Hydrocodone Addiction, Abuse and Treatment

Have you ever had such a pain in your back that your doctor prescribed Vicodin? Has it been awhile since your back has been free of pain? Do you still continue to get the prescription for Vicodin filled again and again? Chances are, you may be addicted to what is known as hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone is one of the most abused prescription drugs in the country according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Addicts seek the calm euphoric state that is similar to the drugs heroin or morphine, according to drug-addiction.com.Vicodin is not the only painkiller that contains hydrocodone. It is in more than 200 products on the market at this time. The use of this has increased immensely over the past decade. Hydrocodone is also an ingredient of cough suppressants.

According to the Narconon of Southern California website, "In 1998 there were over 56 million new prescriptions written for hydrocodone products and by 2000 there were over 89 million. From 1990 the average consumption nationwide has increased by 300 percent."If you or someone you love suffers from an addiction to hydrocodone, there are many options that you can research to give you optimum treatment potential. One way of overcoming the addiction is to check into a residential treatment center.

According to recoveryconnection.com, "due to the physical dependence created by Hydrocodone abuse, addiction treatment begins in a residential treatment center. The initial phase of treatment is detox. The average length of time spent in detox is approximately seven days. During this time, the person will be monitored medically and any psychiatric or psychological issues addressed."Nearly every age group has been affected according to addiction-helpline.com. "Sometimes seen as a "white-collar" addiction, hydrocodone abuse has increased among all ethnic and economic groups."

The reality is that no matter your color, gender, or age, you can be affected by this addiction. By taking notice of your family members who use these drugs, a major problem may be able to be stopped before it spirals out of control. If you or a loved one needs help, don't hesitate to ask for it.