Hydrocodone is an opioid class of drugs that are prescribed to help people deal with their pain. It is most commonly sold under the Vicodin name. Other brand names of the drug include Lortab and Norco.^[1] Although the drug is supposed to be used by prescription only, many people become addicted to the drug and continue using it well past the time intended. Others obtain the drug illegally, which can also lead to hydrocodone addiction.

Hydrocodone and other opioid addictions have become extremely prevalent in this country leading to an opioid epidemic as many people get hooked on the drug. It’s important to understand the effects on the body and what symptoms to watch for when it comes to hydrocodone addiction.

How Does Hydrocodone Affect the Body?

Since hydrocodone is intended to treat pain, it sends euphoric feelings throughout the body. Hydrocodone binds to pain receptors in the brain to block or weaken the pain signals.^[2] Since it makes people feel good, some continue to take it, even when their pain has subsided.

Taking hydrocodone for a long time can make your body build a tolerance to the drug. Tolerance of hydrocodone means that your body requires more of the drug to experience the same effects.

When a person stops taking hydrocodone after using for a prolonged period of time, their body will begin to exhibit withdrawal symptoms. Many people continue to take hydrocodone for longer than prescribed to feel “normal,” instead of the pain that accompanies withdrawal. They may also mistake the withdrawal pain as the original pain that they needed the hydrocodone for, in the first place.

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What are the Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction?

Many people may not recognize the symptoms of hydrocodone addiction because it is a prescription drug. But, make no mistake, there are damaging symptoms. Hydrocodone can alter the body in negative ways in people who abuse it.

Here are some of the symptoms that can occur^[3]:

Blurry vision
Confusion
Nausea
Lightheadedness
Reduced breathing rate
Seizures
Reduced heart rate
Slowed heartbeat

When people use hydrocodone for an extended period, it also changes the way their brain works and can impact their mood.

Long-term use and abuse of hydrocodone can also have these serious effects:

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Depression
Anxiety

If there is too much hydrocodone in the body, it can make the heart rate decrease rapidly and cause breathing to become extremely shallow. The brain can also be deprived of oxygen. Statistics show that 103 people die of an opioid overdose every day in the United States.

Seeking treatment for hydrocodone addiction is so important to reduce this number and get people the help they need.

Getting Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction

At Ocean Hills Recovery, we can help people overcome their hydrocodone addiction and live a full life. We help patients safely detox from an addiction to minimize the effects of withdrawal on the body. Once the body is free from these toxins, we begin to teach them how to not depend on hydrocodone to feel good. People learn how to find new hobbies and make new friendships that can bring them the fulfillment that they seek.

Through therapy sessions and inpatient and outpatient treatments, our clients learn how to live a sober life. If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, contact Ocean Hills Recovery contact us online to start getting the treatment you need to lead a healthy life.

Sources:

[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614045.html

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/understanding-hydrocodone-addiction#causes

[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007285.htm

About the author:

Greg Doss, CATCI

Greg opened his home and heart to alcoholics and addicts in 2003. He is a Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATCI). Starting in 2009 Greg has fostered the growth of Ocean Hills Recovery into one of the most respected and effective treatment centers in the area and has been working with people with addictions since March of 2001. Greg believes in a holistic approach to recovery. His focus is on drug alcohol addiction treatment with a combination of 12 Step work, therapy and counseling, and the rejuvenation of the body through healthful eating and exercise. He has designed his program to foster a family-like atmosphere and believes that people in recovery are just beginning their lives. He encourages the people he works with to learn to enjoy life in sobriety. Greg is married to Nicole; they have two adorable sons together and an energetic yellow Labrador Retriever.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.