Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

If you have a hydrocodone addiction there are hydrocodone treatment centers ready to help you NOW. Your hydrocodone addiction is slowly destroying your body and mind. You need help for your addiction to hydrocodone, which is taking over your life, hurting those closest to you and stealing your dreams. You have tried to stop using hydrocodone, but can't stop. You have always returned, worse than before. We know, we've been there and couldn't do it by ourselves either. Call Recovery Connection NOW for help. Call 1-800-99-DETOX.

Hydrocodone is an Opiate Available by Prescription Only

Hydrocodone is the active ingredient in prescription drugs such as Loritab, Lorcet, and Vicodin, taken in pill form or by liquid. It is both physically and emotionally addictive when taken beyond the recommended use by a physician.

Initially, hydrocodone acts as a "block" to pain receptors in the brain, producing a euphoric and enjoyable feeling. Unfortunately, this initial feeling is rarely recreated, but the hydrocodone addict continues to try and do so by increasing the amount of hydrocodone they use and the frequency with which they use it. The only thing they manage to create is a greater tolerance to the drug, which causes habitual use causing a hydrocodone addiction.

A hydrocodone addiction begins innocently enough. The patient takes prescribed hydrocodone for pain, the pain is partially relieved and the user experiences a pleasurable feeling. In an attempt to completely relieve the pain or to recreate this emotional pleasure, the person increases their hydrocodone dosage. The results are usually the same. The pain is never completely eliminated and the initial pleasurable feeling is never fully recreated. This leaves the user with an increased tolerance for the drug and an addiction occurs.

Effects of Hydrocodone Addiction

In most cases, hydrocodone addiction is the direct result of the medication being appropriately prescribed for legitimate pain. Since the hydrocodone user is experiencing some pain relief and enjoying the euphoric feeling produced by the drug, they begin to take additional hydrocodone to reproduce these effects. The consequences of this behavior lead to, a mental obsession as well as cravings for more.

As hydrocodone use increases, so do the physical symptoms including, but are not limited to; sweats, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, and loss of concentration, dizziness, and drowsiness.

The Emotional Connection

In many cases, narcotic and opiate use begins as a way to deal with emotional problems. It is important to realize that the only thing narcotics, opiates or hydrocodone provide for emotional difficulties is the ability to hide the actual feeling. In no way do they allow the individual to actually deal with the issues and effectively resolve them.

Consequences of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone, like all opiates, is physically addictive. Abruptly discontinuing its use could cause seizures or convulsions unless withdrawal is done gradually, under medical supervision. This gradual withdrawal is best accomplished in residential addiction treatment programs to guard against any medical complications.

Hydrocodone withdrawal discomfort is contingent upon the amount of hydrocodone the addict consumes and the length of time they have been abusing it The ingestion of 20 to 30 pills daily is not unusual. Due to these high intakes, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, insomnia, and muscle and bone pain could occur during the process of withdrawal.

In addition to the physical addiction created by hydrocodone abuse, social issues may surface. These include employment difficulties a deterioration in personal relationships, financial difficulties and legal problems. In addition, psychological difficulties commonly occur.

Treatment of Hydrocodone Addiction

The initial phase of addiction treatment is known as detox. Under medical supervision the symptoms associated with hydrocodone withdrawal are initially managed during this time. This detox takes approximately seven days and is generally continued in residential treatment centers, to complete the treatment plan designed in detox. It is important to recognize that hydrocodone addiction can cause a great deal of damage to both you and your most important relationships. It takes time to regain the trust of your loved ones and resolve the pain, depression, shame and low self esteem associated with addiction. Recovery in a supportive therapeutic environment usually takes around twenty days and may be followed by outpatient therapy.

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If you believe you or someone you know needs help with a hydrocodone addiction, or for immediate assistance finding drug rehab centers that specialize in hydrocodone use and hydrocodone addiction treatments, please call Recovery Connection now at 1-800-99-DETOX. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Don't wait - GET HELP NOW!