Percocet

Percocet's active ingredients are oxycodone, a narcotic (opiate) pain medication (analgesic). And acetaminophen (a non-narcotic pain medication), which relieves pain better than either medication taken alone. Oxycodone acts on the central nervous system and smooth muscle tissue, slowing the central nervous system. It is not clear exactly how acetaminophen works to ease pain.

Percodan

Percodan is a narcotic drug. When a narcotic is injected, the user feels a surge of pleasure, then a state of gratification into which hunger, pain, and sexual urges do not intrude.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs cause a special danger to chemically dependent people. Often the abused drugs are taken initially for legitimate medical reasons: for example, to assist in reducing pain from chronic illness such as arthritis or headaches. Dependence on prescription drugs can occur over a few weeks or several years. Denial, because of the nature of the initial use, can be very high. When the patient attempts to stop using the prescription drug, the initial problem appears to re-emerge and new problems are often added. The addictive cycle has begun.

Chemically dependent people in recovery must take responsibility for monitoring the prescription drugs they use. Any mood-altering drug can lead to relapse and a return to chemical abuse. Your chemical dependency must be stated to your physician and pharmacist. Even then, a careful self-monitoring of prescribed medicines is important.