Hydrocodone addiction is a growing problem in the United States. The drug is an opiate that can be prescribed by doctors to treat pain, but it can also be abused. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, hydrocodone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., with over 100 million prescriptions written each year.
Hydrocodone is derived from the opium poppy plant, and it acts on the same receptors as other opiates like morphine, heroin and codeine. When taken in high doses or for long periods of time, hydrocodone can cause sedation, euphoria and respiratory depression—which means that breathing slows down. This condition can lead to coma or death if not treated immediately.
It’s important to note that hydrocodone addiction isn’t just about physical dependence—it’s also about psychological dependence as well. If you’re struggling with an addiction to this drug, it’s important that you seek treatment right away so you don’t end up abusing yourself further or hurting others around you.
Hydrocodone withdrawal and treatment options available
Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches. Many people try to stop using hydrocodone without medical help because they do not want to go through the painful symptoms of withdrawal. While this may seem like a good idea at first glance, it is actually very dangerous because stopping cold turkey can lead to seizures or death if not followed by professional treatment.
Professional treatment for hydrocodone addiction usually involves a detox program where patients are given medications like buprenorphine or methadone to help ease their symptoms during withdrawal. These medications help block the effects of hydrocodone so that users do not feel as much pain while going through withdrawal. After detoxing from hydrocodone, patients are then placed into rehab programs where they learn how to live without drugs altogether so they can avoid relapse after treatment ends.
10 Methods of Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is a powerful prescription medication that can be used to treat pain and is often prescribed for conditions such as arthritis, dental pain, and post-operative care. It’s also used to treat coughs, colds and other respiratory tract infections.
Hydrocodone addiction is a serious issue, and if you or someone you know is struggling with it, it can be hard to know where to turn.
However, hydrocodone can be highly addictive. When taken for an extended period of time, it can cause physical dependence and tolerance in the user. When this happens, withdrawal symptoms will occur when they stop taking the drug or reduce their dosage too quickly—which can make getting clean difficult.
Fortunately, there are many methods of treatment available to help you overcome your addiction and begin living a life free from hydrocodone dependence.
- Residential treatment programs
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Support groups
- Individual counseling sessions
- Family counseling sessions
- Vigorous exercise regimes
- Drug rehab programs (inpatient and outpatient)
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) with buprenorphine or naltrexone (oral naltrexone tablets or sublingual naltrexone tablets)
- Medications that block the effects of opioids at the receptor level (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone) Psychotherapy.