Hydrocodone Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Effects, And Treatment Approaches

hydrocodone addiction

Hydrocodone addiction is a compulsive urge to use the prescription opioid hydrocodone despite its adverse consequences. It is a dependency on hydrocodone that develops when the brain adapts to regular hydrocodone use, leading to physical and psychological reliance. The 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that 6.9 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older misused hydrocodone in the past year compared to 7.2 million in 2015.

Symptoms of hydrocodone addiction include cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, nausea, sweating, loss of control, Inability, neglect of responsibilities, and continued use despite harm.

Causes of hydrocodone addiction include genetic predisposition, environmental influences, psychological factors, and physical pain. These causes increase the risk of addiction and should be considered before starting a prescription for these types of drugs.

The effects of hydrocodone addiction include health complications such as liver damage, decreased brain function, and respiratory depression. It also causes psychological effects like mood swings, anxiety, depression, and social consequences like legal and financial problems

Treatment approaches for hydrocodone addiction involve detoxification, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, comprehensive care, and aftercare.

What Is Hydrocodone Addiction? 

Hydrocodone addiction is a chronic medical condition characterized by compulsive use of the opioid painkiller hydrocodone despite negative consequences. It’s a form of substance use disorder where the brain and body develop physical and psychological dependence on hydrocodone, leading to tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when stopping use, and continued drug-seeking behavior even when facing harmful effects on health, relationships, and daily responsibilities. The condition typically begins with prescribed medical use for pain management but evolves into dependency as the brain adapts to regular hydrocodone exposure.

People with hydrocodone addiction keep using the drug even if it causes problems with their health, work, or relationships. They also experience withdrawal symptoms—like nausea, sweating, and anxiety—if they try to stop or cut down on hydrocodone. These symptoms make quitting hard without professional help.

According to a 2022 report from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health Report, out of 8.5 million individuals who misused prescription painkillers in the past year, 3.7 million of them abused hydrocodone products. 

Hydrocodone addiction is severe and requires treatment that includes medications, counseling, and support from professionals to help manage cravings and withdrawal and to learn healthier ways to cope with pain and stress.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Addiction? 

symptoms of hydrocodone addiction

The symptoms of hydrocodone addiction include increased tolerance, preoccupation with the drug, mood changes, dependency, loss of control, physical changes, neglect of responsibilities, and withdrawal. 

The symptoms of hydrocodone addiction are given below:

  • Increased tolerance: Abuse of hydrocodone leads to tolerance. The user starts to need more drugs to get the same pain relief or high.
  • Physical dependence: The brain adapts to the chemical contents of hydrocodone and cannot work well without it—any attempt to stop the drug results in withdrawal symptoms. 
  • Preoccupation with getting the drug: Individuals with hydrocodone use disorder find themselves spending a significant amount of time planning how to get and use it, neglecting their activities and responsibilities. 
  • Loss of control: people with hydrocodone addiction problems lose control over the choice to stop or reduce taking the drug. 
  • Neglect of responsibilities: hydrocodone addictions result in the prioritization of drugs over family responsibilities, work, and other obligations.
  • Relationship problems: Addiction puts a weight on relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. People with hydrocodone use disorder tend to withdraw from social activities and isolate themselves to hide their addiction. 
  • Mood changes: hydrocodone addiction increases the risk of mood swings, irritability, and depression. The intense craving results in agitation and restlessness when they cannot access the opioid. 
  • Inability to stop use: hydrocodone addiction causes its victim to fail to stop using the drug despite seeing the adverse effects it is having on them. These effects include health problems, financial issues, and legal problems.

What Are The Causes Of Hydrocodone Addiction? 

The causes of hydrocodone are genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, psychological factors, environmental influences, and self-medication. 

The causes of hydrocodone addiction are given below: 

  • Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of addiction are at higher risk of developing similar problems.
  • Brain Chemistry: Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, releasing high levels of dopamine and creating feelings of euphoria. This rewarding sensation leads to repeated use, which develops into addiction when not stopped.
  • Prescription Practices: The widespread prescription of hydrocodone has contributed to its abuse. According to Cassidy, T. A.’s 2017 study, ‘Patterns of abuse and routes of administration for immediate-release hydrocodone combination products.’,  in the U.S., hydrocodone combination products represent approximately 37% of all opioid prescriptions dispensed, making them one of the most commonly abused opioids among both adults and adolescents.
  • Routes of Administration: While most users take hydrocodone orally, some abuse it by snorting or other methods, which increases its addictive potential. According to Cassidy, T. A.’s 2017 study, ‘Patterns of abuse and routes of administration for immediate-release hydrocodone combination products.’, about 23% of hydrocodone abusers report snorting as a route of administration.
  • Abuse Prevalence: A study found that the lifetime abuse prevalence for immediate-release opioids, including hydrocodone, is at least as high as that for extended-release products. According to Darwish, M.’s 2017 study, ‘Abuse Potential with Oral Route of Administration of a Hydrocodone Extended-Release Tablet Formulated with Abuse-Deterrence Technology in Nondependent, Recreational Opioid Users.’, the immediate-release (IR) hydrocodone showed the highest potential for addiction, with a drug liking score of 85.2 and the highest adverse event rate at 79%. This version of hydrocodone produced the strongest positive, negative, and sedative effects among all formulations tested, making it the most likely to be abused by recreational users.
  • Psychological Factors: Mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often make individuals more prone to addiction. It increases the risk of self-medicating on hydrocodone to alleviate their symptoms.
  • Environmental Influences: Factors such as peer pressure, family dynamics, stress, and exposure to environments where drug use is accessible contribute to the development of addiction. According toSafari Hajat Aghaii, S.’s 2012 study, ‘Meta-Analysis of Individual and Environmental Factors that Influence People’s Addiction Tendencies. International journal of high risk b’,   environmental factors have a higher effect size (0.61) on addiction tendencies compared to individual factors (0.45). This suggests that environmental conditions play a significant role in influencing addiction behaviors.
  • Inadequate Guidance or Monitoring: Lack of guidance from healthcare providers or inadequate monitoring of the patient’s use increases the risk of misuse and addiction. According to Chambers, J.’s 2016 study, ‘An Online Survey of Patients’ Experiences Since the Rescheduling of Hydrocodone: The First 100 Days.’, after hydrocodone rescheduling, patients who lost access to the medication sought alternatives – 18.1% borrowed pain medications, 17.1% turned to marijuana, 13.1% used alcohol, and 2.3% resorted to illicit drugs. The policy change significantly impacted healthcare access, with 64.2% needing more frequent provider visits and 30.3% experiencing pharmacy-related issues. The vast majority (88.3%) considered the rescheduling neither fair nor appropriate. The changes also affected employment, with 46.2% of working patients missing work due to stricter regulations. Most concerningly, 27.2% reported experiencing suicidal thoughts following the rescheduling.

What Are The Effects Of Hydrocodone Addiction? 

The effects of Hydrocodone addiction are categorized into physical, mental, and social effects. Here are the effects of Hydrocodone addiction in detail below:

Physical Health Effects 

The effects of hydrocodone on the physical health of the user are:

  • Respiratory Depression: Hydrocodone addiction causes respiratory depression and significantly slows down breathing. In severe cases, it will be fatal. According to Khanna, A. K.’s 2021, ‘Opioid-induced respiratory depression increases hospital costs and length of stay in patients recovering on the general care floor.’, patients who received parenteral opioids and experienced at least one respiratory depression episode showed significantly longer hospital stays (6.4 vs 5.0 days) and higher hospital costs ($21,892 vs $18,206) compared to those without respiratory depression. High-risk patients administered opioids who had respiratory depression faced even greater costs ($21,948 vs $18,474). The analysis revealed that patients with opioid-related respiratory depression had 17% higher overall costs, with these costs increasing exponentially as their length of stay increased.
  • Liver Damage Risk: The hydrocodone drug fact sheet from the Drug Enforcement Administration states that large doses of hydrocodone combined with acetaminophen cause severe liver damage.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Prolonged use of hydrocodone causes gastrointestinal issues. Chronic use often leads to constipation, abdominal pain, and other digestive problems.
  • Overdose Risk: Taking higher doses of hydrocodone to achieve the same effects due to tolerance increases the risk of overdose, which is life-threatening.
effects of hydrocodone on physical and mental health

Mental And Emotional Effects 

The effects of hydrocodone on the mental health of the user are:

  • Psychological dependence: This develops with continuous use of hydrocodone, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not taken.
  • Impaired cognitive function: Long-term use of hydrocodone affects cognitive functions, impairing memory, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
  • Mood changes: Individuals with hydrocodone addiction often experience mood swings, depression, and anxiety, made worse by the drug’s impact on brain chemistry. Hydrocodone causes acute psychosis in some cases. According to Rasheed, A.’s 2015 case report, ‘Oral Hydrocodone Induced Acute Psychosis in an Adult Male: A Case Report..’ hydrocodone can trigger acute psychosis even in patients with no prior psychiatric history. The study documented a 35-year-old male who developed acute psychosis immediately after starting hydrocodone for back pain, with symptoms resolving once the medication was discontinued.

Social And Behavioral Effects 

The 3 social and behavioral effects of hydrocodone addiction are job instability, strained relationships, and legal consequences. 

