Hydrocodone Addiction and Withdrawal

Hydrocodone is a prescription drug that is used as a cough suppressant as well as a pain killer. Being an opioid pain killer, hydrocodone use evokes an euphoric state that is often compared to that, which is caused by use of illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine. It is for this pleasurable feeling, that people abuse this drug and hydrocodone is now one of the widely abused drugs in the United States as well as other countries. Teenagers and young adults are mostly found to be victims of hydrocodone addiction. Once addicted, they may suffer from withdrawal symptoms, as they stop its usage.

Hydrocodone Addiction

So, hydrocodone is a prescription drug that is used as pain reliever as well as cough suppressant. Pure form of this drug is very rare and not easily available. But, in combination with other compounds like paracetamol or acetaminophen, hydrocodone is available under different brand names like Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab, Anexsia and Hycodan. This drug is available in both liquid and tablet forms and is often used to treat mild to moderate pain. However, it is not suitable for long-term pain management, as it may lead to dependence or addiction.

While some of the genuine users get addicted to hydrocodone unknowingly, others abuse the drug and develop addiction. It may cause both physical as well as emotional and behavioral symptoms. Such n symptoms include dry throat, fatigue, itching, restlessness, constipation, difficulty in urinating, anxiety and nervousness. Behavioral changes include mood swings, trying to live secluded, avoiding friends and relatives, craving for the drug and excessive usage. However, the real problem is withdrawal symptoms, that may be experienced by the user, when he stops taking the drug.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal

So, the long-term use of this drug can lead to addiction, that will cause withdrawal symptoms, when the user discontinues its use or lowers the dosage. The severity of withdrawal symptoms may vary from one user to another. The following are some of the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms.

• Sweating and chills
• Muscle, bone and joint pain
• Insomnia and loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Cold flashes and fever
• Excessive yawning
• Watery eyes and sneezing
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Irritability and involuntary leg movements
• Depression and goose bumps
• Pins and needles sensation in the body
• Extreme craving for the drug

The onset of such withdrawal symptoms can happen anytime between 12 to 24 hours after the user stops taking the drug (or lowers the dose). These symptoms are found to intensify after two to three days (from the last time you have taken the drug), before getting normal. Usually, it takes around two to three weeks for a person to get normal. But, the duration, as well as the severity of symptoms may vary from one person to another. So, it is very important to get rid of hydrocodone addiction, through a safe detoxification program. Abrupt discontinuation of this drug is not advisable and gradual tapering off is found to be more beneficial in preventing withdrawal symptoms. Hydrocodone addiction treatment is primarily aimed at treating the physical symptoms, followed by emotional and behavioral ones. So, it is always better to seek the help of your doctor, rather than trying to tackle this condition on your own.

In order to avoid this condition, it is very much essential to use hydrocodone as per the prescribed dosage, that too for the prescribed duration (usually not more than 10 days). In case, you notice any such hydrocodone addiction symptoms, in those who are close to you, take them to a doctor and get it treated. Apart from the treatment, moral support of the loved ones is also very much-needed by these people.