Signs And Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Abuse
Common signs and symptoms of Hydrocodone abuse are:
- drowsiness
- itchy skin
- pinpoint pupils
When taken as prescribed hydrocodone can still cause some of the listed side effects. But, when a patient takes larger than normal doses over a long period of time they will exhibit most, if not all of these effects. Patients health will deteriorate both physically and mentally.
Drug-seeking behavior accompanies hydrocodone abuse. Patients will seek the drug looking for hidden supplies around the house. Often they will borrow from neighbors, friends, or even family members. The cycle is endless and ultimately, as tolerance develops and the daily dose increases patients become more at risk for overdose and possible death.
Other effects:
- cold, clammy skin
- loss of consciousness
Patients who take hydrocodone normally are taking some combination with acetaminophen or Tylenol. Because they are abusing hydrocodone they are also taking large quantities of acetaminophen and can quickly damage the liver leading to failure. Despite changes in dosing and new forms with lower doses of acetaminophen, this is still a problem.
What Happens When Someone Is On Hydrocodone For A Long Time
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- Feeling overly euphoric or happy
- Appearing to be sleepy, lazy or lethargic
- Reduced sense of stress
- Numbness
The reason for many of the positive effects of hydrocodone is that it impacts the brains reward system, which is also why its so easy to become addicted to drugs like hydrocodone.
Some of the negative side effects of hydrocodone use can include:
- Anxiety
Severe side effects of being on hydrocodone, particularly when large amounts are taken, may include:
- Obstruction of the bowels
How To Know Someone is Addicted to Hydrocodone
When you take hydrocodone over the long-term, or sometimes even for a short period, the body builds up a tolerance to it. That means greater amounts of hydrocodone will be needed to achieve the same effects, and in some cases, tolerance can develop after taking just a few doses.
When someone is addicted to hydrocodone or dependent on it, it can lead to a wide range of physical, behavioral and lifestyle problems.
Other signs someone is on hydrocodone and also potentially addicted to or dependent on the drug may include:
What Should I Do If My Loved One Is Addicted To Hydrocodone
The best thing you can do for a loved one addicted to hydrocodone is to encourage them to get help. While many may believe that they can quit on their own or cold turkey, this method is not encouraged. Withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe for those with an even moderate addiction and enduring withdrawal without the help of a knowledgable professional can increase their risk for relapse. Thankfully there are people out there that can provide skilled and compassionate care throughout all stages of recovery. Your loved one does not have to quit on their own and there are options available to increase their chances of success. Ready to get started? Our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Give us a call at 123-456-7890.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Hydrocodone Misuse
Hydrocodone is a prescription painkiller thats abused by nearly two million people every year. Side effects are not too bad when taking the drug for a short time under the guidance of a doctor. They include mild nausea, headache, and drowsiness. These effects can be multiplied and become deadly if the drug is taken with other drugs or alcohol, or when the drug is used while operating vehicles or heavy machinery.
When signs of hydrocodone abuse is a factor, the side effects are more pronounced and dangerous. The addition of acetaminophen increases the risk of liver damage with prolonged or heavy use. Other immediate side effects, which can occur even when the drug is taken as prescribed, include:
- Vomiting and stomach discomfort
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
These effects ease after the drug is out of the system with no treatment necessary. As long as theres no dependency or addiction, there should be no withdrawal period once the medication is discontinued.
There Are Telltale Signs Of Hydrocodone Addiction
A key sign of hydrocodone use is drowsiness and small âpinpointâ pupils. Often, a user will experience mood swings between periods of intoxication and withdrawal.
According to Damioli, hydrocodone dependency signs can be both physical and psychological. These include:
- Insomnia
- Preoccupation
- Compulsion
- âA clear sign of addiction is when someone cannot control or stop their use despite their desire and best efforts to do so,â Damioli says. âYou can be at dinner with your family, comfortable and content in your own home, yet all a hydrocodone addict can think about is using.â
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Some Of The Most Common Adverse Effects Include:
- Nausea
- Slowed or irregular breathing
- Chest tightness
People who have severe asthma, respiratory problems, or some form of gastrointestinal block should not be taking hydrocodone. Also, women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should be aware that the drug can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if taken during pregnancy.
