Oxycodone Addiction Oxycodone works by stimulating certain opoid receptors that are located throughout the central nervous system, in the brain and along the spinal cord. When the oxycodone binds to the opoid receptors, a variety of physiologic responses can occur ranging from pain relief, to slowed breathing to euphoria. Withdrawal reactions include anxiety, irritability, sweating, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. Residential Treatment is a level of care that entails that the client live (resides) within a treatment facility for a specified duration of care; most often 28 days. Residential Treatment Programs and Centers usually include group and individual therapy sessions and span the confinement continuum from open campus to lock down facilities.Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has a range of definitions related to disaproval over use or overuse of mood altering substances. These fall into four main categories: Substance abuse may lead to addiction or substance dependence. Medicaly, dependence requires the development of tolerance leading to withdrawal symptoms.Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, a constant or periodic reliance on use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking is stopped, and the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to feel its effects.
Percodan is a mix of aspirin and oxycodone. It works by binding to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of discomfort is reduced. The aspirin works by reducing the amount of prostaglandins that are produced which should further result in reducing the pain produced. Percodan shares the same qualities as other narcotics. This means it is can be addictive and is also only structurally different from recognized illegal drugs such as heroin and opium.
The Most Popular Drug in America
Percodan was first developed in the early 1950’s and at one point in time was one of the most popularly prescribed pain killers in history. In fact, as early as 1963, research studies can be found documenting the potential of Percodan addiction. Gradually overtime, Percodan prescriptions were being replaced with written orders for Percocet. The reasoning behind this was the following: Percocet was the combination of Acetaminophen (brand name is Tylenol) with Oxycodone which was considered safer. The reason behind this being that aspirin prolongs the prothrombin time when taken in excess. This essentially means that an individual has potential for bleeding longer which leads to problems with blood clotting. Utilization of such a compound in conjunction with other blood thinners such as Heparin or Coumadin or for individuals with a pre-existing clotting disorder can be deadly.
How Can Percodan Addiction Begin?
Percodan, like most opiates, is prescribed for extreme pain. This usually includes things like cancer treatment. However, Percodan is still prescribed for other illnesses and conditions. The population most at risk for dependence is the elderly population. This group is also at a higher risk for overdosing. The reason for this being, that as an individual ages, he or she requires a lower dose of said medication. This occurs because of slower absorption of the drug in the stomach as well as slower metabolism and poor liver function. This increases the amount of the drug in the blood at any given time which can lead to adverse effects. Some of these effects include blurred vision, and attention and motor deficits. Since these side effects may be regarded as changes associated with age in the elderly, it is probable that these symptoms may go unnoticed or unaccounted for. Long term use of Percodan for chronic illness does occur, but is dangerous as there is the chance of addiction. Before a practitioner prescribes said medication he or she needs to make sure that the patient does not have a history of alcohol abuse or drug addiction as there is a higher probability of addiction to Percodan.
In 1995 the FDA approved use of oxycodone in prescription drugs. Since that point in time, there has been an increase in illicit drug use of Percodan. Individuals abusing Percodan like it because of the feeling of pleasure that are felt followed by a complete state of relaxation and contentment that follows. This usually lasts for a few hours.
Perhaps one of the most dangerous side effects of Percodan is the sedation that may occur. Since Percodan is an opiate, it slows down the respiratory rate which can lead to what is known as respiratory depression. If an individual who is taking said drug is not careful he or she can stop breathing totally. In fact, respiratory depression is one of the telltale signs of overdose.
Other Symptoms of Percodan Overdose include the Following:
Detoxification from Percodan use requires more than just the traditional methods. Withdrawal from Percodan, like other opiates, is uncomfortable but is not deadly and can be handled properly under supervision. More than psychotherapy is necessary for proper recovery. It takes a team of trained professionals in order to ascertain a long lasting recovery. If someone you know is currently showing sighs or symptoms of Percodan addiction it is necessary to get he or she into the hands of trained professionals who can properly treat the problem.
References
Bloomquist, E.R. (1963) The addiction potential of oxycodone (Percodan). California Medical. Aug;99:127-30.
Chapman, C.R., and Hill, C.F. Prolonged morphine self-administration and addiction liability. Cancer 1989, 63:1636-1644.
Finlayson, R.E.; Maruta, T.; Morse, R.M.; and Martin, M.A. Substance dependence and chronic pain: Experience with treatment and follow-up results. Pain 1986, 26(2):175-180.
Finlayson, R.E.; Maruta, T.; Morse, R.M.; Swenson, W.M.; and Martin, M.A. Substance dependence and chronic pain: Profile of 50 patients treated in an alcohol and drug dependence unit. Pain 1986, 26(2):167-174.
Portenoy, R.K. Therapeutic use of opioids: Prescribing and control issues. In: Cooper, J.R.; Czechowicz, D.J.; Molinari, S.P.; et al., eds. Impact of Prescription Drug Diversion Control Systems on Medical Practice and Patient Care. NIDA Research Monograph Series, Number 131.1993, pp. 35-50.
Ray, W.A.; Thapa, P.B.; and Shorr, R.I. Medications and the older driver. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 1993, 9(2):413-438.
Solomon, K.; Manepalli, J.; Ireland, G.A.; and Mahon, G.M. Alcoholism and prescription drug abuse in the elderly: St. Louis University grand rounds. Journal of the American Geriatric Society 1993, 41(1):57-69.
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