At Northbound drug treatment center, we want to help you learn how to overcome hydrocodone addiction and live life in sobriety. We understand that the road to recovery can seem intimidating at first, but we assure you that the reward is tenfold.
What is Hydrocodone?
A semi-synthetic opioid related to codeine, hydrocodone has both analgesic effects and is used as a cough suppressant. Rarely used in its pure form, hydrocodone is often mixed with other medications in prescription formulations. Extremely potent, hydrocodone is associated with a euphoric effect that is similar to the one that accompanies morphine and other opiates. With prescription drug abuse on the rise, hydrocodone addiction in particular has skyrocketed in recent years, with a 500% increase in emergency room visits due to abuse of the drug. In fact, the DEA estimates that—out of all prescription drugs—hydrocodone might be the most abused in the U.S.
Brand Names of Hydrocodone
In America, pharmaceutical companies sell brand-name types of hydrocodone. These brand-name medications are typically prescribed for severe pain or to suppress coughs. Patients can also be given hydrocodone for chronic pain. Some of the brand names of hydrocodone are:
- Anexsia
- Vicodin
- Xodol
- Zolvit
- Lorcet
- Panacet
- Vicoprofen
- Lortab
- Norco
The Dangers of Hydrocodone Abuse
Opioids (and their close relative, opiates) are among the most addictive drugs, with both physical and psychological dependency possible from surprisingly early-on. People who struggle with hydrocodone addiction develop a tolerance for the drug, leading them to seek out larger or more frequent doses, which both speeds the addiction process and raises the risk of overdose. Because it lowers respiration, both overdose and interaction with alcohol or other drugs can be life-threatening. Hydrocodone causes nausea, dizziness, disorientation, difficulties in speaking or walking, drowsiness, and lowered breathing and heart rate.
Relatively easy to obtain, hydrocodone has been linked to addiction and dependency cases across a wide variety of age groups, ethnicities, and economic levels. It has even factored into multiple instances of celebrity addictions and overdoses. Under the influence of hydrocodone, the addict becomes preoccupied with the drug, craving more and fixating on obtaining the next high.
Significant behavioral or health changes, such as a dramatic weight gain or loss may follow. Once dependent on the drug, addicts may become secretive, take little interest in activities they once enjoyed and may withdraw from others, even close family and friends. Many may get entangled in financial or legal problems because of their addiction.
The Effects of Hydrocodone on the Body
Consuming hydrocodone blocks your brain’s pain receptors, and dopamine – the feel-good chemical – floods the brain. General side effects of hydrocodone are:
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
As with other opioid medications, withdrawal symptoms are harsh with you stop using the drug. A medically-supervised detox is suggested so that you can be kept comfortable throughout this process, and relapse will be less likely.
Early hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Watery eyes
- Body aches
- Runny nose
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sweating
- Anxiety
Late hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can be experienced through:
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Large pupils
- Goosebumps on skin
Hydrocodone Overdose
Overdoing on hydrocodone can lead to death. Overdose is a significant danger because it’s possible to build an opioid tolerance quickly, which can cause a person to take increasingly large amounts of the drug, only to feel the same effects.
Symptoms of hydrocodone overdose include:
- Difficulty breathing or no breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Weak pulse
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Fingernails or lips turning blue
- Nausea and vomiting
Hydrocodone Addiction Statistics
Although hydrocodone was discovered in the 1920s, most scientists didn’t start noticing the rate of hydrocodone addiction, overdose, and death surrounding hydrocodone up until the 1960s. Once attention was being brought to this serious issues, numerous studies started to place.
A few of the significant hydrocodone abuse statistics include:
- In America, hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid with 83.6 million prescriptions filled in 2017.
- Hydrocodone has been the second most frequently seen prescription opioid in drug evidence submitted to forensic laboratories since 2009.
