According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 23 million people over age 12 have abused or misused hydrocodone, a type of opioid (painkiller). Used to relieve pain, hydrocodone is derived from codeine. Several brand-name drugs contain hydrocodone, including Vicodin, Norco and Lortab.
works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain, making less pain felt by the user. Hydrocodone is often prescribed to individuals experiencing moderate to severe pain caused by injury, surgical operations or other health conditions.
When a person uses hydrocodone in ways other than as recommended by a physician, it can lead to hydrocodone abuse. Increased dosage can lead to dependency and symptoms of withdrawal. Hydrocodone addiction signs include requesting frequent refills of the drug, seeing two or more doctors for additional prescriptions, focusing more on hydrocodone than anything else, and more.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment
When hydrocodone abuse occurs, treatment should be sought. Hydrocodone addiction can disrupt a person’s everyday life and can be dangerous to their health. While hydrocodone can relieve pain when taken as prescribed, it can lead to a relaxed, calm sensation when used incorrectly. This sensation is often perceived as pleasurable. Over time a tolerance can be established, meaning it takes more and more hydrocodone to feel these pleasurable effects. This can lead to a vicious cycle of higher doses and more frequent use.
As with any prescription medication, overdose can be extremely dangerous. Symptoms of hydrocodone overdose may include narrowed or widened pupils, shallow breathing, slowed heartbeat, blue skin, loss of consciousness, seizures or even death.
Talbott Recovery provides hydrocodone addiction treatment for individuals who are addicted to hydrocodone. We offer both day treatment and intensive outpatient treatment with three campuses in Georgia – Atlanta, Dunwoody and Columbus.
If you or a loved one is dealing with a hydrocodone addiction, it’s time to take action. Please contact us to learn more about hydrocodone abuse treatment today.
