Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction is a compulsive taking and seeking of the drug hydrocodone, also known as Vicodin, with full knowledge of the dangers of it. Hydrocodone addiction is a disease of the brain, but like all addictions – is treatable. Hydrocodone addiction is among the fastest rising statistics for drug abuse among adolescents.  Since 1975 the MTF (Monitoring the Future) survey, released annually by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has measured drug, alcohol, and cigarette use and related attitudes among adolescent students nationwide.  A 2005 MTF survey found that 9.5 percent of 12th-graders, 5.9 percent of 10th-graders, and 2.6 percent of 8th-graders reported use of Hydrocodone.

When Hydrocodone Use Leads to Addiction

Hydrocodone is prescribed to treat severe pain such as that from injuries, surgeries and migraines.  Hydrocodone sold commercially in the United States is compounded with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is an opioid, or opiate, and works by attaching itself to opioid receptors in the body.  When Hydrocodone attaches itself to these receptors in the brain and spinal cord, it can alter the way a person feels pain.  In addition to relieving pain, hydrocodone produces a feeling of euphoria, as most opioids do. When dopamine (the neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure in the body) is overproduced due to Hydrocodone abuse, a rush of euphoria is triggered. This drug-induced reaction lasts longer than a natural dopamine release and encourages the user to repeatedly take more of the drug.  Eventually a tolerance to the drug occurs as the user has to increasingly take more of the drug in order to achieve higher levels of dopamine in an attempt to duplicate the intense euphoric feelings. This behavior leads to a full-blown Hydrocodone addiction.

Hydrocodone Addiction Symptoms of Withdrawal

Hydrocodone addiction has a physical dependence, which means the body adapts to the presence of the narcotic and those with Hydrocodone addiction will suffer symptoms of withdrawal if they abruptly cease using the drug.  Hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms can include: cold flashes, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting.  Symptoms of overdose include sleepiness, suppressed breathing and very small pupils.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Lakeview Health Systems offers individualized treatment programs to help clients with Hydrocodone addiction and any other health related issues that are compounded with the drug abuse.  There are several methods for a medically assisted withdrawal for hydrocodone addiction.  Among the medications used to help those with hydrocodone addiction and dependency are methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex), Naltrexone and Naloxone.  As with any drug detoxification, moving to a rehabilitation program is the only true method to recovering from a hydrocodone addiction. At Lakeview Health Systems, we understand the complications that arise with hydrocodone addiction.  Our opiate detoxification center can help you lose your dependency and is located within our hydrocodone addiction treatment center, helping you transition easily to hydrocodone addiction rehab. 

Lakeview Health Systems offers prescription drug treatment programs to help you with your Hydrocodone addiction.  Call us today at 1-866-657-4357, and learn how we can help you live a drug-free life. All calls are toll-free and strictly confidential.