Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Percocet Dependency

By: Lakeview Health Staff
Published: November 29, 2010

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Percocet Dependency

Percocet dependency can occur in a short period of time. Percocet, like Oxycontin, is an opiate. Percocet comes in pill form and for a suffering addict, it is not that uncommon for twenty to forty of these pills to be taken in a single day.  Simply put Percocet can be completely debilitating. The main ingredients in Percocet are oxycodone and acetaminophen.  It has been described as manmade morphine and heroin. If you or someone you love is suffering from an addiction to Percocet, get help before it is too late. As far as prescription drug abuse is concerned, Percocet is one of the most common addictions.  Because it is so effective with people who have chronic pain, Percocet is a commonly prescribed drug by medical professionals. When an individual’s body gets used to having the Percocet in its system the addict will eventually reach a point where they will not be able to function normally without it. The body will start to build a tolerance to the drug and more of the drug will be required in order to achieve the same “high” as before. It is not uncommon for people who are addicted to Percocet to go “Doctor Shopping” or get more than one doctor to prescribe them the drug so that they can feed their drug habit. A serious Percocet dependency can develop in the span of two to three weeks. Percocet dependency can also lead to the abuse of other drugs such as Oxycontin or even heroin.

Percocet Dependency Side Effects

Percocet dependency comes with numerous side effects. Some of the side effects and signs of Percocet dependency include:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation
  • Lightheadedness
  • Incapability to feel emotions

Long-term Percocet dependency can cause:

  • Decreased testosterone levels, impotence, and erectile dysfunction
  • Prostate problems
  • Respiratory depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Death

Unfortunately, Percocet dependency does not only affect the suffering addict. Family members and friends are also likely to feel the effects of their loved one’s Percocet dependency. An addict will put the need to feed their addiction in front of everything. The needs and wants of family and friends will be ignored by someone caught in the grips of Percocet addiction. Their main priority will be to get more drugs so that they can fuel their dependency. Left untreated for too long of a time addiction to Percocet can lead to unemployment, major family dynamics, and legal troubles. Self-will is not going to be enough to stop the dependency to Percocet. Substance use disorder treatment can stop the possibly deadly addiction to Percocet.