Mixing Hydrocodone With Other Drugs
One of the most serious dangers linked to hydrocodone abuse is mixing pills with other drugs. Opioids like hydrocodone are frequently mixed with alcohol and benzodiazepines, which are another type of sedative commonly prescribed for anxiety. People will often mix drugs to achieve a more intense high, unaware of or otherwise apathetic towards the serious risks of doing so. Mixing hydrocodone with other depressants can cause life-threatening effects, including overdose. The most serious danger of mixing these drugs is respiratory depression, which refers to significantly slowed, shallow, or stopped breathing. Opioid overdose results in tens of thousands of deaths per year. If you or someone you know is showing signs of overdose, call 9-1-1 right away. Signs of hydrocodone overdose include:
- difficulty staying conscious
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . You must immediately dispose of any medication that is outdated or no longer needed through a medicine take-back program.. If you do not have a take-back program nearby or one that you can access promptly, flush any hydrocodone tablets or capsules that are outdated or no longer needed down the toilet. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
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Common Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms, along with other hydrocodone side effects, are a telltale sign of a substance use disorder.
Hydrocodone causes withdrawal symptoms similar to those of other prescription opioids, such as oxycodone and meperidine. Hydrocodone withdrawal is associated with a number of uncomfortable physical and psychological effects.
According to a 2009 report by the World Health Organization, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Start: 8 to 12 hours
- Peak: 48 to 72 hours
- Last: 4 to 10 days
Withdrawal symptoms are delayed when someone who has been taking extended-release hydrocodone products quits taking them. Because they slowly release the drug into the body over time, extended-release products mean that hydrocodone stays in your system longer.
Vomiting and diarrhea during withdrawal can cause electrolyte imbalances and lead to dehydration. You might also deal with mouth or lower back pain, restlessness and insomnia that can linger for nearly two weeks.
Anxiety, depression and insomnia caused by hydrocodone withdrawal can last for several months. Depression is a mental health disorder that requires counseling and therapy. If symptoms continue for longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor.
What Are Some Adverse Psychological Effects Of Hydrocodone Addiction
When someone becomes addicted to hydrocodone, they often neglect activities that were once important to them because they think about using more of the drug. They might lose friends over their new habit because they may be embarrassed to be seen in public while high. They might also become violent or mean towards their friends and family when they dont get any drugs.
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Treating Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Addiction
Opioids like hydrocodone were linked to over 53,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in 2016, and are projected to cause an even higher number of overdose deaths in future years. Detoxing from opioids at home on your own can be extremely dangerous and difficult due to the way these drugs change brain chemistry. Those who suddenly stop using opioids face the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms like drug cravings that can lead to relapse, overdose, and death.
Hydrocodone addiction can be safely treated at an addiction treatment center that offers drug detox and therapy. Drug detox helps patients overcome physical dependence on hydrocodone, and can be conducted as a medically supervised detox or with medication-assisted treatment. Medications including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone may be used to help patients withdraw from hydrocodone by reducing withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, muscle aches, and drug cravings.
Therapy programs such as dialectical behavioral therapy and 12-step support groups can help patients identify and overcome triggers, negative thoughts, and behaviors that may be driving their hydrocodone addiction. Drug detox and therapy for hydrocodone addiction are available in an inpatient or outpatient setting so patients can choose a treatment program that fits best with their recovery needs and lifestyle.
24 Hour Hydrocodone Rehab Hotline Get Help Now
What Are The Risks Of Hydrocodone Addiction
In 2016, hydrocodone was prescribed more often than any other opioid drug in the United States, with 6.2 billion tablets being distributed, accounting for 99.7% of all prescriptions worldwide.
Over 11.5 million people age 12 and older abuse prescription painkillers, and many of these users will eventually switch to heroin because it is cheaper and easier to get than prescription opioids. This progression of abuse has contributed to the 533% rise in heroin overdose fatalities between 2002 and 2016.
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Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Addiction
If your loved ones use of hydrocodone has crossed the line from abuse to addiction, you may notice some changes in their behavior. Any of these warning signs should be cause for concern and reason enough to give WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call.
- Visiting multiple doctors and pharmacies
- Using more medication than prescribed
- Complaining of multiple pain conditions that are difficult to verify
- Excessive lethargy or sleepiness
- Finding empty pill bottles
Hydrocodone Dependence And Withdrawal
Different individuals experience different symptoms as a result of hydrocodone abuse. But all individuals who abuse hydrocodone have one thing in common: They will eventually develop an addiction. Over time, as a person takes an addiction-forming drug, physical dependence will develop. A hallmark of dependence is tolerance. The more a person takes hydrocodone, the more they will have to use to achieve the desired high.
Withdrawal is another hallmark of dependence. When a person stops using hydrocodone or significantly reduces the regular level of intake, withdrawal symptoms will emerge. The following are some of the most common early withdrawal symptoms associated with hydrocodone:
- Anxiety
- Abdominal cramping
- Goosebumps
Since hydrocodone withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and bring ill health effects, there is a consensus in the addiction treatment community that a person should undergo medical detox for opiate withdrawal. There are medications available to safely transition a person from a drug, such as hydrocodone, to a maintenance medication such as Suboxone . The transition can prevent the onset of dangerous withdrawal symptoms as well as help to prevent a relapse.
