Treating Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is a highly addictive prescription drug found in over 200 products in the United States. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, prescription drug abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States.
Hydrocodone Dependency
The risk associated with the consumption of Hydrocodone is its ability to cause addiction, even when taken as recommended by a physician. Tolerance levels build quickly from repeated use. As a result, patients eventually need to increase the amount that they take in order to get the relief the drug was intended to provide. This makes it easy for abuse to occur. Once abuse becomes habitual, the natural progression is dependence and addiction.
The most common brand name product containing Hydrocodone is Vicodin. This is one of the most prescribed drugs and the primary cause of multiple overdose fatalities. In addition to Vicodin, hydrocodone is combined with aspirin, cough medicines and antihistamines, and many other products. As an opiate, this drug is an effective analgesic that doctors prescribe for the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
Effects of Hydrocodone
The following is a list of the potentially dangerous effects of Hydrocodone:
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Pulmonary complications
- Swelling of the face, arms or legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe Depression
- Addiction
Mild effects may include
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Nausea
Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse
Continued use of products containing hydrocodone such as Vicodin or Lortab can result in addiction. The following are some Indicators that abuse is occurring:
- Taking large amounts to get the same effect
- Obsessive and compulsive seeking and use of the drug for non-medical purposes
- Acting secretive about the number of pills taken per day
- Experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal when you are not able to take the drug
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment
People who attempt to detox on their own, in an effort to stop the addiction to hydrocodone or products containing this drug, usually relapse before the detox process is completed. Treatment for addiction to prescription drugs may require careful supervision for the duration of the elimination period. A gradual detox process has been shown to be the most effective for the hydrocodone elimination process. This helps to maintain the patient's stability and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of withdrawal may vary from person to person, however, severe drug craving, irritability, nausea, vomiting, chills, depression and flu like symptoms are characteristic of withdrawal from this drug.
After detox, treatment protocols incorporate both conventional and holistic remedies for a comprehensive integrated approach. Treatment teams consist of board certified physicians, nurses and psychiatrists with emergency trauma training. In the event of a medical emergency, they have the expertise to administer the appropriate care.
We can help you find the right treatment facility and rehab program that best suits your needs. Call Addiction Recovery Centers Newburgh today at (877) 804-1531.