Percocet Abuse

Percocet is the brand name of painkiller combination; Oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone is a powerful narcotic opioid effective in relieving pain but has a very high potential for abuse.

Percocet is one of a class of prescription drugs that has been misused at an alarming rate since around 2000, by over 11 million people a year as of 2005. Over 1.7 million people were addicted to prescription painkillers in 2007; drugs like Percocet came second only to marijuana and alcohol as problem substances in the United States. In every state, abuse of Percocet and other prescription painkillers is arriving on medical and law enforcement radar, while schools are reporting increasing incidents of Percocet Abuse.

Percocet abuse occurs when an user begins taking the drug for reasons other than pain, or in higher dosages than prescribed, or past the time it is actually necessary or medically appropriate. It is characterized by a continued craving for the drug and the need to use Percocet for its psychological effects and/or mood alterations it brings the user. Many individuals suffering with Percocet abuse problems find that they need to use it to feel “normal.” They exhibit drug-seeking behavior and are often preoccupied with using and obtaining Percocet. The risk for Percocet abuse is greatest among women, seniors, and adolescents. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be prescribed drugs such as Percocet; they are also about two times more likely to form a Percocet abuse problem. This stems in large part from the fact that women are more likely to seek medical attention for emotional/physical problems.

Percocet withdrawal is one of the many consequences of Percocet abuse. Individuals abusing Percocet may come from any walk of life, hold entry level or high positions, be parents or grandparents, single or married. Often, the addiction to Percocet develops without the individual realizing it until it begins to control their life. When they exceed the dosage prescribed or seek to obtain the drug after the time prescribed by their physician, they should be aware of the possibility that they have developed a Percocet abuse problem. Abruptly stopping or reducing the intake of Percocet can cause severe Percocet withdrawal symptoms which discourages addicts from quitting. These begin six to eight hours after the last dosage.

If you or someone you know is experiencing Percocet abuse problems, It is never too late to change. Effective Percocet abuse treatment programs can provide the comfort, structure and support needed to break the cycle of abuse as well as repair the areas of life affected by Percocet addiction.

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