Hydrocodone is widely prescribed as a pain reliever. It is also sold under Vicodin, a drug that combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone can be very effective and yet also habit forming. If a doctor prescribes hydrocodone for you, there are some steps to take to avoid serious complications from addiction. First of all it takes understanding why and how addiction happens and signs of addiction.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is an opioid in a class of drugs known as narcotic analgesics. These drugs connect to proteins in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors. Opioids interfere with pain singlas heading to the brain to change perception of pain and emotional reaction to it. Some people who start taking the drug do it for treatment safely but then become hooked on the euphoric feelings.
Addiction Symptoms
The following are just some of the symptoms to look for if a person is going through a hydrocodone dependency or addiction:
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Fear and depression
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Ringing in ears
- Blurred vision
Addiction Prevention
The best prevention for addiction is to take the drug as your doctor prescribes. It helps to record pain in a diary and review from time to time to see how things are progressing. A doctor may want to reduce the dosage and taper down until it is totally stopped to keep addiction from popping up. If quitting on your own is too hard, there are programs and treatment centers to help. Some programs use medications to help ease withdrawal. Others do not. The best approach for you depends on the nature of the addiction. A long-term addiction involving high doses of hydrocodone may involve a long recovery period. People with addiction should be screened for depression and mental health issues.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare knows that lifetime sobriety, health, and wellness, are completely possible. Each of our treatment programs offer the opportunity for holistic healing utilizing an integrative approach for the recovery of mind, body, and spirit. You can recover. You will recover. Call us today for more information: 844-560-7269