At Beach House Center for Recovery, we understand that hydrocodone addiction can be complicated, challenging, and scary. We strive to provide a supportive environment for those seeking help. Our team of addiction care specialists, medical clinicians, and psychiatric providers offer effective, compassionate, and personalized treatment plans for people struggling with hydrocodone use disorder.
Nearly twice as many people die from prescription opioids than illicit opiates like heroin. For every death from prescription opioid abuse, there are another 10 treatment admissions, 32 emergency department visits for misuse, 130 people with a prescription opioid dependency, and 825 recreational users, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Roughly one in six Americans over 12 admit to using an opioid drug for recreational purposes at some point.
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic for treating mild to severe pain, coughing, severe diarrhea, and other conditions. It is derived from thebaine, an extract of the opium poppy. The drug is prescribed as a single-ingredient medication or in combination with other medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin. (Vicodin is the brand name for hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen.)
When used as prescribed, hydrocodone can provide effective pain relief. The drug binds to opioid receptors in the body and brain, blocking pain signals. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms and is usually taken orally.
Is Hydrocodone Addictive?
Due to its potential for abuse, hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence.
Those who take hydrocodone for extended periods may develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects. People may also become psychologically dependent on hydrocodone as they use it to cope with everyday stress or experience euphoria. In addition to physical and psychological dependence, regular use of hydrocodone can lead to an increased risk of overdose and long-term health issues.
Side Effects of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone can have a wide range of side effects. Here are some of the possible effects of using hydrocodone.
- Constipation: Opioids can cause constipation, which can be uncomfortable and lead to other health issues.
- Slow Breathing: Hydrocodone can slow your breathing, leading to dizziness and fatigue.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of hydrocodone use, particularly when experiencing withdrawal.
- Addiction: Taking hydrocodone can cause addiction, especially when taken in large doses or for long periods.
- Mental Health Issues: Opioids can also cause mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and confusion.
What are Hydrocodone Abuse Symptoms?
Hydrocodone abuse signs in loved ones can be difficult to detect, as people often try to hide their addiction. However, numerous signs can indicate that a person is addicted to hydrocodone. These include the following:
- Increased tolerance to the drug: As people abuse hydrocodone, they will need to take more of the drug to get the same effect. This phenomenon is known as developing drug tolerance.
- Financial problems: People who abuse hydrocodone may have financial difficulties due to spending money on higher and higher quantities of the drug.
- Changes in behavior: Hydrocodone misuse can cause social isolation, mood swings, aggression, and hostility.
- Changes in appearance: Hygiene neglect is one of the most common signs of hydrocodone misuse.
- Unusual sleeping patterns: Misusing hydrocodone can cause sleep disorders.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Over time, hydrocodone misuse can cause people to ignore work, school, family obligations, and other important duties.
- Secretive behaviors: People who abuse hydrocodone may become secretive and try to hide their drug use from other people.
Beach House Center for Recovery: Our Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Approach
At Beach House Center for Recovery, human connection is essential to the recovery process. Love and connection offer a sense of understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Our addiction care specialists integrate our philosophy into each treatment plan, combining the latest science-backed treatment protocols into our empathetic approach.
Our targeted treatment programs include medically supervised detox, medication-assisted treatment, intensive behavioral therapies, and dual diagnosis treatment that identifies the underlying contributors to self-medicating behaviors.
If diagnosed by a doctor, all chemical addictions are considered mental/behavioral illnesses. Under the majority of health insurance plans, treatment for chemical dependency and addiction is covered.
To learn more about hydrocodone addiction treatment at Beach House, or to find out if your insurance will cover addiction treatment, please contact our helpful admissions counselors today.