  • Strained relationships: Addiction causes strain on relationships, resulting in neglected relationships due to isolation and strained interactions with family and friends.
  • Job instability: People addicted to hydrocodone are often not able to hold down a job. They experience a decrease in job performance and increased absenteeism, resulting in job loss and financial instability.
  • Legal Consequences: Possession and use of hydrocodone without a prescription or obtaining it through illegal means have legal consequences.

How Long Does Hydrocodone Withdrawal Last?

Hydrocodone withdrawal typically lasts 7-10 days for acute symptoms, while post-acute symptoms persist for weeks to months.

According to Harris, R. A.’s 2019 study, ‘Long-term use of hydrocodone vs. oxycodone in primary care.’, Hydrocodone has a higher long-term dependence rate (12%) compared to oxycodone (2%), indicating tougher withdrawal for hydrocodone users. Acute withdrawal starts within 24 hours, peaks on days 3-5, and lasts 7-10 days, featuring symptoms like nausea and anxiety. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) lasts weeks to months and mainly involves psychological symptoms. Medical supervision is advised during withdrawal.

What Are The Withdrawal Symptoms Of Hydrocodone Addiction?

The withdrawal symptoms of hydrocodone addiction are:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Dilated pupils
  • Yawning
  • Runny nose
  • Goosebumps
  • Fever
  • Chills

What Are The Treatment Approaches For Hydrocodone Addiction? 

The treatment approaches for hydrocodone addiction encompass comprehensive medical and therapeutic interventions, including supervised detoxification, evidence-based medication assistance, and specialized behavioral therapies. Treatment typically begins with medically-monitored withdrawal management, incorporates FDA-approved medications to address cravings, and integrates counseling services to support long-term recovery.

Here are the treatment options for Hydrocodone addiction below:

Detoxification: Detoxification is the main and first step in treating hydrocodone addiction. It involves medically supervised withdrawal from hydrocodone to manage the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal safely. This process is often done in a hospital or a specialized detox center.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT involves using drugs to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the individual. Common drugs used include:

  • Methadone: It manages cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the high associated with opioids.
  • Buprenorphine: It partially activates opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Naltrexone: It blocks opioid receptors and prevents hydrocodone from having any effect.

According to Kinsky, S.’s 2019 study, ‘A comparison of adherence, outcomes, and costs among opioid use disorder Medicaid patients treated with buprenorphine and methadone: A view from the payer perspective.’, a comparative study of Medicaid patients showed that between methadone (n=212) and buprenorphine (n=972) treatments, only 3.6% of treatment-adherent patients experienced nonfatal drug-related ED overdose compared to 13.2% in non-adherent patients. While no significant difference was found between the two medications regarding overdose rates, non-adherence to methadone was associated with increased total cost of care.

Behavioral Therapies: These therapies help patients modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. It increases healthy life skills and works together with other forms of treatment, such as medication. Standard behavioral therapies include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps patients avoid and manage situations in which they are most likely to use drugs.
  • Contingency Management: It uses positive reinforcement, such as rewards for positive behaviors. According to Bolívar, H. A.’s 2021 study, ‘Contingency Management for Patients Receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.’, Contingency Management reduced illicit opioid use by 0.58 standard deviations compared to control groups (Cohen’s d = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.30-0.86). In behavioral science, this represents a medium to large effect size, indicating a substantial clinical impact.

Counseling: This option includes both individual and group counseling. Counseling sessions help individuals address emotional and psychological issues related to their addiction. It provides support and encouragement from peers who are facing similar challenges.

Aftercare Planning: Aftercare includes continuous support after the initial treatment phase. It involves outpatient treatment, group counseling, continued MAT, and regular check-ins with treatment providers to help prevent relapse.

Each treatment plan is planned according to the individual’s specific needs, considering factors like the severity of the addiction, personal health issues, and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

How Do I Treat Hydrocodone Overdose?

To treat hydrocodone overdose, immediate medical attention is essential. Immediately call emergency services (911) if someone is experiencing an overdose, as professional medical intervention is critical for survival. While waiting for emergency responders, stay with the person, monitor their vital signs, and keep them awake and breathing. Never attempt to induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by medical professionals, as this could cause additional complications. 

Emergency medical teams will administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that reverses the effects of opioid overdose. Be prepared to provide essential information to the medical team, including the approximate amount of hydrocodone taken and the time of ingestion, as this helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Quick action, continuous monitoring, and accurate information are crucial elements in successfully treating a hydrocodone overdose.

How Long Does It Take To Become Addicted To Hydrocodone?

