Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Hydrocodone is mixed with some other analgesics to make effective pain killers and cough suppressants. Hydrocodone is obtained from either codeine or thebaine, the natural narcotic drug which contains opium. The element codeine or thebaine offers the distinctive properties to hydrocodone which make people take the drug again and again. People enjoy the state of euphoria which they experience after taking hydrocodone. With continued use, tolerance to this drug increases and the person needs more hydrocodone to experience the state of euphoria. This results in hydrocodone addiction. The treatment designed to get rid of the addiction can be more effective and easy if addiction signs are noticed earlier.

Hydrocodone Addiction

Causes
The government has announced 'hydrocodone' as the 'controlled substance' and the supply and consumption of hydrocodone is governed by law. Still, easy availability of the drug is the main reason of increased drug abuse. People find it easy and less shameful to get a prescription for the drug by pretending to be in pain. They are less embarrassed to get the officially prescribed drug. They don't have to look for the expensive 'street drugs'. If observed carefully, drug addiction signs can be easily noticed.

Symptoms
The symptoms can be detected by the friends, family members or health care provider of the addict. The symptoms include:

• Repeated requests for medications that contain hydrocodone. For example, Vicodin or Lortab.
• Taking hydrocodone tablets too quickly and requesting for refills before the due date.
• Choosing different doctors to get several hydrocodone prescriptions.
• Switching from one doctor to another without any reason.
• Always running short of money.
• Avoiding old and close friends and seen in the company of new friends
• Unexplained changes in mood or overall behavior.
• Noticeable behavioral changes like avoiding the company of others, spending most of the time alone, stealing, telling lies or other incidences of dishonest behavior.
• The doctor may come across with different types of excuses like "lost the prescription", "the prescription was stolen" or "need a prescription before the due date since going on vacation" etc.
• The addict may experience a state of euphoria, calmness, warm and content feeling and complete absence of anxiety. He/she may enjoy the drowsiness, mental slowing, sedation and increased somnolence.
• Increased use of hydrocodone may result in hydrocodone side effects like increased lethargy, blood disorders, irregular respiration, stomach disorders like constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, skin rashes, difficulty urinating, etc.
• If the addict stops taking the drug, then hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms like headache, stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, watery eyes, runny nose, fever, sweating, chills, shivering, intense craving for hydrocodone, increased irritability, etc. can be seen.

Treatment
The treatment involves effective use of a drug rehab program for slow hydrocodone withdrawal. It is not easy to deal with the withdrawal symptoms. The patient might crave for the drug, the patient might try to get the drug in every possible way to overcome the withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, the withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening. Detoxification of body provides relief. Detoxification needs to be carried out gradually. This helps lower the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. The body slowly becomes accustomed to the lower doses of the drug and finally becomes ready to get off the drug completely. Drug rehabilitation centers also use medicines like methadone to ease the withdrawal symptoms.

Hydrocodone withdrawal treatment includes use of painkillers to alleviate muscle pain. Medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen help lower fever and chills. Hot bath is recommended for relaxation. The patient is advised to increase fluid intake which helps cancel the effects of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms on the body. The symptoms of drug addiction may vary from person to person depending upon his/her overall health, how much hydrocodone has been consumed and how often it has been consumed.

The success of hydrocodone addiction treatment depends upon the psychological support provided by the near and dear ones. Friends and family members, with proper care and understanding can help strengthen the patient mentally. Patient's response to the treatment also is very crucial. The closed ones can help the patient to get rid of the depression and other withdrawal symptoms. The duration of the treatment depends upon the type of symptoms, severity of the symptoms and patient's will power.