What is Percocet Addiction?
The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported approximately 65 million Americans taking prescription medication for non-medical uses. That is 2.5 percent of the U.S. population. Of these people using drugs, more than four million reported abuse of pain relievers, included Percocet Addiction. Widespread abuse of prescription medications – including opioid painkillers like Percocet® – is a serious national health problem that has been skyrocketing since the mid-1990s. We at The Gardens at Lake Worth, a drug treatment center in Florida, are here to help people with their drug addiction.
Percocet is a combination of oxycodone, a narcotic painkiller with similar effects to heroin and morphine, and acetaminophen, a mild pain reliever/fever reducer. Its oxycodone component is what makes it habit-forming. Prescribed for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain that is not typical in nature, the drug affects the brain and depresses the central nervous system, changing the way the brain perceives pain. It is often used commonly for post-surgery and to relieve pain from a sustained injury. As with all the drugs in its opiate class, Percocet becomes less effective when used over a period of time. The Percocet high that includes euphoria, feelings of calm and relaxation, and heightened pleasure becomes more elusive. The body develops a tolerance, and more is needed to achieve the same effect, making the drug a prime candidate for abuse in as little a week of continuous use.
One of the first symptoms of a tolerance is exceeding the maximum recommended dose or taking Percocet more often than it was prescribed. As tolerance turns to dependence, and dependence to addiction, an opiate user may make frequent trips to the emergency room or fake illness to get prescriptions. They may forge prescriptions; buy drugs on the Internet or start “doctor shopping,” in order to obtain more medication.
A Percocet addiction will impact all aspects of your life, from physical to psychological, mental and social. It can incapacitate the way you live.
Consequences of Percocet Addiction
- Cardiovascular complications
- Compromised mental function
- Damage to vital organs
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Kidney failure
- Liver dysfunction
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory failure
- Anger Anxiety
- Feelings of anger
- Low self-esteem
- Memory loss
- Mood disorders
- Suicidal thoughts
- Alienation or segregation from friends and family
- Borrowing money to get the drug, leading to financial and potential legal ramifications
- Damaged relationships with loved ones
- Decline in work or school performance
- Disinterest in one’s physical appearance
- Loss of desire to participate in activities once enjoyed
These complications caused by Percocet addiction and abuse – can be overcome. Once the problem has been identified, there is help available. The evidence-based treatment provided at The Gardens can give you the tools you need to take your life back. The facility offers customized programs that get to the root of addiction to increase the chances for long-term recovery success. We help with most addictions include alcohol and OxyContin abuse.
An admissions representative at The Gardens at Lake Worth, located in South Florida is waiting to hear from you. Call 844-357-3422 any time – day or night – to take the first step on the road to recovery. Your journey can begin today.