you, preventing long-term damage to your body and mind, and preventing a possible overdose. Break the cycle and get help.
Call Us Now To Learn How We Can Help You
Vicodin and Percocet are powerful medications that provide much-needed pain relief for many individuals. However, they also carry significant risks for misuse, dependence, and addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, it’s important to seek help before the situation worsens. At Denovo Recovery, we are committed to helping individuals overcome addiction and build a foundation for lasting recovery. Don’t wait to take the first step—contact our team today and learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs. We’re here to help you find your path to healing and wellness.
Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) that could be helpful for readers of this article:
What is the main difference between Vicodin and Percocet?
Vicodin contains hydrocodone, while Percocet contains oxycodone, both combined with acetaminophen. Percocet is generally stronger and may be prescribed for more severe pain than Vicodin.
Why are Vicodin and Percocet addictive?
Both medications interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, reducing pain and creating euphoria. This can lead to physical dependence and addiction, especially with prolonged or excessive use.
What are the signs of Vicodin or Percocet abuse?
Signs include taking higher doses than prescribed, doctor shopping, using the drugs for euphoria rather than pain relief, and experiencing mood swings, isolation, or financial/legal issues.
What are the risks of long-term use of these medications?
Long-term use can lead to liver damage (from acetaminophen), respiratory depression, hormonal imbalances, and severe withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.
What treatment options are available for Vicodin or Percocet addiction?
Denovo Recovery offers detoxification, therapy, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), along with aftercare support to help individuals maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.