Hydrocodone Recovery
Withdrawal from opioids like hydrocodone can be especially difficult, and should take place under the supervision of an experienced medical professional. At Northbound Treatment Services, our OneEighty detox program provides clients a safe and comfortable environment with around-the-clock medical care. Northbound is committed to providing the full continuum of care and offers thirty, sixty, and ninety-day programs as well as single-gender CORE programs and facilities and a highly respected aftercare program.
At Northbound hydrocodone rehab, we look to improve the client’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. With our emphasis on experiential therapy and staying active, we help our clients learn how to find enjoyment in an addiction-free life. Our Christian LINKS program is designed to help those who benefit from a Christ-centered approach to treatment, and the Northbound Academy gives new goals and guidance to students whose education has been disrupted by the need to seek treatment. Throughout the Northbound experience, we focus on the needs of the client, creating a customized treatment plan that will provide the best chance for sustained sobriety. We even offer family-counseling services that educate loved ones about addiction and teach how to help support the former addict in recovery.
With prescription drug abuse on the rise, it is critical to recognize the dangers of addiction to narcotic syrups like hydrocodone. Ignoring the addiction or believing that it can be beaten on one’s own may result in fatal consequences. If you or someone you love is addicted to hydrocodone, don’t wait. Call Northbound Treatment Services today. Our caring and compassionate staff will answer your questions and get you the help you need to take that important first step.
Hydrocodone Treatment & Rehab Options
Hydrocodone treatment options vary throughout the country. Programs can be more long-term or focused on a single part of recovery. The specific kind of treatment you need will depend entirely on a thorough evaluation from a medical professional. Hydrocodone treatment at Northbound includes programs such as:
- Medical Detox
- Residential Care
- Partial Hospitalization
- Intensive Outpatient
- Outpatient Care
- Aftercare and Sober Housing
If you or a loved one is addicted to hydrocodone, participating in a full continuum of care gives you a solid foundation for long-term sobriety. However, If this isn’t the kind of program you’re interested in, other hydrocodone treatment and rehab options are available. View and levels of care in your area.
Hydrocodone Addiction Inpatient Rehab
Following medical detox, inpatient rehab is the most hands-on kind of treatment. Inpatient rehab can last for a month or more. It involves living on-site at a rehab facility with care available 24/7. Inpatient rehab also allows for constant care from medical and clinical staff, which can be especially helpful in the early stages of recovery.
This kind of rehabilitation does a great job of combining strong medical support, as well as counseling relating to emotional and mental needs. Inpatient rehab on its own is the start of a really rewarding healing journey. You’ll develop the right tools and skillset to overcome any obstacles after the treatment program. After completing residential hydrocodone rehab, it’s recommended to enroll in a step-down program like partial hospitalization (PHP) to continue your road to recovery with the right support system. Programs like PHP and intensive outpatient (IOP) can be powerful transitions before outpatient care which is a less involved form of treatment.
Hydrocodone Addiction Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient rehab for hydrocodone addiction works best for those who are physically and mentally stable and do not need intensive treatment. In most scenarios, clients will have gone through higher levels of care, such as detox and residential care before enrolling in this program. Outpatient rehab gives patients the option to maintain residence at their home or in a sober living house. You may also be able to maintain work or school schedules, while still going to therapy during the day. This kind of treatment provides flexibility in recovery, but also demands a greater responsibility to maintain sobriety.
Outpatient programs offer support on an as-needed basis to help you lead a sober life. Similar to inpatient programming, outpatient offers medication management (if deemed appropriate by your health professional) and one-on-one counseling to cope with co-occurring mental health disorders. Group therapy is also a large part of this kind of hydrocodone treatment. An encouraging and supportive community throughout the transition process is so important. In addition, you may also have access to all on-site amenities (just like in inpatient care) to further move you forward in your road to recovery of the mind and body.
If you or a loved one is addicted to hydrocodone, we want to be the ones that help you. Taking the first step may seem scary, but we’re here to guide you through it. Contact us by calling (949) 763-3576 today and let us help you take the first step in getting better.
