Hydrocodone is an opioid used to treat those with severe pain, it is often referred to by the brand names including Hysingla^® and Zohydro ER^®. While many associate Vicodin with hydrocodone, Vicodin contains both hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Hydrocodone abuse can begin when someone stops taking their prescriptions as directed by their healthcare provider. This can include taking more of the medication than the doctor prescribed or misusing the medication such as crushing or breaking the pills.

While addiction is a complex issue with no single cause, there are some factors that may indicate someone is at an increased risk of addiction. These factors can include:

• A personal or family history of substance abuse
• Legal or financial troubles
• Past struggles with anxiety or depression

Signs that someone is addicted to hydrocodone include:

• A lack of interest in hobbies and tasks they once enjoyed
• Failing to meet personal or professional obligations
• A disheveled appearance or trouble with personal hygiene

Hydrocodone is often prescribed after surgery or to help manage severe pain. Due to its high potential for abuse though, hydrocodone is generally prescribed for a very short period of time and requires careful monitoring by a physician to ensure the patient’s safety. Those taking this drug may develop a tolerance for it which can cause some to consume larger amounts of hydrocodone to achieve the desired effect. The euphoric feeling that some people experience while taking this drug makes it difficult for them to stop taking hydrocodone. Because hydrocodone is highly regulated, some will begin “doctor shopping,” or seeing multiple providers for the same condition in an attempt to procure more prescriptions. In addition to having a high potential for abuse, opioids can be extremely dangerous, and are thought to have contributed to over 70% of all drug-related overdoses globally.

The effects of opioid use, including hydrocodone, can be detrimental and include:

• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Respiratory effects including breathing problems during sleep and respiratory depression
• Gastrointestinal issues including intestinal blockages
• Sedation

One can experience withdrawal if they stop taking hydrocodone suddenly. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can last up to 2 weeks and may include:

• Restlessness
• Sweating and chills
• Muscle pain
• Widened pupils
• Irritability and anxiety
• Stomach upset including cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Increased breathing and heartbeat
• Confusion, loss of consciousness, or hallucinations

A key first step in treating a hydrocodone addiction is a medically monitored detox for men and women. Detox, or detoxification, is the process of clearing the body of toxins. Anyone who has been taking opioids, such as hydrocodone, for two weeks or more will need to detox from these drugs while under the guidance of a medical team. Someone undergoing a medically monitored detox may experience few if any side effects; however, when present, they can include:

• A runny nose
• Increased pain, including muscle pain
• Stomach upset
• Changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• Thoughts of suicide

There are a number of treatment options for opioid use disorder including hydrocodone addiction. While medication assisted treatments (MAT) such as naltrexone (often called by brand name including ReVia and Vivitrol) do exist for hydrocodone addiction, it is important to combine these, if applicable, with therapy. Therapy is an important step in understanding the root causes of hydrocodone addiction for many people.

Types of therapy include:

• Group Therapy: Group therapy is led by a therapist and allows participants to share and explore their feelings and experiences together. This type of therapy allows participants to learn from one another and form a sense of comradery.
• Individual Therapy: This type of therapy allows a patient to explore their feelings in a one-on-one setting with a clinician. Individual therapy also provides the opportunity to implement modalities including trauma work.
• Family Therapy: You will often hear that addiction is a family disease, impacting not only the person suffering with SUD but those closest to them as well. To encourage open discussions and healing, sessions between family members and a therapist can be extremely impactful.

In addition to therapy, physical rehabilitation and pain management are often very helpful for those suffering from a hydrocodone addiction. Many begin taking hydrocodone to manage pain and their long-term recovery is dependent on having healthy alternative options for pain management after leaving treatment. At Lakeview, we have a team of pain management physicians, physical therapists, and a dietician to help our patients find non-addictive ways to manage pain. You can learn more about our pain management program here.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to hydrocodone, reach out to the Lakeview Health team today at:866 704 7692.