Hydrocodone Overview: Addiction Signs, Withdrawal and Treatment

Hydrocodone is a powerful prescription painkiller that is increasingly being abused in the United States. In 2006 alone, almost 130 million prescriptions were written for medications containing Hydrocodone. It’s this abundance of prescriptions for Hydrocodone that makes it very easy to obtain and abuse.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid painkiller that causes similar effects as morphine and heroin. These euphoric and numbing effects can cause a physical and mental addiction if Hydrocodone is misused or abused.

The Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

Not everyone who takes Hydrocodone will become addicted, but physical dependence after chronic use or abuse can lead to a serious addiction. The following are some warning signs of Hydrocodone addiction:

* Continued use of the drug, even after the pain it was prescribed for has ceased.
* Mood and behavior changes, such as becoming hostile, volatile, agitated or anxious.
* Secretive or deceitful behavior in order to obtain the drug. Having multiple prescriptions from more than one doctor or buying it off the street is a good indication that an addiction has started.
* Physical withdrawal symptoms when doses are missed. Flu-like symptoms such as joint and muscle aches, night sweats and insomnia are very common.
* Developing a high tolerance so that more pills are needed for the same desired effect.
* Withdrawal from friends, family and society, especially if people close to say you have a problem.
* Financial problems associated with having to purchase more and more pills.

Physical signs of Hydrocodone addiction are:

* Constipation
* Difficulty urinating
* Anxiety
* Mental clouding
* Dry throat
* Itching
* Restlessness
* Sluggishness

Hydrocodone Overdose Facts

Hydrocodone overdose can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Symptoms of a Hydrocodone overdose are:

* Extreme drowsiness
* Dizziness
* Limp muscles
* Bluish tinge to the skin, fingernails and lips
* Cold, clammy skin
* Heavy perspiration
* Nausea and/or vomiting
* Slowed heartbeat
* Difficulty breathing
* Pinpoint pupils
* Stomach spasms
* Low blood pressure
* Seizures
* Coma

Hydrocodone Detox

Physical dependence on Hydrocodone can create severe withdrawal symptoms, especially if sudden discontinuation occurs. Signs of Hydrocodone withdrawal will usually set in within a few hours to a full day after the last dose, and can include the following symptoms: excessive sweating and yawning, runny nose and eyes, diarrhea and vomiting, shivering, muscle aches and cramps, and insomnia.

Managing Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms should be done safely and professionally through detox at a Hydrocodone rehab.

Hydrocodone Rehab

Treating an addiction to Hydrocodone and other prescription painkillers is best done at a Hydrocodone rehab facility. Here you will receive safe, professional detox that is monitored by an expert professional. Once the body has been detoxified of all residue toxins, treatment of the mental addiction can begin with group and individual therapy.

If you feel like you’ve developed an addiction to Hydrocodone or another prescription painkiller, seek medical treatment right away. The sooner you receive help, the easier it will be to stop abusing the pills. If your addiction began as a legitimate way to treat severe or chronic pain, then a medical doctor can help you find an alternative way to treat and manage your pain.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.