Each year, millions of Americans develop a dependency to opiate pain medications like Hydrocodone. Usually, the drug is prescribed by a physician to treat moderate to severe pain, typically following an injury or surgery. When taken exactly as prescribed, hydrocodone is usually considered to be a very effective and safe form of pain management. But opiate painkillers like hydrocodone are not intended to be used over a long period of time, due to habit-forming qualities. This is where many people go wrong, and inevitably, develop a dependence to the drug. Side effects of hydrocodone can make the habit quite destructive.
Similar to the potency and chemical structure of morphine and codeine, Hydrocodone is an opiate analgesic that was developed for the purpose of relieving moderate to severe pain. Hydrocodone is available in tablet, capsule, and syrup form, and is taken orally. The syrup version is most often used as an antitussive/cough suppressant.
Currently, hydrocodone is the most commonly abused prescription opiate in the United States. It is directly associated with a higher number of drug abuse and diversions than any other legal or illegal opioid.
Street names for Hydrocodone include Hydro, Norco, and Vikes.
In the U.S., numerous brand and generic hydrocodone products are marketed. All of these products are combination products, with the most common being a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Examples of this popular combination are Vicodin® and Lorcet®. Other combinations include aspirin (Lortab ASA®), ibuprofen (Vicoprofen®), and antihistamines (Hycomine®).
Like other opiate medications, Hydrocodone produces many mind-altering side effects including euphoria and sedation. It also works to alter the way the body perceives pain. Physical side effects of hydrocodone can include feelings of drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, constipation, and urinary retention. When taken in large amounts, side effects of hydrocodone can also slow or stop breathing.
If an individual tries to stop using hydrocodone or cuts their dosage by half or more, it is likely that hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms will begin to occur. As with every drug, the severity of these side effects and symptoms will depend upon how long the user has been abusing hydrocodone and in what dosages.
If you or a loved one has developed a dependency on hydrocodone, there is professional help available. At our premier facility Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, we have advanced treatment tools and resources that can help you beat addiction. We offer detox referrals to off-site facilities where your progress will be closely monitored by medical professionals. At our facility, we can continue addiction treatment with evidence-based therapies, and teach you how to live a sober and independent life.
We treat addictions to alcohol, meth, cocaine, heroin, and opiates.
We’ve helped many individuals overcome addiction to Hydrocodone and other drugs, and we can help you, too.
A life ruled by addiction can be a miserable and hopeless experience. Fortunately, Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, can help you put an end to the days of destructive behavior, for good. Our treatments for drug abuse are designed to help individuals like you get sober and learn healthier, more positive techniques for dealing with the stress and burdens of real life. To learn more about how our programs can help you break free of the chains of addiction, call 866.605.0532. Today is a great day to call.