Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller commonly prescribed to treat moderate-to-severe pain. The drug is most commonly known as Vicodin, and it can be effective in treating chronic pain symptoms. It is a combination of the opioid pain reliever hydrocodone and the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen. An extended-release capsule sold under the name Zohydro ER contains pure hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone has become linked to the opioid crisis in the United States, which claims an estimated 130 lives daily. The medication, available as a capsule, a liquid, and a syrup, is prescribed at a higher rate than other drugs in the country.

Although the risk for abuse is widely known when it comes to the narcotic pain reliever, many people still misuse the medication. Some do so to find relief for their chronic ailments, but they are still at risk of developing a substance use disorder. Long-term abuse of hydrocodone carries a high risk of injury to the body, especially when the medication contains acetaminophen.

Abuse of both drugs puts increased stress on your liver and kidneys, which are responsible for filtering out toxins. As a result, the individual faces organ failure or severe liver damage from acetaminophen poisoning. 

What Are the Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction?

The early stages of opioid addiction can be difficult to spot. The primary concern with this, however, is that when someone falls deeper into the cycle of addiction, the more significant their problems become. It’s a misconception that prescribed medication is safer because it’s from a doctor, and that addiction is somehow not possible. Unfortunately, that is not true, as nearly 80 percent of heroin users got their start from opioid pain relievers. 

There are warning signs that can help you understand if either you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone. When you use hydrocodone in conjunction with acetaminophen, there are specific symptoms to note, which include:

When you develop an intense dependence on hydrocodone, you will gradually lose control of how you use the medication. It becomes a compulsive need, and using the drug is your primary focus. Certain hobbies you were once interested in will no longer be interesting, and as a consequence, relationships will begin to deteriorate. 

Other signs of addiction you should look out for include:

What Is Involved in Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment?

The first step in the continuum of care is medical detox, which helps transition a person into a sober state safely.

Only a licensed medical professional can make this decision, so call today to get your questions answered and start the recovery process now.