What is Hydrocodone? Why is Hydrocodone Addictive?
Hydrocodone is a prescription medication that doctors often use to treat pain by blocking pain signals in the brain. It attaches to mu-opioid receptors (a type of opioid receptor) in the central nervous system, which is why hydrocodone is addictive and can lead to dependence. If misused, hydrocodone can slow breathing to a dangerous level and lead to overdose and respiratory depression.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights the dangers of opioids, revealing that of the 600,000 drug-related deaths worldwide, approximately 450,000 are attributed to opioid use. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for caution when using these medications. When used carefully under medical guidance, it can be helpful for short-term and sometimes chronic pain relief, but people should be aware of its risks.
When Should Someone Seek Help From a Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Center in California?
If you are wondering if you or someone you love is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, there are common signs that can help you decide if professional help is needed. Here are some things to look out for:
Taking More Than Prescribed
Some people start using hydrocodone for persistent or severe pain, but they may begin taking larger doses to find extra pain relief or to feel high from the medication. This often leads to hydrocodone misuse, which can affect the central nervous system and increase the risk of physical dependence.
The Food and Drug Administration classifies hydrocodone prescriptions as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), meaning that going beyond the recommended dose can be dangerous to one’s health. If you find yourself running out of pills sooner than expected or constantly thinking about refills, it might be time to explore treatment options like outpatient rehab or inpatient care.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms When Stopping
Hydrocodone withdrawal can bring on physical symptoms like muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, and high blood pressure. You might also feel anxious or have trouble sleeping when you suddenly stop taking prescription painkillers like hydrocodone. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a medically supervised detox or a medication-assisted treatment program can help you avoid dangerous and uncomfortable complications. In these situations, seeking professional treatment is not just helpful—it’s essential.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that medication-assisted treatment often leads to better recovery outcomes, which is best done under the guidance of a professional at a hydrocodone addiction treatment center.
Doctor Shopping
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, some people struggling with hydrocodone addiction try to get multiple prescriptions from different doctors, known as “doctor shopping.” They might hide pain medications or say they lost their medication to secure extra refills.
Doctor shopping can lead to more serious substance use disorders as people lose control over their hydrocodone use. If you’re finding new doctors to keep up your supply, it might be time to seek help from hydrocodone rehabs that offer addiction medicine and behavioral therapies.
Risky Behavior
When a person becomes dependent on hydrocodone, they may start taking unsafe steps to get more of it or to feel the high they desire. This can include combining it with other opioids or addictive substances, which raises the danger of fatal overdose. It could also involve putting yourself in dangerous situations to purchase more opioids or driving under the influence. If you notice these patterns, treatment can be incredibly helpful.
Switching to Illicit Opioids
Once prescription drugs become too difficult or expensive to get, some individuals turn to illicit opioid use, which includes drugs like heroin and fentanyl. Switching to illicit drugs puts people at a higher risk of overdose because street drugs can be more potent or mixed with unknown substances. If you’ve reached this point, getting treatment as soon as possible is essential.
If you have any questions about a hydrocodone addiction treatment center in California, we’re here to help. Contact pH Wellness today.
We understand that getting help for addiction can be challenging. Start with a free addiction assessment today.
Long-Term Effects of Hydrocodone Abuse
Long-term hydrocodone addiction can bring many negative side effects. Below are some of the most common long-term effects.
- Increased Tolerance: People often find they need more of the drug to get the same effects they once felt at lower doses. This can lead to a dangerous cycle of constantly raising the amount taken, putting them at greater risk of harmful outcomes.
- Physical Dependence: When the body becomes used to hydrocodone, it can be tough to stop using it without experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches or nausea. Over time, physical dependence makes it harder to quit, leading to hydrocodone addiction.
- Liver Damage: Because hydrocodone is often combined with other medications like acetaminophen, the liver can suffer. High doses or prolonged drug use can strain this vital organ and cause permanent harm.
- Mental Illness: Extended misuse of opioids can bring on mood swings, depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders. It can also trigger changes in the brain that make it difficult to cope with stress without using the drug.
