Hydrocodone Abuse: Warning Signs And Symptoms

Hydrocodone Abuse: Painkiller Addiction Treatment Programs Work

When a person uses a drug for something other than a medically prescribed purpose, it is termed as drug abuse. The usage and abuse of illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc. would be well known to people because of the immense popularity of these drugs. It will be surprising for many to know about the increase in the usage and abuse of hydrocodone, which has become the most widely consumed drug today. It is, in fact, believed to be the most abused prescribed drug in the US.

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic narcotic that produces a calming effect and provides a state of ecstasy. It is mostly used for pain control and relief. Its consumption affects brain, and its major side affects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, euphoria, drowsiness, etc. Even though licensed physicians can only prescribe this drug, it is very easily available in the pharmacies over the Internet without even the need of prescription. It’s available in the form of syrups, tablets, and capsules.

Medical experts say that an addiction to hydrocodone can occur within 1 to 4 weeks if a higher dosage is consumed on regular basis. Today, people of any age group can easily find these drugs, and it is because of the easy availability that they are fast becoming affected due to a continuous intake. There is a drug classification system, which is based on the potential for abuse.

The Following Are The Categories:

• Schedule I – It includes drugs like ecstasy and heroin, both of which are illegal in the US.
• Schedule II – It includes strong painkillers like morphine, codeine, etc. Cocaine is in the list as it sometimes has legal medical applications in hospitals and clinics.
• Schedule III – It includes hydrocodone and some other high-energy steroids.

Drugs under the Schedule III category are legally prescribed and thus can be easily fetched. The drugs in Schedule II category can only be prescribed after a re-examination of the patient by the doctor himself/herself.

Some Factors That Can Cause Hydrocodone Abuse:

• Peer or group pressure among adults or teenagers.
• If there has been family history of drug addiction, then the chances are that the person too might have the same tendency.
• For many youngsters, it is a way to escape personal problems and other problems.

Some Of The Side Effects Of Hydrocodone Are:

• Constipation, decreased appetite, blood in vomit, or stools.
• Mental and physical exhaustion, depression, and anxiety
• Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
• Mood swings, restlessness, unconsciousness, and excessive fatigue.
• Sweating, stomach and chest pains, and blood shot or yellow eyes.
• Difficulty in breathing, dry throat, pale skin, sluggishness, muscle twitches, etc.

Hydrocodone causes a change in chemistry and normal functioning of the brain, thus it becomes very difficult for the people to stop using it once they have become addicted to it.

Warning Signs:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Behavioral changes like agitation, short temper, or hostility
• Stealing money from home or work to buy more doses
• If the drug had been prescribed for relieving some sort of pain, then continuing to use it without prescription or doctor’s advice
• Visiting places like garage, basement, or washroom very often

Every person using drugs does not turn into an addict. Some people can abuse drugs but not get addicted to them, while some others try them just once and are immediately addicted or hooked to them.

Different Types Of Hydrocodone Abuse:

When discussing the factors and causes leading to drug abuse, it is important to look and understand the different types of drugs.

1. Depressants – Alcohol is the basic and the most common example in this case.
2. Cannabis Compounds – Marijuana is quite a popular drug in this category.
3. Designer Drug – Ecstasy is a well-known designer drug, which is mostly consumed at rave parties.

With a high dosage and among sensitive people, hydrocodone may produce respiratory depression by directly acting on the respiratory track. In the last stages of abuse, the circulatory system might collapse, causing a cardiac arrest. Acetaminophen is a component, which is a part of the formulation of hydrocodone and an overdose of the former, can cause toxicity in liver. When such symptoms are not taken care of and dealt with on time, they can also cause death. An over dosage of acetaminophen can cause hypoglycemic conditions, kidney damage, etc. Individuals, who have shown signs of allergy, previously using hydrocodone, should totally abstain from these types of drugs. Hydrocodone is combined with other components during its formulation so as to prevent any kind of side effects, when taken in higher doses.

The withdrawal symptoms occur within six to twelve hours of stopping the drug usage and can last until seven to fourteen days. The intensity of these symptoms depends on the degree of addiction. The duration also varies from person to person. The withdrawal symptoms are usually non-life threatening.

The Withdrawal Symptoms May Include The Following:

• Irritability
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dilated pupils, muscle aches
• Fever, insomnia
• Sweating, chills
• Intense craving for the drug, depression, etc.

Consuming hydrocodone abuse for a long time can lead to physical and psychological dependence on the drug. One of the big and important reasons why it is abused is because of the mood changes associated with the drug. It causes lessening of anxiety and slowing down of mental alertness. The time period during which a person can get dependent on Hydrocodone is variable but it can still range anywhere between six to twelve months of continuous usage. The dependence is treated by slow withdrawal of the drug, using methadone, and with the help of therapies through an affective Hydrocodone addiction treatment program. There are various treatment centers around the country to stop Hydrocodone abuse and addiction. With a combination of behavioral therapy and prescriptions, they help the patients in dealing and managing with the problem. Most Hydrocodone addiction treatment centers have custom made programs for different individuals needing help.

Many people relapse after Hydrocodone addiction treatment. These people need to be restored back to the painkiller addiction treatment program by the doctors, by modifying their lifestyle or by making some requisite changes to the medicine prescription. However, Hydrocodone addiction treatment programs differ in every individual, each according to his needs.

One shouldn’t get hyper if they find their love one struggling with Hydrocodone abuse, rather they should support them and help them fight their battle with it and make them feel secure and wanted.

For help from an effective Hydrocodone addiction treatment program, Call Palm Partners at 1-877-711-4673.

www.palmpartners.com