How Addictive is Hydrocodone?
How addictive is Hydrocodone: Identifying Hydrocodone addiction and finding proper treatment
Hydrocodone is a powerful and addictive painkiller. When used even intermittently it leads to a physical dependence, as well as an addiction to the drug. People that abuse hydrocodone, use it because of the feeling they get from the opiate in their system. Users find that the euphoric sensation they once experienced from it goes away after sustained use and quickly find all they have now, is the addiction to hydrocodone. This causes dangerous health problems, which also leads to significant loss of family, friends, and careers. "How addictive is hydrocodone?" is something more people should be asking, since this drug is being vastly prescribed for moderate to extreme pain, and being used for things other than pain.
Hydrocodone, also known as Lortab, Norco and Vicodin, are narcotics that are an opioid or a pseudo synthetic opiate. They are comparable to oxycodone, codeine, and morphine. When addicted to hydrocodone (opioids) you find yourself losing the capability of being able to feel happy. The only way of feeling normal, is while using these drugs. When used as directed, Hydrocodone relieves serious pain caused by having been injured, post-surgery, or persistent pain, but should only be used for a limited time. When used properly, the hydrocodone has a lesser chance of addiction. It's when used for prolonged times, not as directed by your physician, that the drug becomes addictive. Using hydrocodone lends itself to addiction, specifically for those that have a history of drug abuse. Addiction to Hydrocodone does not demonstrate a users' lack of willpower or their character. Instead, it just answers the question, "how addictive is hydrocodone." This drug obstructs the way a user's brain feels pleasure and pain
Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Brain function changes when using hydrocodone. This drug makes changes to the balance of the chemicals in the brain and produces unrelenting cravings, which make it ever-so-difficult to overcome without seeking professional help. Basically, Hydrocodone stops the normal production of having positive feelings. When the user stops taking hydrocodone, they feel anxiousness and depression, so the user begins to experience the physical withdrawal symptoms from ceasing its use.
Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Chills
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Fatigue
When trying to discontinue the usage of hydrocodone after substantial usage, over time, the user will show multiple harmful symptoms. Withdrawing from these types of drugs can be a painful journey and preferably should not be done without professional help. If done without the assistance of medical professionals, long-term health risks, complications, and even death are a possibility. All of this is based upon each addict; duration and quantity of use are typically good indicators for deciding whether or not a person needs a medically supervised detox. One of the major complications is the return to this drug use, also known as relapsing. Addiction is a disease that, when a person decides to use again while in recovery, may relapse, causing the person to become addicted once again. Withdrawal decreases the users' tolerance to the hydrocodone. People who go through withdrawal are highly susceptible to overdosing on a smaller dose than previously taken, if they decide to use again.
Deciding to go through a medical detox
Hydrocodone detox is the process of eliminating the hydrocodone from the users' system, which is needed when the user becomes addicted. Detoxing from these dangerous opiates should be done with the assistance of professionals. Detoxing from these drugs with medical assistance will help safeguard the users' safety. Detox should be done in a program that can observe your vital signs with around-the-clock monitoring to ensure the patients are stable and comfortable. This process can last up to a week.
So if you are still asking, "how addictive is hydrocodone" And "what is hydrocodone detox?" Please call (877) 804-1531 and speak to a professional to help you find the best way to tackle addiction and review your treatment options. You can get your life back, the first step is admitting your addiction and asking for help.
Sources:
http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-vicodin.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/23/upshot/painkiller-abuse-a-cyclical-challenge.html?_r=0