Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone is derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine. This semi-synthetic narcotic is most often prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain as well as for suppressing significant coughs.

Pure hydrocodone is rarely prescribed in the United States and is classified as a Schedule II drug. When prescribed, hydrocodone is combined with one or more of the following: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or antihistamine, depending on what it is intended to treat. The exact proportions of each of the combined drugs also vary, but no one should take more than 40 mg of hydrocodone on a daily basis.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone Use

Exactly how the drug acts on the brain is not fully understood, but it appears to act on both peripheral and central portions of the brain. Most side effects associated with monitored hydrocodone seem to be relieved when a person is not active but can include:

• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Euphoria
• Lightheadedness and confusion

Indicators of Hydrocodone Addiction

People who use a prescribed hydrocodone product can easily become tolerant to its benefits and increase the dosage without medical recommendation. Increase dosages not only increase the potential side effects but also can lead a person toward addiction.

In its prescribed state, a person abusing hydrocodone and in need of hydrocodone treatment is subject to the addiction symptoms of both hydrocodone and acetaminophen, including:

• Respiratory distress: With high enough doses, a person’s circulatory system may collapse, followed by cardiac arrest.
• Because of the acetaminophen in the prescribed drug, abuse can lead to kidney damage, hypoglycemia (drop in blood sugar) and thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets).
• Excessive abuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver toxicity, which if untreated, can cause death.

A blatant indicator of addiction to hydrocodone is when a person extracts the pure form of hydrocodone from the water-soluble acetaminophen.

Get Help for Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone recovery and addiction requires proper medical supervision and support services. If you or someone you know is addicted to hydrocodone, call our toll free number today at (877) 259-5634. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about hydrocodone addiction treatment. We are here to help.