Percocet Addiction

Percocet addiction is a major risk with prolonged use (over 2-3 weeks) of Percocet. Addictive drugs, such as Percocet activate the brain’s reward systems. The promise of reward is very intense, causing the individual to crave Percocet and to focus his or her activities around taking Percocet. The ability of Percocet to strongly activate brain reward mechanisms and its ability to chemically alter the normal functioning of these systems can produce a Percocet addiction. Percocet also reduces a person’s level of consciousness, harming their ability to think or be fully aware of present surroundings.

Percocet addiction is a pattern of compulsive Percocet use characterized by a continued craving for Percocet and the need to use Percocet for psychological effects or mood alterations. Many individuals who have formed an addiction to Percocet find that they need to use it to feel “normal.” They exhibit drug-seeking behavior and are often preoccupied with using and obtaining Percocet. They obtain Percocet through legal or illegal sources.

Who is at risk for Percocet addiction? The risk for Percocet addiction is greatest among women, seniors, and adolescents. Women are two to three times more likely than men to be prescribed drugs such as Percocet; they are also about two times more likely to form an addiction to Percocet. This stems in large part from the fact that women are more likely to seek medical attention for emotional/physical problems. Seniors take more drugs than the rest of the population, increasing their odds of becoming addicted. Finally, 1999 national studies show that the sharpest increase of users of prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes occurs in the 12 to 17 and 18 to 25 age groups.