The time it takes to become addicted to hydrocodone varies widely among individuals. Factors like genetic predisposition, dosage, and personal health history also influence how quickly addiction forms. 

According to Cicero, T. J.’s 2013 study, ‘Factors influencing the selection of hydrocodone and oxycodone as primary opioids in substance abusers seeking treatment in the United States.’, typical hydrocodone users were characterized as risk-averse women, elderly people, and noninjectors-who-preferred obtaining the drug through safer channels like doctors, friends, or family members rather than dealers.

Can Hydrocodone Addiction Be Cured?

Hydrocodone addiction cannot be cured, but effective treatment and management occur with proper medical intervention. Treatment typically begins with supervised detoxification, followed by various levels of care including behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and ongoing support programs designed specifically for opioid dependence.

What Are The Risks Of Hydrocodone Addiction During Pregnancy?

Hydrocodone addiction during pregnancy is harmful to both the mother and the fetus. Risks include miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). 

According to Mph, J.’s 2021 study, ‘Prescription opioid use during pregnancy and risk for preterm birth or term low birthweight.’, among 10,491 pregnancies studied, hydrocodone was used by 163 women (35% of opioid users), making it one of the most common opioids during pregnancy. The data showed hydrocodone use carried a 1.6 times higher risk of preterm birth compared to non-users, though no significant impact on birth weight was found. This risk level places hydrocodone between the milder codeine and stronger opioids like morphine in terms of pregnancy complications. 

How Does Hydrocodone Addiction Differ From Benzodiazepine Addiction In Terms Of Symptoms And Treatment?

Hydrocodone addiction and benzodiazepine addiction differ significantly in terms of symptoms and treatment approaches due to the distinct pharmacological effects of each drug. Hydrocodone, an opioid, primarily affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as euphoria, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms include severe pain, nausea, and anxiety. Treatment typically involves medication-assisted therapies (MAT) like methadone or buprenorphine, alongside behavioral therapies. In contrast, benzodiazepine addiction involves symptoms like sedation, memory impairment, and muscle relaxation, with withdrawal symptoms including seizures and severe anxiety. Treatment often requires a gradual tapering of the drug to avoid withdrawal complications, supported by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other psychological interventions.

Is Hydrocodone An Opioid?

Yes, hydrocodone is an opioid. It is a semisynthetic opioid commonly prescribed for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain, often found in combination with acetaminophen or ibuprofen in various formulations, including tablets and liquid solutions.

As an opioid, hydrocodone functions by blocking pain signals in the brain and altering the perception of pain, similar to other opioids like morphine and oxycodone.

Can Hydrocodone Cause Insomnia?

Yes, hydrocodone can cause insomnia. According to Serdarevic, M.’s 2017 study, ‘The association between insomnia and prescription opioid use: results from a community sample in Northeast Florida’,  shown, prescription opioids including hydrocodone were associated with a 42% higher likelihood of experiencing insomnia compared to those who did not use opioids.

How Can Hydrocodone Addiction Increase The Risk Of Developing A Morphine Addiction?

Hydrocodone addiction increases the risk of developing a morphine addiction due to the similar effects both opioids have on the brain’s reward system. As tolerance to hydrocodone builds, individuals seek stronger opioids like morphine to achieve euphoric effects. This pattern of escalating use leads to morphine addiction. Morphine addiction presents with severe withdrawal symptoms and significant health risks.

Where To Find Treatment For Hydrocodone Addiction?

Treatment for hydrocodone addiction is readily available at rehabilitation centers, addiction treatment facilities, or through medical professionals specializing in addiction recovery.

What Are The Different Slang Terms For Hydrocodone?

Slang terms for hydrocodone include Vikes, Norco, Watson-387, Hydros, Fluff, Dros, Bananas, 357s, V-itamin, Tabs, Scratch, Hydro.

How And Where Is Hydrocodone Typically Produced?

Hydrocodone is produced by pharmaceutical companies through chemical synthesis in controlled environments, such as licensed laboratories. The process involves extracting codeine from opium poppy or synthesizing it from other precursors. After purification, hydrocodone is formulated into various dosage forms, including tablets and liquid solutions, with strict quality control measures to ensure safety and efficacy before distribution.

How Do The Effects Of Hydrocodone Addiction Differ From Those Of Cocaine Addiction?

The effects of hydrocodone addiction differ from those of cocaine addiction in terms of their impact on the body and mind. Hydrocodone addiction typically leads to withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and vomiting, which last for several days. In contrast, cocaine addiction causes intense cravings, anxiety, agitation, and cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias. Overall, the physical, psychological, and neurobiological effects of hydrocodone and cocaine addiction are distinct and require different treatment approaches.

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