Percocet is a trademarked, potent compound painkiller used to treat moderately severe to severe acute (short-term) pain. The main ingredient of Percocet is oxycodone, a potent opioid agonist; in addition, the drug contains paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen. It is notable for its potential for drug abuse. Because it contains oxycodone, Percocet is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act of the U.S. Well-known people who have abused Percocet include: * In 1994 Cindy McCain, wife of Senator John McCain, admitted having been addicted to Percocet and Vicodin in the early 1990s, and to "[stealing] the drugs from her own nonprofit medical relief organization." * Model Niki Taylor began abusing Percocet in the late 1990s after the death of her sister and the "breakup of her marriage." * Rapper Eminem * Artie Lange * Rapper Cam'ron Percocet Abuse Facts Here are some facts that may surprise or sadden you about Drug abuse. As with most issues about addiction, there is much that is unexpected; the costs or much higher than expected and the causes are very sad. That fact that child abuse is such a strong predictor of abuse speaks volumes about the problem. See what you think: Percocet Abuse Facts 1: Drug abuse and Percocet Abuse, according to the National Institute of Health, impacts all Americans, because we all pay the cost for it. Percocet Abuse Facts 2: Statistics show that Drug abuse and Percocet Abuse cost Americans over $484 billion annually. This figure includes health care costs (and abuses of that system), lost job wages, traffic accidents, crime and the associated criminal justice system costs. Percocet Abuse Facts 3: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 10 to 22 percent of car crashes involved drivers who have been using drugs. Percocet Abuse Facts 4: Drug use and addiction is linked to at least half of the major crimes in this country, as at least half of the suspects arrested for violent crimes, such as homicide and assault, were under the influence of drugs when they were arrested. Addiction Facts 5: Stress is a major factor in Drug use and abuse. Percocet Abuse Final Fact 6: Sadly, nearly two-thirds of people in Drug abuse treatment report that they were physically or sexually abused as children. Child abuse is a major contributing factor to Percocet Abuse. If you or someone you love suffers from Percocet abuse, it is extremely important that help be sought right away. Without the proper treatment, Percocet abuse can quickly develop into a dangerous and physically debilitating addiction. Percocet is a narcotic drug prescribed to patients by doctors for the management of mild to moderate post-operative pain. The medication, which is comprised of a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is part of the opioid family of drugs and as such, it is highly addictive. But, it's important to understand - Percocet abuse is not the same thing as Percocet addiction. Percocet abuse is when the patient does not follow the prescription as directed by their physician. The patient may begin to take more than the prescribed number of pills at a given time or they may begin taking the medication more often than what is recommended. In addition, patients who suffer from Percocet abuse may also begin taking the drug via alternative routes such as chewing or crushing the tablets and sniffing the powder. Signs and Symptoms of Percocet Abuse. Because Percocet is such a powerful pain relieving medication, there are many side effects that may be present even when the patient is taking the drug as prescribed. However, when Percocet abuse is present, the following signs and symptoms will be more evident and exaggerated. * Euphoria * Drowsiness * Lightheadedness * Dizziness * Nausea and vomiting * Constipation * Depression * Itchy skin rash * Constricted pupils * Slowed breathing Percocet Abuse and Overdose When a patient abuses Percocet, it's easier than ever to overdose on the medication. Overdose due to Percocet abuse holds many potential dangers including irregular heartbeat, extreme muscle weakness, sleepiness, severe vomiting and other, more fatal conditions such as: * Low blood pressure * Coma * Heart attack In an effort to maintain their high, patients who abuse Percocet may try combining the medication with other types of drugs or alcohol. Most commonly, patients will pair Percocet with an antihistamine, barbiturate, benzodiazepine or a type of anesthetic. This is extremely dangerous behavior and it needs to be remedied as soon as possible. How To Overcome A Percocet Addiction. What Causes Percocet dependence? This is a complicated question for the reason that regardless of the information that medical professionals from the region of the world have been, for centuries, the researching and on the lookout for the response to this query, there still is not any one particular answer. It has been found that some of the answers can be found in hereditary traits, the people you hang out with, and what has happened to you in your past. For those of you who do not know, percocet addiction and withdrawal is almost identical to heroin addiction. In fact, many people that are addicted to percocets or any other type or narcotic opiate pill, will often start using heroin because it is cheaper and easier to get. How is Percocet Administered? Percocets are most often taken orally, but many addicts also take percocets by breaking them down and sniffing them through their nostrils, or even injecting them. Out of all the diverse ways of administration, injecting percocets has the quickest onset, the strongest effects, and it is the most addictive form of administration. What are widespread side effects of Percocet usage, what are the withdrawal symptoms? * Nausea * Drowsiness and dizziness * Constipation * Rashes or itchiness * Emotional mood disorders, depression * Dried mouth * Slightly decreases testosterone levels in men * Liver or renal damage if taken in huge doses Percocets are often not thought of as a hard drug, but in a lot of ways percocets are just as dangerous as cocaine, and is in fact very similar to heroin. It is important to educate yourself on opiate addiction. Percocet Addiction: The Dangers There are many dangers associated with Percocet addiction. Much like codeine and morphine, Percocet is an opiate available only through prescription. Percocet contains acetaminophen along with Oxycodone which is a narcotic analgesic. Percocet can be taken in tablets and it is not uncommon for people with Percocet addictions to take between 20 - 40 pills a day. Percocet is both physically and emotionally addictive. It acts as a "block" to pain receptors in the brain, which results in a feeling of euphoria. It is this euphoria that people with a Percocet addiction are searching for every time they ingest these tablets. They believe they can reproduce this euphoria by increasing the quantity and frequency of the tablets. Unfortunately, this initial feeling is rarely recreated. But the person will continue taking the drug despite the tolerance they have developed which is keeping them from experiencing the euphoric feeling that they crave. This pattern of behavior is known as addiction and it affects millions of people. If the person stops taking the drug, they will experience unpleasant, uncomfortable and, in many cases, dangerous Percocet withdrawal symptoms. In addition to physical symptoms, Percocet abusers also often experience deterioration in personal relationships, financial difficulties, legal problems, employment difficulties as well as, psychological difficulties. Percocet Withdrawal Percocet is physically addictive. Whenever you are dealing with a physical addiction it is very important to reduce the intake gradually. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug can have devastating effects on the body including seizures and convulsions. We urge you to seek professional and medical supervision before undergoing Percocet withdrawal. Entrance to residential Percocet addiction treatment programs seems to be the best defense against any medical complications that could occur during Percocet withdrawal. Percocet withdrawal discomfort and symptoms vary depending on how long the person has been using and the amount of the drug taken at any given time. It is not unusual for those with a Percocet addiction to consume up to 40 pills daily. The symptoms one might experience during Percocet withdrawal include insomnia, vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea, and muscle and bone pain. Percocet Addiction Treatment Due to the physical dependency created by Percocet abuse, addiction treatment should begin in a residential detox center where medical professionals can help you manage any Percocet withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing. The average length of time spent in a Percocet addiction detox center is approximately seven days where the addict will be monitored for both medical and psychological problems. After the person is medically stable he or she can proceed to a residential treatment center to complete the recovery process. What to Expect in Percocet Rehab Programs Percocet rehab programs allow patients to address their feelings of shame and disappointment with others who are struggling with similar problems. Patients will also be given the chance to discuss the detrimental effects of their Percocet addiction on their loves ones. Percocet addiction recovery in a supportive therapeutic environment eliminates outside distractions and allows the individual to concentrate on both the emotional and physical issues directly relating to their addiction. This Percocet addiction treatment process is usually accomplished within twenty days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.

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