Hydrocodone Addiction Signs

Hydrocodone is a prescription drug that contains opioid from codeine and thebaine. It has been found there is 40% addiction in people who are prescribed this drug. People become dependent on this drug and get addicted to it. In most cases, people do not become addicted to the hydrocodone out of will. They take the drug under medical guidance, but end up becoming addicted to it. It is easy to overcome the addiction, and all one requires is a strong will and determination. Let us take a look at this drug in short and understand the hydrocodone addiction signs in the following paragraphs.

What is Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a semi synthetic opiate that is prescribed as a painkiller. It is generally prescribed to treat severe back pain and chronic cough. This drug is classified as a controlled substance, and there are guidelines and laws to control its use as well as sales. Hydrocodone contains two different medications like hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. The hydrocodone bitartrate helps in decreasing the pain and cough. But, this ingredient also leads to mental clouding and mood changes. Acetaminophen on the other hand, is a pain reliever that also helps in reducing fever. The hydrocodone drug thus leads to a state of euphoric calm that helps people suffering from chronic pain get some relief. But, this euphoric calm is the stepping stone for addiction to this drug. Let us take a look at some of the signs of hydrocodone addiction in people.

Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

As I have already said, hydrocodone causes a feeling of euphoria in the minds of people who take this drug. This feeling of calmness leads to increased levels of happiness and well-being. The person begins to enjoy these psychological effects and realizes that their body is dependent on this drug. There are a few hydrocodone addiction signs that will help you identify if a person is dependent on this drug.

Frequent Change in Doctor
One of the common hydrocodone addiction signs is to change doctors. This term is called doctor shopping, where the person begins to look for new doctors to get multiple prescriptions. They visit new doctors and get prescriptions for the drug so that they can visit different pharmacies to get their supply of drug. Also, they will purchase the drugs for cash, as they do not want insurance companies, or the EDA, to get a wind about their actions.

More Drugs than Needed
Those who are addicted to the drug tend to stock themselves with more drugs than needed. They begin to ask for more pills citing traveling as a reason. Many addicts tend to show increased level of anxiety, before their stock even runs out. They may commonly complain of losing the prescription, misplacing the prescription, or forgetting their prescription. This will help them get a new prescription that they can use to get more drugs. Friends and family members may find these people have stashed themselves with pills in different bottles or packages.

Physical Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
Apart from changes in behavior, you will observe many physical signs of hydrocodone addiction. The person will begin to steal, lie and act dishonestly to secure more pills. They will spend more money on the drug and will run out of cash. These people will never have a satisfactory answer for their increase in expenses. They will avoid their friends and family. Instead they begin to seek new friends and a new social circle. These people have mood swings and behavior changes. They become aloof and do not want company of friends and family. Physical symptoms include agitation, restlessness, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, involuntary leg movement, etc.

Hydrocodone Addiction Side Effects

When a person is addicted to hydrocodone, apart from the above changes in behavior, they suffer from many side effects. These side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation. They also show increase in level of euphoria, anxiety and drowsiness. They suffer from frequent urination, skin rashes, irregular breathing and lightheadedness.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

A person who becomes addicted to this drug, when asked to stop taking the drug begins to show signs of withdrawal. These symptoms may also be observed in addicts who can no longer get a supply of the drug. The severity and duration of withdrawal depends on the length of time of the addiction, and varies in every individual. However, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms are not serious or life-threatening.

• Craving for hydrocodone
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Watery eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Sweating and chills
• Depression
• Muscle ache
• Difficulty in sleeping

As you can see, a person begins to find different ways to lay their hands on the drug. If you know someone who is taking this drug under medical supervision, keep an eye on them. Severe hydrocodone addiction treatment involves sending the patient to drug rehab centers. You can speak to the doctor for some hydrocodone withdrawal relief methods that will help in detoxification. It is always good to detect an addiction in its early stages, as it will help in early treatment. Hope the above information is helpful to you in finding hydrocodone addiction signs in individuals using the drug.