Percocet Abuse: The Facts

Percocet Abuse is very serious but many people make light of it since it is a prescription drug. The truth about Percocet abuse is that this is a very addictive drug and one that is made up of both oxycodone and acetaminophen. Together, the two do a remarkable job of combating pain because they form a type of drug known as a narcotic.

After only a couple of weeks of consistent use, even when taken as directed, a tolerance for the drug may begin to build and this can very well lead to Percocet abuse and addiction. The main reason is because of the way that Percocet and similar drugs act on the brain and the brain's reward system. Because these actions on the brain are so very intense they cause cravings, which can further result in addiction. The abuse can begin rather suddenly and should never be ignored  there is no additional layer of protection just because you are dealing with a "prescription" drug.

Specialists in the field of opiate addiction must treat Percocet abuse and eventual addiction. It does not take long after a dose of Percocet's are missed before the much dreaded withdrawal symptoms begin to show up, actually they will be present within a few hours. The severity of these symptoms is why medical supervision is needed.  Besides treatment for Percocet abuse the user is left with only the option of getting and using more drugs; the vicious cycle continues.

It is not unusual for people that suffer from Percocet abuse to take well over 20 pills per day. Percocet's give the user an extreme feeling of euphoria and it is that very feeling that keeps many users coming back for more. The drug is not only physically addictive but emotionally as well. In order to get that same feeling the user has to keep taking more and more of the drug. By this time the Percocet abuse has spiraled out of control and is a full-blown addiction. Percocet abuse will literally consume the life of the user; it will cripple finances, crush relationships, sever friendships, and tear apart families.

Percocet withdrawal is very dangerous and should not be tackled alone. When the drug is stopped it is possible for the user to suffer from seizures and convulsions. This is a very frightening time for most users because most cannot get past the fear of getting dope sick, a feeling that most have experienced at least for a little while. Entering a formal treatment center is the best way to go about quitting drugs and making some changes in your life.

The extent of the withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long the Percocet's have been used, how many are used, and how they are used. If the person catches their Percocet abuse early on then they might not suffer from much more than diarrhea, vomiting, muscle and bone discomfort, insomnia, and restlessness.

The front line approach to treat Percocet abuse and addiction is being admitted into a residential treatment center and to go through the Percocet detox. Here, it is possible for withdrawal to be closely monitored and managed. There are medications that can be administered to ease any uncomfortable symptoms. The standard time for a Percocet detox is right around a week. Not until this step is complete can the user move on to residential treatment and begin the process of recovery.

While in treatment, there are numerous issues that have to be addressed in order for complete recovery to take place. Everyone in treatment is suffering and fighting the very same battle regardless of what substance(s) they might be addicted to. Addiction is something that consumes lives and makes them unmanageable, regardless of what the act or the substance is.

Percocet abuse can and will cause dependency and addiction that seems unbreakable. It has been during the past decade that all prescription drug abuse has been on an incline. A National Study on Drug Use and Health conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as recent as 2007 indicated that there was more than 11 million people abusing Percocet alone and nearly two million were addicted in 2007.

If you or a loved one has developed a problem with Percocet's, help is the only way out! Without the appropriate treatment, Percocet abuse can be very dangerous and even deadly. We are here to help you. Please call and speak confidentially with one of our counselors so the best course of treatment can be discussed. Don't wait another day!

Genesis House Inc. is a leader in addiction treatment and have helped thousands of people recover from the devastating consequences of their addictions. Call 1-800-737-0933 or 561-439-4070 for immediate help and answers. More information is available on our web site http://www.genesishouse.net or please email us at info@genesishouse.net