Hydrocodone Intervention

Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain reliever that causes a calm, euphoric feeling. Despite its benefits in pain relief, it can be very easy to form a physical, emotional, and psychological addiction to hydrocodone. Many medical experts believe that a dependence or addiction to hydrocodone can develop after as little as four weeks of use. Very few prescription drugs contain pure hydrocodone, but it is a primary ingredient in medicines such as Vicodin and Lortab.

Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

If you are wondering if your friend or family member has an addiction to hydrocodone, there are certain signs and symptoms to look for. They will exhibit intense cravings for it and are continuously thinking about taking more of the drug. When they stop using it, they will experience unpleasant physical reactions. You may also notice the following signs and symptoms:

• “Doctor shopping” (visiting multiple doctors to obtain more than one prescription)
• Going through their prescriptions too quickly
• Doing uncharacteristic things to obtain the drug, like stealing
• Lying and displaying dishonest behavior
• A lack of money that can not be explained
• Secluding and isolating oneself from other people
• Suddenly replacing old friends with new ones
• Unexplained changes in mood and behavior

An individual addicted to hydrocodone will also exhibit physical symptoms, such as:

• Sweating
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Loss of concentration
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

Having an Intervention

People addicted to drugs such as hydrocodone do not realize the severity of their problem. The only thing that matters in their lives is getting more of the drug, at whatever the cost. They do not consider how the addiction is ruining their lives and the lives of their loved ones. The purpose of an intervention is to help the addict see the physical and mental destruction that addiction creates and to persuade him or her to seek help. The goal of an intervention is to empower addicts to find a breakthrough in their seemingly hopeless situation.

Here are some helpful tips for having an intervention:

• Invite only supportive people. If some people have resentment issues with the addict, the intervention may become more accusatory and condemning than focused on advocating that person’s recovery.
• Remain calm throughout the intervention even if the discussion gets heated and the addict is defensive.

Prepare for resistance. Maintain a reasonable attitude and a firm, yet calm tone of voice.

• Insist that you are confident in the person’s full recovery and that you will support him or her in the process.
• Be prepared with specific examples about how that person’s drug use has negatively affected you and others.
• Research treatment options so that if the person agrees to enter treatment, you have some choices readily available.

If your friend or family member is addicted to hydrocodone, please do not turn a blind eye to the situation. Intervention could truly be a matter of life and death.

Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction

The first phase of addiction treatment is known as detox. At a rehab facility, the patient will be weaned off the drug under the care and watchful of eye of professionals so that the withdrawal symptoms can be supervised and managed. Detox usually takes about seven days. Next, the focus will be moved to the psychological effects of addiction. The addict will learn about the nature of addiction and be taught new ways to respond to the world without drugs.

Hydrocodone Intervention Help

Please call our toll free number at (877) 259-5634 for more information on treatment for hydrocodone addiction. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have about hydrocodone abuse, treatment, and intervention. We want to help you find the recovery solutions you’re looking for. Life is too important to waste on addiction. Call us today.