Hydrocodone Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid narcotic derived from codeine, and is often prescribed by doctors as a cough suppressant and to alleviate moderate to severe pain. The drug was found comparable to oxycodone for potency and effectiveness, and remains active for about four to six hours after dosage. Some of the brand names that contain hydrocodone are Lortab, Vicodin, and Norco. Hydrocodone has a high potential for abuse and addiction, and the recommended dosage should not be exceeded. If the dose is being exceeded, hydrocodone addiction signs and symptoms should be watched for. Sometimes, addiction can also occur in individuals even when the recommended dosage is taken, and patients should be carefully monitored while they are on hydrocodone.
If an individual builds up a tolerance to hydrocodone, the effects of the drug will be minimized and the patient may begin to feel pain again. To alleviate the pain, some patients will exceed the recommended dosage, and this may lead to experiencing a dangerous overdose. As their body adjusts to the presence of the medication, it will begin to feel like the "new normal" for the patient and he will feel "off" when the drug dosage is reduced or stopped. Individuals who become addicted to the drug will have a difficult time trying to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Hydrocodone Addiction Signs and Symptoms:
If an individual is addicted to hydrocodone, they may begin to exhibit specific hydrocodone addiction signs and symptoms. Some of the signs of hydrocodone addiction include:
• Withdrawing from family and friends/becoming more isolated
• Doctor shopping for hydrocodone prescriptions and faking pain to receive the drug
• Spending more time actively seeking out the drug and using it
• Requesting refills for the drug
• Changes in mood and personality
Opiates, such as hydrocodone, are dangerous drugs and when abused can cause serious physical and psychological damage. Some of the adverse effects of hydrocodone include:
• Depressed respiratory system
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Anger
• Seizures
• Slowed heart beat
• Difficulty concentrating
Hydrocodone Addiction:
Hydrocodone addiction may cause long-term or permanent damage to the reward center of the brain, making it difficult for the addict to find pleasure in things that were once enjoyable. Liver damage is the primary concern of hydrocodone that contains acetaminophen, and for this reason the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reduced the legal amount of acetaminophen to 325mg. or less. The long-term use of hydrocodone can cause dangerous health problems such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, jaundice, hallucinations, psychosis, coma, and death. Patients who are taking hydrocodone should be very careful not to exceed the recommended dosage of the drug and have their physician monitor them while they are taking the drug.
You or someone you know may have been using hydrocodone recreationally, became addicted to the drug, and are now exhibiting hydrocodone abuse signs. Perhaps you were prescribed the medication by your physician but mistreated the dosage. Anyone who is addicted to hydrocodone and wants to stop should receive professional help. Alcohol Treatment Center Coral Springs can help you find just that-- a place that will help you recover. It is very difficult to stop using opiate drugs on your own; you need the assistance of medical professionals to successfully and effectively get through the detox process.
Once at the facility, the addict will receive a medical detox where he or she will slowly be weaned off of the hydrocodone. The medical staff will monitor the patient and they may administer medications to alleviate hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. The patient will be kept safe and brought through the detox process as comfortably as possible. Some of the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms that the patient may experience are:
• Anxiety
• Fever
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Shaking and cold flashes
• Sweating
• Muscle and joint pain
Begin Your Recovery:
Prescription medications are the most abused drugs in the U.S. after alcohol and marijuana. Physicians, pharmacists, and patients all have an important role to play in the prevention of drug abuse and addiction. Screening for drug abuse can be a part of the patient's regular medical check-up. If you think that you or a loved one are exhibiting hydrocodone addiction signs and symptoms, then please contact someone immediately. Alcohol Treatment Centers Coral Springs can guide you through finding a rehab center. Call us at (954) 775 – 2925.
Resources:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/prescription-drugs-cold-medicines
https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/rrprescription.pdf