Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone addiction is a dangerous disorder that can develop quickly when people misuse the substance. Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid medication for pain relief and cough suppression. It is similar to codeine and morphine in its intended use and effects, as well as its addictive properties. As a medicinal product, hydrocodone is an analgesic that treats mild to severe pain. For instance, it is prescribed for issues like chronic pain, wounds, or fractures.
Consequently, one can achieve a rapid high by taking it as crushed powder. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved forms of hydrocodone that help deter this type of abuse. Hydrocodone addiction is a serious concern that requires medical detoxification.
What Is Hydrocodone Addiction?
Hydrocodone addiction happens when one grows dependent on the drug and must keep taking it or experience intense withdrawal symptoms. Since opioid addiction causes adaptation to one’s neurochemistry, stopping is challenging. Opioids bind to receptors in the brain and body, resulting in feelings of euphoria and reduced physical and emotional pain.
Over time the brain adapts, which is a state of tolerance. At that point, the individual has to take more and more to feel the same rush. Eventually, they have to keep taking more just to feel normal and fight withdrawal. Because the brain adapts to hydrocodone, trying to stop results in cravings, muscle pain, anxiety, and other severe effects.
Why Is Hydrocodone Addictive?
Hydrocodone is available as an immediate-release or extended-release product, prescribed based on the individual’s level of pain and whether they need ongoing relief. Hydrocodone is meant to be taken in its correct dosage for release over 1-24 hours. It comes in pill or tablet form meant to be swallowed whole, although liquid versions are also sold illegally. Tablets are the most common illicitly used version of hydrocodone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hydrocodone abuse, please reach out for help today.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction?
Hydrocodone addiction generally follows similar symptoms to other opioid use disorders (OUD). Yet, there are some common indications associated with hydrocodone addiction. Although every individual’s experience of OUD is different, there are signs and symptoms that typically arise during hydrocodone addiction.
Some of the most common physical signs and symptoms of hydrocodone abuse include:
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Bronchial asthma
- Respiratory depression
- Rash
Those struggling with hydrocodone addiction may also display behavioral signs and symptoms, such as:
- Preoccupation with hydrocodone
- Compulsive hydrocodone use
- Tolerance to hydrocodone (needing to use more of the drug to achieve the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using hydrocodone
- Engaging in risky or illegal behaviors to obtain hydrocodone
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Lying about hydrocodone use
- Isolating oneself from friends and family
- Financial problems due to hydrocodone use
Finally, emotional and psychological signs of hydrocodone addiction can include
- Mental fog
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Depression
Other, more extreme effects are hearing loss, liver damage, intestinal blockage, and insufficient hormone production (Addison’s disease). In the worst scenarios, hydrocodone abuse may lead to overdose, coma, or death.
Why Is Hydrocodone Dangerous?
Hydrocodone is available as an immediate-release or extended-release opioid medication, prescribed based on the individual’s level of pain and whether they need ongoing relief. Hydrocodone is meant to be taken in its correct dosage for release over 1-24 hours. It comes in pill or tablet form meant to be swallowed whole, although liquid versions are also sold illegally. Tablets are the most common illicitly used version of hydrocodone.
While the prescription opioid can offer relief for those experiencing moderate to severe pain, hydrocodone is dangerous due to its powerful and addictive effects. Its risks are overdose and addiction. Overdose is a serious concern because it can be fatal. Yet, the fear of addiction from hydrocodone is equally alarming because substance dependency can destroy one’s life. Not only can one’s physical health suffer, but also their relationships, finances, career, and mental health.
Purposefully or not, mixing hydrocodone with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants can increase the risk of lethal overdose and total system failure. Direct risks from mixing substances are “profound sedation and respiratory depression,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
Hydrocodone Addiction Facts & Statistics
Hydrocodone is meant to be taken orally as a tablet or pill and swallowed whole for extended-release pain relief. However, it can be misused by chewing or snorting crushed tablets. This is an illicit use of hydrocodone that produces a fast high which can lead to overdose as the body is flooded with the substance.
Many acetaminophen products include hydrocodone. It is included in hundreds of medicinal products, which has required stronger regulations around prescriptions. As a result, the number of hydrocodone prescriptions has reduced over the years. In the U.S., the number of prescriptions went from nearly 138 million in 2013 to roughly 71 million in 2018.
The numbers are still high, and “doctor-shopping” for medications is a main tactic for illicit hydrocodone acquisition. According to the DEA, hydrocodone is the most prescribed opioid in the United States. It also has the greatest amount of illegal opioid use.
