Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid drug used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain and as a cough suppressant. There are over 200 prescription drugs available that contain hydrocodone, such as Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, and Tussionex, which may contribute to the exponential growth of hydrocodone abuse.
Although hydrocodone is a regulated substance and available only by prescription, the ease of obtaining hydrocodone and the euphoric high associated with misuse make it a popular and highly addictive drug. There is also a common misconception that if a drug is available by prescription it is much safer than related street drugs, such as heroin.
Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction
Signs of hydrocodone addiction include the following:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if a dose is missed
- Continued use after pain has ceased
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Secretive behavior
Changes in mood and behavior are often accompanied by side effects such as the following:
- Decreased sex drive
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lethargy
- Irregular breathing
The sooner addiction is addressed and treated, the sooner side effects will disappear and the better the chances for long-term recovery.
Withdrawal, Treatment, and Recovery from Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone addiction treatment begins with detox. Hydrocodone is physically addictive and, depending on the intensity of hydrocodone use, quitting “cold-turkey” can lead to seizures. It can take a week for the drug to leave a person’s body, and during this time the user will experience withdrawal symptoms, which can include the following:
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Depression
- Extreme cravings for hydrocodone
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Severe muscle and bone pain
The discomfort associated with withdrawal can send users back to hydrocodone use. The most successful method of ending hydrocodone addiction is entering an inpatient facility. The increasing abuse of prescription drugs means that there are now facilities specifically targeted to hydrocodone withdrawal and treatment. Professionals will be available to handle the physical and psychological aspects of hydrocodone addiction help.
Inpatient facilities also help to break habits associated with drug use and offer patients a place to recover that is removed from the stress of daily life. Addiction does not end with withdrawal, however, and continued treatment and therapy will have to be sought out in order to prevent future relapse and ensure long-term recovery.