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Percocet Abuse

A physician will prescribe Percocet to relieve pain for those patients suffering from extreme joint or back pain, arthritis or recovering from a surgical procedure. While prescribing Percocet is now commonplace, patients are generally unaware that the dosage of Percocet needs to be controlled. What is more, Percocet addiction can take hold within three weeks of commencing a drug prescription.

Symptoms of Abusing Percocet

Percocet comes in pill form and is designed to be taken orally. However, taking the drug in alternative ways such as crushing, snorting, chewing, or in a manner to get the drug to the bloodstream faster, is an indication of abuse.
  • Euphoria. Initially, Percocet will create feelings of "euphoria" and well-being which compensates for any feelings of pain. However, once a patient builds a tolerance to the drug, it is harder to achieve the same result and the desire for the high increases. Subsequently, the side effect of Percocet for abusers is an increasing physical and emotional desire for the drug.
  • Drowsiness. It is common for people who abuse Percocet to display symptoms of abnormal drowsiness. These unusual bouts of drowsiness can often interfere with their normal daily routine. If their Percocet daily dose increases, the narcotic effects of the drug make sleep a necessity. In addition, if the addiction intensifies, the abuser can experience a drug "stupor."
  • Behavioral Changes. Percocet addiction can significantly affect behavioral changes. One of the major side effects of Percocet is a vicious craving to keep taking the drug, with the abuser almost obsessive about acquiring more once their prescription is finished. It can be common for addicts to visit several doctors' surgeries in an attempt to gain additional prescriptions to feed their addiction.
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      Withdrawal From Percocet

      The side effects of abusing Percocet can begin within two to four hours after stopping the drug. Percocet withdrawal side effects often can be so severe that some addicts will use illegal methods in order to acquire the drug and relieve their symptoms. During withdrawal periods, a patient may experience blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting and extreme nausea.
       

      Percocet Abuse and The Long-Term Effects

      Daily Dependence. Drugs such as Percocet activate the part of our brain that hungers for reward. People addicted to Percocet will often enjoy and crave the feelings of euphoria it provides. However, because these euphoric feelings quickly subside when they no longer have access to the drug, they become intent on ways to get more of it.
       
      Reduced Consciousness. Abuse of Percocet can diminish a person's ability to be aware of what is going on around them, as well as cause them to think rationally. As a result, users can place themselves into dangerous situations. Percocet addiction can also create unusual behavior and confusing thoughts causing some people to act completely out of character.
       
      Physical addiction. Although Percocet is a drug prescribed by professionals, the side effects are very similar to illegal narcotic drugs. Percocet users may experience dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, rash and nausea. What is more, people who use Percocet long-term can encounter more serious side effects such as seizure, lower testosterone levels, liver or renal damage, as well as fatal respiratory depression. Long-term users often find it difficult to stop taking Percocet even if they really want to.
       
      Respiratory Distress. Percocet depresses the central nervous system; therefore it will interact with other depressants including sedatives, alcohol and sleeping pills. In addition, long-term Percocet users may experience problems with their breathing and suffer from heart beat irregularities.