Hydrocodone Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
Hydrocodone abuse is in direct relation with mental health disorders. It is well-documented that opioid misuse, of both licit and illicit forms, leads to changes in the brain. These can spark poor mental health symptoms and exacerbate current mental illness.
For instance, opioid dependency often leads to stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of despair. After long-term opioid use, individuals may feel numb and hopeless. People get trapped in the cycle of dependency, at which point euphoric effects are long gone and desolation sets in. People facing mental health disorders from hydrocodone addiction, or with conditions made worse by it, need to get immediate help.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
When Do You Need Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment?
The side effects of hydrocodone addiction can be incredibly damaging to every aspect of a person’s life. For this reason, it is important to know how to recognize when your substance use has gotten out of control. Recognizing an addiction early on can help you get treatment as soon as possible and have the best chance at achieving long-term sobriety.
Some of the most significant signs and symptoms that is time to seek hydrocodone addiction treatment include:
- Compulsive hydrocodone use, even when you know it is harmful to you.
- Intense cravings for hydrocodone in between doses and feel unable to control your use.
- Spending a lot of time, money, energy acquiring hydrocodone.
- Hydrocodone use is interfering with your work, school, or relationships.
- Experiencing negative consequences from your hydrocodone use, such as legal trouble, health problems, or financial problems.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Hydrocodone addiction is a treatable condition, and there are many effective treatment options available in the treatment of prescription opioid abuse.
How Long Is Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment?
Hydrocodone treatment, like all recovery from OUD, starts with detoxification. This beginning step usually lasts for seven days. This is how long it takes for the body to detox and the withdrawal symptoms to peak and fade. After, individuals have a clearer mind and sober body, but recovery is more than detoxification. Therefore, treatment for hydrocodone should last longer than the initial detox stage for people to learn to manage their sobriety. In treatment, individuals learn valuable skills for breaking free from addiction and making sobriety a permanent choice for their well-being.
Have any questions?
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options
As mentioned, hydrocodone addiction begins with detoxification. All OUD recovery starts in the same way. Treatment is more than physical, and the continuing stages of recovery are equally as important! Drug addiction treatment spans different levels of care. Chiefly, each is designed to meet individuals where they are and prepare them for the next step.
Behavioral therapy is a key component of hydrocodone treatment because it teaches guests about the reasons behind their addiction. Therapy promotes confidence and greater self-awareness as guests discover they’re not alone in their substance abuse. Additionally, counseling is implemented in hydrocodone recovery. OUD counselors teach guests how to manage their cravings, cope with triggers, and prevent relapse. Through such evidence-based practices, individuals journey from dependence on drugs to self-reliance.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment at
Royal Life Centers
Like all forms of substance abuse, hydrocodone addiction requires individualized care. Our expert medical and counseling staff guides guests in developing their individualized treatment plans. Throughout our inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programming, guests are filled with knowledge about themselves and their addiction. They learn how a combination of factors brought them to this place and that it doesn’t reflect on them.
During inpatient treatment, guests develop hope for their futures as they utilize their newfound skills. Guests realize sobriety is a path they are equipped to stay on, even after treatment. We ensure they are comfortable in our state-of-the-art facilities. Our team is available around the clock to help guests with whatever they’re facing. Even after guests leave our programming, they stay part of our valued Royal family.
Are you looking for help with addiction? Let us support you on the path to lasting recovery
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment in Washington
As a part of Royal Life Centers’ network of addiction treatment centers, Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment facility in Spokane, Washington. After completing treatment in our inpatient programs, we also invite you to explore the array of other hydrocodone addiction treatment options available nearby.
Our hydrocodone addiction treatment centers in Washington include:
- Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights is our detox and inpatient treatment center in Spokane, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Cascade Heights is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Mead, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at The Haven is our detoxification and inpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Sound Recovery is our aftercare and outpatient treatment center in Lacey, Washington.
- Royal Life Centers at Puget Sound is our detox and residential inpatient treatment center in Sumner, Washington.
Our center provides a wide array of care services, facilitating seamless transitions between centers for a smooth and effective recovery journey. Throughout your treatment with us, our experienced staff will offer guidance and support to help you make positive lifestyle changes. By doing so, you can lead a healthier and more fulfilling life in your recovery from hydrocodone addiction.
We understand that recovery is a journey, and we are here to provide support in every way possible. For more information on our treatment centers and how you can get help today, call our 24/7 admissions team at 888-907-0898.
Looking for Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our opioid detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