- Digestive Problems: People who have been abusing hydrocodone for a long time might deal with constipation or stomach pain. These symptoms can start to affect everyday life and make it challenging to stick to a normal routine.
- Social and Relationship Struggles: Loved ones might notice something is off when someone is always drowsy or seeking more medication. Trust can fade if the person hides their use or ignores responsibilities at work or home.
- Overdose Risk: Once tolerance builds up, it’s easy to take too much by accident in an attempt to achieve the same relief. Overdoses can be life-threatening because they cause breathing to slow down or stop altogether.
Reaching out for professional help from a hydrocodone addiction treatment center in California is an important step if you or someone you know is facing the long-term effects of hydrocodone abuse.
Treatment Options for Hydrocodone and Other Substance Abuse Offered by pH Wellness
If you or someone you care about is struggling with hydrocodone addiction or other substance use challenges, pH Wellness offers a range of treatment programs. Below is a look at the services we provide.
Hydrocodone Detox
For individuals who have been using hydrocodone or similar substances long-term, the first and most important step is often a medically supervised detox. Medically assisted detox ensures patients remain as comfortable as possible while they stop using the drug. Medical professionals can administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. With 24/7 medical supervision, doctors and nurses closely monitor your condition to maintain comfort and safety throughout the process.
Inpatient Hydrocodone Rehab
After medical detox, inpatient treatment can be a great next step. During inpatient treatment, clients live at the hydrocodone rehab while they work on overcoming hydrocodone addiction. It’s an intensive program that includes individual therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group sessions, educational programs, relapse prevention planning, and aftercare. This setting allows people to step away from triggers in their daily lives and focus on healing without outside distractions or temptations.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
As clients finish inpatient treatment, they may move to an outpatient program, which provides professional support while living at home or in sober housing. This option makes it easier to balance work, school, family responsibilities, and hobbies while still participating in treatment. Different levels of outpatient treatment let people step down in care as they gain more independence. These options include:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): PHP is a type of treatment offered at a hydrocodone rehab that involves visiting the addiction treatment center for several hours a day, every day except on the weekends. It’s a good match for people who need a lot of structure but no longer require 24-hour residential care.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): When participating in IOP, clients come in fewer days a week than partial hospitalization – usually 3 days – but still receive regular therapy and group sessions for opioid addiction treatment. It allows for more time away from treatment settings while maintaining therapeutic support.
Standard Outpatient Treatment: Individual and group counseling sessions are scheduled around daily activities. This option works well for those who have a busy routine and require a bit less oversight. Standard outpatient treatment is not usually a standalone treatment – it’s best used as a step down once higher levels of care have been completed.
Aftercare
After your treatment programs end, aftercare helps clients maintain and strengthen what they’ve learned and achieved throughout the treatment process. Before all treatment ends, therapists will help clients put together an aftercare plan that focuses on relapse prevention and coping skills in the real world.
This usually includes therapy sessions, support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), sober living arrangements, and sometimes alumni support networks. With reliable aftercare in place, individuals typically have a better chance of staying on track and maintaining long-term sobriety.
No matter what type of treatment you need, pH Wellness is here to help.
Health Insurance Can Cover The Costs of Addiction Treatment
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Contact pH Wellness to Learn More About Our Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Center in California
Many people start using hydrocodone because they’ve been prescribed this medication by a doctor to treat persistent pain or chronic pain. This can give people a false sense of security with the substance, assuming they can’t experience negative consequences like developing an opioid use disorder if it was given to them by a medical professional. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Addiction to any opioid can be severe and impact every aspect of a person’s life.
If you’re dealing with hydrocodone addiction or having issues with other opioids, reaching out to a professional treatment facility is the best step you can take. pH Wellness is always here to help. We can ensure you get started with the right type of treatment and verify your insurance coverage to minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Contact us by calling (888) 707-3880 or completing our online contact form when you’re ready to get started with a hydrocodone addiction treatment center in California.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact us to speak with a caring intake specialist.
