Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid or narcotic pain medication that is prescribed in combination with a non-narcotic painkiller (acetaminophen) to treat moderate to severe pain after a surgical procedure or injury. These opioids can be injected, taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, and syrups, or crushed and snorted. Some of the common factors that increase the risk of hydrocodone abuse are as follows:
- Low income
- Medicaid enrolled recipients
- Living in a non-metropolitan area
- Nonmedical use of prescription opioids
- Taking high daily dosages
- History of mental health problems, including substance use disorder, depression, and others
How does hydrocodone work?
Hydrocodone is an opioid, a class of drugs that help to reduce a person’s perception of pain. Opioids work in the body by binding to and activating opioid receptors located in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, other organs, and nervous system, dull pain perception. These can also induce euphoria because they affect the reward system of the brain.
Based on the duration of its abuse, hydrocodone abuse can pose serious side effects on its user, such as overdoses, physical dependence, addiction, and death. The longer the duration of abuse, the more severe its effects are. Some of the common short-term effects of hydrocodone abuse include the following:
- Constipation
- Confusion
- Sedation
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Itching and sweating
- Fast heart rate
- Light-headedness, headaches, and dizziness
The prolonged use of hydrocodone can cease the production of endorphins and natural pain defenses in the human body and can also degenerate the nerve cells. As the nerve cells begin to die, people abusing hydrocodone begin to require more of the drug to prevent the onset of debilitating withdrawal symptoms. Some of the other long-term effects of using this drug are as follows:
- Sadness
- Hyperalgesia
- Tolerance
- Collapsed veins
- Clogged blood vessels
- Declining immune system
- Physical dependence and addiction
- Lower levels of testosterone
Hydrocodone Dependence & Addiction
Hydrocodone dependence is easy to develop, but it is quite difficult to be identified. Often created due to the misuse of a drug, a person developing a physical dependence on this drug is very likely to feel an urge to use it. However, when he/she stops using the drugs, there are chances that the person might experience several withdrawal symptoms that include the following:
- Edginess
- The ache in muscle and bones
- Sleeplessness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills and hot flashes
- Watery eyes
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
The physical dependence on a drug, if it is left untreated, gradually develops into hydrocodone addiction. Some of the common symptoms that signify hydrocodone addiction include drug-seeking behavior, behavioral changes, and problems in other aspects of life; all of these things become more pronounced as the addiction progresses.
A tailored hydrocodone addiction treatment program is designed to meet the needs of the patient. Patients are provided with a detox program and complementary and alternative holistic therapies designed to ensure patients receive the absolute care and support to see them through the completion of detox treatment and to prepare them for a seamless reintegration into society.
