The Dangers in Abusing Pain Killers

The dangers in abusing pain killers comes with many risk and side effects. Some people take prescription pain killers because they have a legit reason for taking them and only use them when it is necessary. Other people start out taking pain killers for legit reasons but then often start taking them for the high and not the pain. Addiction happens almost immediately after taking pain killers on a regular basis, as it did for Michael Jackson. Addiction can cause health problems and death. Some of the most popular and most addictive forming pain killers are: Oxycontin, Vicodin and Percocet.

Oxycontin: An extremely powerful synthetic pain killer. Oxycontin is a narcotic prescribed to cancer patients and people who suffer from chronic pain. Oxycontin has strong euphoric effects and the potential to become addicted in just a short time for those who abuse it. When Oxycontin is used for recreation reasons and not for medical reasons, the abuser will take the pill orally, snort it up the nose, or dissolve it in water and inject it. Users feel a quick rush and they start to experience slower breathing and a slower heart rate. The effects of abusing Oxycontin is respiratory depression, when this occurs there is less oxygen that becomes available to vital organs. Side effects are dizziness, constipation, sweating, sedation, headache, dry mouth and shortness of breath. Most serious side effect is death.

Vicodin: Most Vicodin users do not intend to become addicted to the drug. For some, when their prescription runs out they become obsessed in finding away to get a refill on the prescription. Vicodin affects the way the brain functions, the brain then stops producing essential chemicals like endorphins. The body then feels it can not function without the drug. When people become addicted to Vicodin it affects the physical and emotional aspects of the persons life. Withdrawals from Vicodin can take up to 6 to 12 hours after the last dosage, withdrawal symptoms include: Insomnia, cold flashes, involuntary muscle movement, running nose, panic, vomiting, chills, loss of appetite, nausea, and muscle pain.

Percocet: Addiction to Percocet can affect consciousness and make the user unaware of their surroundings. Addiction to this drug may result in severe psychological or physical dependence. Women are known to become addicted to Percocet at a higher percentage than men. Withdrawal symptoms can occur within 24 hours after the last dosage of Percocet and may even occur just after 12 hours of the last dosage. Withdrawal symptoms include: irritability, anxiety, loss of appetite, muscle aches, cramps, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, shivering, restlessness and goose bumps.

Most pain killers have high doses of acetaminophen which is known to cause liver damage, some of these pain killers include: Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Darvocet, Demerol and Lorcet. For people who have become addicted to these pain killers it is advised that you consult your nearest drug treatment center for treatment.