After a prolonged use of time, Percocet users begin to become tolerant to the initial effects. They will need to use more and at a more frequent rate in order to feel similar effects that they did when they began using. Often times, using more of a substance causes the user to accidentally overdose and, more often than not, die; in fact, Percocet accounts for thousands of overdose deaths per year.

Using Percocet for a long amount of time will also cause users to become dependent on it. Percocet interrupts the brain’s natural production of pain relieving and mood-boosting receptors, so much that the brain will discontinue the production and the body will rely solely on Percocet to create those feelings. More than 99 percent of the time, users will need Percocet not only to relieve their pain, but to function normally on a daily basis.

Percocet addiction is not only caused by the prolonged use of it, but it is also contributed to genetics, family history and immediate environment.

Genetics

Scientists found a common gene present in over 60 percent of addicts that may contribute to addictive personalities. They have also found that certain genetic mutations may contribute to an addiction.

Family History

Studies show that people who have multiple family members who suffer from addiction or mental health disorder have an increased chance of developing an addiction or mental health disorder themselves.

Immediate Environment

When people are surrounded by stressful situations, they tend to turn to self-medication in order to ease their stress and anxieties. Self-medication is extremely dangerous for a couple of reasons. The first reason: people do not know that they are treating without being diagnosed by a trained professional; therefore, they may take something that is not right for them and they may take way too much, which can lead to many negative side effects and possible overdose. And secondly, as mentioned before, the use of a substance can lead to addiction, which can also lead to a possible overdose, as well as death.

When Percocet addiction is left untreated, it can lead to:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Cold flashes
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle, joint and bone pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Damage to the nervous and respiratory system, as well as the gastrointestinal tract
• Overdose
• Death

Percocet use can also lead to many uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms; however, there are Percocet withdrawal treatments available at reputable Percocet addiction treatment centers.