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Hydrocodone Addiction & Abuse
Hydrocodone is one of the most commonly prescribed pain-relief drugs in the United States. While the substance is known for its success in fulfilling this primary medical function, many fail to recognize its bundled-in detrimental effects and addictive qualities.
Hydrocodone is both widely abused and potently addictive. The readily available and consumable nature of the drug makes it highly conducive for dependency formation. It is imperative that you understand the characteristics of hydrocodone, as well as the consequences of prolonged abuse, so you can begin to fight the addiction that you or a loved one may be enduring.
How To Spot Signs Of Hydrocodone Addiction
An estimated two million people in the U.S. are addicted to opioids like hydrocodone. Hydrocodone abuse can change a persons brain chemistry in ways that influence them to continue using drugs despite knowing there may be negative consequences. People who suffer from hydrocodone addiction will often change their behavior and neglect important responsibilities, so they can devote more time to obtaining and using hydrocodone and recovering from the drugs effects.
Common signs of hydrocodone addiction:
- Withdrawing from close friends and family members
- Spending more time with people who use drugs or enable drug use
- Inability to stop using hydrocodone despite attempts to quit
- Sudden changes in mood and behavior
- Lying about pain symptoms to obtain more hydrocodone
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for hydrocodone
- Using higher doses of hydrocodone than initially planned
- Financial hardship
- Loss of interest in favorite hobbies and activities
- Relationship problems
- The onset of mental health disorders like depression or bipolar disorder
Hydrocodone addiction can take over your life and cause problems with work, school, family, finances, and your overall livelihood. Continuing to suffer from hydrocodone addiction increases your risk for long-term health problems, including the risk for an overdose and death.
24 Hour Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Hotline Get Help Now
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Some Side Effects Can Be Serious If You Experience Any Of These Symptoms Or Those Listed In The Important Warning Or Special Precautions Sections Call Your Doctor Immediately Or Get Emergency Medical Treatment:
- chest pain
- agitation, hallucinations , fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, or dizziness
- inability to get or keep an erection
- irregular menstruation
- itching
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Hydrocodone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
Repeated Change In Doctor:
One of the most common signs of hydrocodone addiction is changing doctors, which is also referred to as doctor shopping. The addict begins looking for new physicians to acquire multiple drug prescriptions. They visit new physicians to get prescriptions for hydrocodone drug so that they can visit different medical stores to purchase their supply of drug. Also, they typically purchase the drugs for cash, in order to hide their illegitimate actions from the insurance companies.
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Some Common Signs And Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Addiction Include:
- Increased tolerance
- Seizures
- Slowed or stopped breathing
The last two results of a hydrocodone overdose can easily be fatal if not addressed immediately. If you see someone undergoing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
To combat the opioid epidemic, several states have actually proposed policies to restrict prescribing Zohydro ER, a newer, powerful formula of hydrocodone. These prescriptions can no longer be refilled because of the rescheduling of hydrocodone-containing medications. Instead, all prescriptions are required to be given in person and cannot be called or faxed to pharmacies.
Buprenorphine/naltrexone Or Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy
This is a long-term treatment option that requires addicts to take medications daily. Buprenorphine/Naltrexone and buprenorphine help keep cravings under control without causing the same euphoric high as Hydrocodone does. Hence, its less likely they will want to abuse these drugs again in the future.
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Signs Of Hydrocodone Abuse
In many cases, the person who is abusing hydrocodone may not even realize they have a problem. It can be their loved ones or the people around them who first notice the symptoms of hydrocodone abuse, and suggest they seek treatment.
Some of the outward signs that a person may be abusing hydrocodone include:
- Drowsiness
- Changes in mood such as depression
- Blurry vision
When someone is prescribed hydrocodone, the best way to prevent addiction from forming is to use it exactly as instructed. Its important not to use hydrocodone without a prescription, and not to take higher doses or take it for longer than prescribed.
How Many People Abuse Hydrocodone
According to the DEA, hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid drug in the United States, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the US consumes nearly 100% of the worlds supply of this drug. The following key statistics illustrate the extent of hydrocodone abuse:
- According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health and Health , 4 million people over the age of 12 reported using hydrocodone for nonmedical purposes in 2013.
- Over 29,000 hydrocodone-related exposures and 36 deaths were reported in the U.S. in 2012, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.
- The Drug Abuse Warning Network estimated that there were more than 82,000 emergency room incidents in 2011 related to non-medical abuse of hydrocodone.
The number of prescriptions for hydrocodone written in the United States has increased dramatically in the last 25 years. This increase in prescriptions has, in turn, increased the rate of prescriptions diverted to the illicit market. The availability of hydrocodone on the black market has skyrocketed as a result.
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