The Effects of Percocet Drug Abuse
Percocet is a powerful narcotic analgesic that is prescribed by physicians for moderate to severe pain. This medication is a combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone and is a member of the opioid family, which makes it highly addictive and prone to abuse. Even though Percocet has such a high potential for addiction, it's important to note that abuse and addiction are two separate issues and must be treated as such even though many of the resulting effects may be the same for both situations.
Other People Are Reading
-
Early Effects
-
The oxycodone that is present in Percocet was first synthesized in Germany in 1916. Freund and Speyer of the University of Frankfurt synthesized the drug as an alternative to morphine, codeine and heroin in the hopes that it would cause less dependence. Unfortunately, it was only partly successful as the new medicine was almost as habit forming due to its opioid properties.
Physical and Chemical
-
On a physical and chemical level, Percocet stimulates the "reward" center of the brain. When the medication is used or abused for an extended time, the risk of becoming addicted increases in most people due to this chemical alteration of brain function. Two to three weeks of taking Percocet is considered extended use and can cause powerful cravings while further stimulating the brain's "reward" system. Other physical effects of abuse are slowed breathing, constipation, itching and nausea.
-
Psychological and Emotional
-
In addition to the physical effects, abuse of Percocet has pronounced psychological and emotional effects. Even if one does not abuse Percocet for physical reasons, psychological abuse is common. Percocet is an effective pain killer because it blocks the brain's pain receptors, often resulting in a feeling of euphoria which can lead to psychological addiction. The effects of psychologically based Percocet abuse include shame, remorse and guilt over the abuse and the behaviors it may have caused.
Social
-
When it comes to family, friends and social or work situations, Percocet abuse can have dramatic effects. It can cause the deterioration of close personal relationships such as marriage, friendships and parent-to-child bonding. Percocet abuse can also interfere with work performance and in some cases may lead to the loss of a job. In many situations these social effects can exacerbate the physical and psychological effects.
Nationwide
-
The effects of Percocet abuse touch everyone's lives, even those who have never had any contact with the drug. Narcotic abuse in America costs taxpayers billions of dollars per year in healthcare costs, criminal justice systems costs and treatment center costs. Additionally, this widespread abuse is linked to a large portion of the major crimes in America including violent crimes like homicide and assault.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons by Mikael Häggström
