Hydrocodone Addiction - The Abuse of a Prescription Drug

Once upon a time, drug addictions were commonly associated with illegal street drugs such as cocaine, heroine, LSD, and so forth. However, it looks as if addicts have discovered clever methods of acquiring drugs to fulfill their addiction. Today, legal, prescription medications have become the new addiction. Granted, people have suffered from dependencies to certain prescription medications for some time. However, dependencies were typically unplanned, and with treatment, these persons were able to successfully end their habit. On the flip side, there are a large number of drug addicts faking illnesses in order to receive prescription meds. One popular prescription drug commonly abused by addicts is Hydrocodone.

Why Hydrocodone?

In the past decade, hydrocodone abuse or addiction has increased by 500 percent. But, why the fascination with a medication normally prescribed to relieve pain. For starters, hydrocodone has an effect comparable to heroine. Yet, acquiring heroine on the street is dangerous. To avoid the repercussions associated with buying an illegal street drug, hydrocodone is a safer, and little riskier way to achieve a euphoric feeling.

Due to widespread knowledge of hydrocodone abuse, physicians are not as quick to prescribe this medication. Rather, physicians examine each case on a patient-by-patient basis, and use discernment. For example, physicians are more apt to prescribe hydrocodone to patients sustaining injury from an auto accident, broken bone, surgery, and so forth. On the other hand, they may prescribe a less powerful drug for complaints of chronic pain. Nonetheless, there are ruthless dealers willing to steal hydrocodone and sell the drug on the street.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

Whether the drug is bought illegally on the street or prescribed by a doctor, hydrocodone has several potential side effects - some severe.

• Allergic reaction
• Anxiety
• Unusual bleeding
• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty breathing
• Bowel problems
• Dry mouth
• Ringing in the ear
• Hallucinations
• Hives
• Mental confusion
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

With treatment, a hydrocodone addiction can be broken. Usually, withdrawal symptoms surface 12 to 24 hours after drug use is stopped, and may last for seven to fourteen days. Even though hydrocodone addicts feel miserable during the withdrawal stage, the symptoms are non-life threatening. Symptoms may intensify with severe dependency. Symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:

• Overwhelming craving for the drug
• Irritability
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dilate pupils
• Chills
• Fever
• Sweating
• Depression