Hydrocodone: Risks of Addiction and Abuse


vicodin addiction

If you’re taking opioids and you’ve built up a tolerance, ask your healthcare professional for help. Other safe choices are available to help you make a change and keep feeling well. Don’t stop opioid medicines without help from a healthcare professional. vicodin addiction Quitting these medicines suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including pain that’s worse than it was before you started taking opioids. Your healthcare team can help you gradually and safely reduce the amount of opioids you take.

Hydrocodone: 7 things you should know

According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 6.9 million people had misused hydrocodone products like Vicodin during the previous year. Most https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Vicodin overdose deaths happen for people who have recently gone through detox and withdrawal. Overdose can occur even at a much smaller dose than previously taken.

vicodin addiction

Hydrocodone addiction recovery

vicodin addiction

It’s important to note the difference between a hydrocodone addiction and physical dependence on the drug. It’s a prescription opioid that can lead to physical dependence which, in some cases, may lead to addiction. Many people find that they have to take more to experience the desired effects, which may lead to physical dependence and potentially addiction. Hydrocodone can be very effective, but it can also become habit-forming.

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Using large amounts of hydrocodone long-term reduces an individual’s breathing rate, which in turn reduces how much oxygen their body takes in. This can cause damage to various organ systems, including the brain. It can also increase the risk of sudden death for individuals who suffer from sleep apnea or lung diseases. People who crush and smoke hydrocodone can also damage their lungs by smoking the harsh chemicals. It is important to know both the behavioral and physical symptoms of hydrocodone addiction so that you can seek appropriate treatment for yourself or a loved one. To avoid hydrocodone addiction, only take the medication as prescribed.

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  • For some, use may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
  • A long-term addiction that involves high doses of hydrocodone may involve a longer recovery period than addiction from short-term use.
  • A study found that hormone levels in women who were addicted to hydrocodone were between 30 to 70% lower in estrogen levels than normal.
  • As your tolerance grows, so does your risk for hydrocodone addiction.
  • Long-term abuse of hydrocodone not only changes the way the brain functions but can have lasting effects on mood and thought patterns.
  • When someone stops using Vicodin abruptly, they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours following the last dose.

Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy teach clients the underlying causes of their substance abuse problems. These therapies also help people avoid triggers and find ways to enjoy a drug-free life. People often get hydrocodone and other opioids from family members or friends.

Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction

The number of deaths from using heroin has gone up since more heroin now contains fentanyl. Your healthcare professional may prescribe opioids to help you get through a few days of severe pain after surgery or a serious injury. Opioid medicines also can play an important role in treating pain from cancer. Rarely, opioids may be used to treat long-term pain that’s not caused by cancer when other treatments have not worked. Rehab centers use evidence-based strategies to alleviate opioid abuse.

Take Back Your Life From Hydrocodone Addiction

Vicodin is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vicodin only for the indication prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Vicodin. Genetic, psychological and environmental factors also play a role in addiction, which can happen quickly or after many years of opioid use. According to a 2017 report by the Drug Enforcement Administration, hydrocodone was the most widely prescribed opioid in the United States from 2007 to 2016. More than 6.2 billion hydrocodone pills were dispensed or sold nationwide in 2016.

Treatment Options for Vicodin Abuse

vicodin addiction


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