Hydrocodone Addiction: Risks, Treatment, and Recovery

Table of Contents

Hydrocodone is a widely prescribed pain medication, but it’s also one of the most commonly misused. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 45.1% of individuals ages 12 and older who misused prescription opioids in 2022 misused hydrocodone. This statistic highlights a significant issue with hydrocodone misuse and addiction.

In this article, we will explore what hydrocodone is, why it is prescribed, it’s side effects, and the signs of addiction.

Hydrocodone Addiction Overview

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a powerful painkiller and cough suppressant that doctors prescribe for severe pain. It’s an opioid, which means it works by changing how your brain and nervous system respond to pain. This medication is often combined with acetaminophen and sold under brand names like Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab. These combinations help make the pain relief more effective.

 

However, hydrocodone isn’t without its risks. It’s a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and can lead to serious dependence. Even people who take it exactly as prescribed can develop a dependency. Misusing hydrocodone for its euphoric effects has significantly contributed to the opioid crisis. In fact, back in 2013, over 136 million prescriptions for hydrocodone products were given out. Thankfully, due to increased awareness and tighter regulations, that number has been dropping.

Why Is Hydrocodone Prescribed?

Hydrocodone is used to relieve severe and persistent pain in people who need an opioid pain medication around the clock for an extended period. It is especially helpful for patients who cannot be treated with other pain medications. Hydrocodone extended-release capsules or tablets are designed for long-term pain management and should not be used for pain that can be controlled by medications taken as needed.

 

This medication works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It is classified as an opiate (narcotic) analgesic, making it effective for severe pain relief. While hydrocodone can be very effective, it must be used with caution due to its high potential for misuse and addiction.

Types of Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone comes in various forms, often combined with acetaminophen, to enhance its pain-relieving effects. Here are some of the most common types of hydrocodone medications:

 

Vicodin: Vicodin is a popular hydrocodone medication that combines 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone with 300 mg of acetaminophen. It’s typically used for managing moderate to severe pain and is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Vicodin tablets are usually white and have the dosage amount debossed on one side and “VICODIN” on the other.

 

Norco: Norco is another commonly prescribed hydrocodone medication. It comes in two strengths: 7.5 mg or 10 mg of hydrocodone combined with 325 mg of acetaminophen. Norco tablets can be white with orange specks, light orange, or yellow, each with distinct markings indicating the dosage. Some people prefer Norco because it initially contained less acetaminophen compared to other options, reducing the risk of liver damage from excessive acetaminophen intake.

 

Lortab: Lortab, similar to Vicodin and Norco, combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen. It comes in various dosages, including 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg of hydrocodone paired with 325 mg of acetaminophen. The tablets can be white with pink, green, or blue specks, or entirely pink, with specific markings to indicate the dosage.

 

Zohydro: Zohydro is unique because it is pure hydrocodone, without acetaminophen. It comes in extended-release capsules with dosages ranging from 10 mg to 50 mg. Zohydro capsules are white, light green, dark blue, or dark brown, each marked with “Z3##” and the dosage amount. Approved by the FDA in 2013, Zohydro is prescribed for severe, chronic pain in patients who are opioid-tolerant and have not found relief with other treatments.

 

Each of these medications has its own specific use and risk profile. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any form of hydrocodone to manage pain effectively while minimizing the risk of addiction and other side effects. Next, we will explore the side effects associated with hydrocodone use and what to do if they occur.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

Short Term Effects of Hydrocodone

Like many opioid medications, hydrocodone can cause several side effects, even when taken as prescribed. Some common immediate effects include:

    • Constipation
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Sleepiness
    • Itchiness
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Abdominal pain

These reactions can vary in severity and may not affect everyone the same way. It’s important to monitor how your body responds to hydrocodone and report any adverse effects to your doctor.

Warning Signs of Adderall Misuse

Long-term use or abuse of hydrocodone can lead to more severe health issues. Prolonged use can alter brain function, impacting mood and thought patterns. Some of the long-term effects include:

 

    • Insomnia
    • Liver or kidney disease
    • Depression
    • Anxiety

 

Mental health issues like depression and insomnia might be managed with therapy and medications, but physical damage to organs like the liver and kidneys can be harder to treat and may be irreversible.

Hydrocodone Misuse

Hydrocodone misuse occurs when the drug is taken in ways not prescribed by a doctor. This can include taking higher doses, taking it more frequently, or using it for its euphoric effects. Misuse can quickly lead to addiction because hydrocodone binds to pain receptors in the brain, blocking pain and creating feelings of euphoria. These feel-good sensations can encourage repeated use.

 

Misuse often starts with a legitimate prescription but can escalate to more severe forms of abuse. Recognizing the signs of misuse early is crucial to prevent addiction and its severe consequences.

Hydrocodone Overdose

Symptoms of Overdose

An overdose occurs when someone consumes too much hydrocodone, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Signs of a hydrocodone overdose can include:

    • Breathing difficulty
    • Stupor
    • Coma
    • Limp muscles
    • Cold, clammy skin
    • Pinpoint or dilated pupils
    • Slowed heart rate
    • Low blood pressure

Recognizing these symptoms quickly is crucial to prevent fatal outcomes.

Immediate Actions to Take In Case of Overdose

If you suspect someone is overdosing on hydrocodone, call 911 immediately. Stay with the person until help arrives. If available, administer naloxone (Narcan), a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. Keep the person awake and breathing if possible, and try to keep them on their side to prevent choking. Quick and decisive action can save a life in the event of an overdose.

Hydrocodone Detox and Withdrawal

When someone becomes dependent on hydrocodone, their body adapts to its presence, making it difficult to function without it. Stopping or reducing use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:

    • High blood pressure
    • Elevated body temperature
    • Increased respiratory rate
    • Severe muscle and bone pain
    • Abdominal cramping
    • Nausea/vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Anxiety

These symptoms, while uncomfortable, are typically not life-threatening. Seeking help from a professional detox program can make the process more manageable.

Hydrocodone Addiction

Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD), means you can’t control your use of the drug, even though it’s causing problems in your life. This addiction changes the way your brain works, making drug use your main focus.

 

Here are some signs to diagnose hydrocodone addiction according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5):

 

    • You keep using the drug even though it’s causing health problems.
    • You take more of the drug than you meant to, or you use it longer than you planned.
    • Your drug use is making it hard to meet responsibilities at home, work, or school.
    • You have strong cravings and urges to use the drug.
    • You’ve tried to cut down or stop using, but you can’t.

 

These signs help doctors diagnose OUD. To be diagnosed, you need to show at least two of these signs for at least a year.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat hydrocodone addiction:

 

Individual Counseling: This is where you talk to a counselor about your goals, setbacks, and progress. It can include different therapies like:

 

 

Group Counseling: Being part of a group can help you see you’re not alone. You can share experiences and learn new strategies from others dealing with similar issues.

 

Family Counseling: This involves your close family members. It helps repair and improve your relationships with them.

 

Effective treatment often combines these approaches to address all aspects of addiction, helping you recover physically, mentally, and socially.

Seek Help for Hydrocodone Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, it’s important to seek help right away. There are many resources available that can provide support and treatment.

 

Start by talking to your doctor. They can guide you toward the right treatment options and connect you with specialists who can help. Look into local addiction treatment centers that offer medical detox, counseling, and support groups.

 

Remember, reaching out for help is a brave first step towards recovery. You don’t have to face addiction alone. There are professionals and support networks ready to assist you on your journey to a healthier, drug-free life. Don’t wait—find help today and start your path to recovery.

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