Hydrocodone is a potent, prescription opioid painkiller, often prescribed to those experiencing moderate to severe pain for a short amount of time rarely is hydrocodone considered a longer-term solution, seeing as it is so habit-forming. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid, meaning that it is partially derived from natural sources and partially created with chemicals in a laboratory.
Vicodin is the brand name for hydrocodone — most people know this specific drug by its brand name. Prescribing physicians will generally write a prescription for hydrocodone to treat short-term pain, like post-surgical pain, or pain following an invasive dental procedure.
This specific opioid is extremely addictive, which is why it is only prescribed in the short-term. Those who take the drug other than as prescribed are at high risk of addiction taking the drug other than prescribed is always considered abuse. Over time — with abuse — the body will begin to build a tolerance towards hydrocodone, meaning that greater quantities of the drug will be required to produce the same effects.
Once tolerance begins to build, ceasing use abruptly will lead to symptoms of withdrawal. Abusing hydrocodone is a slippery slope, and those who develop a substance dependency will need professional addiction treatment to successfully overcome their physical and mental dependence.
One of the most popular brand name hydrocodone-based drugs is called Norco, and a Norco drug high can quickly create a dependence leading to Norco addiction. Those who take hydrocodone as prescribed will experience a reduction of pain. The drug connects to pain receptors within the brain, blocking messages of pain sent from other parts of the body to the brain.
Unfortunately, hydrocodone is one of the most commonly abused opioid painkillers in the country. Those who abuse the drug have reported feeling the following sensations:. Some of the drug may get into the lungs as well.
Snorting opioids has been linked to irritated lungs and worsened asthma. We are here to help you through every aspect of recovery. Let us call you to learn more about our treatment options. Sometimes people use rolled paper, straws or hollowed pens when snorting hydrocodone. Sharing drug paraphernalia that comes in contact with blood vessels in the nose has the potential to spread bloodborne diseases, like Hepatitis C. Besides the unique complications associated with snorting insufflation of hydrocodone, the drug comes with many side effects regardless of the mode of ingestion.
Negative side effects like constipation and dehydration can occur even if hydrocodone is taken as prescribed, but prolonged or excessive use of the drug increases the risk. When a person abuses hydrocodone, their breathing may become depressed to the point that their brain does not receive adequate oxygen. This can cause a condition called hypoxia , which may result in long-term brain damage. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid drug prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, often after dental work, injuries or surgical procedures.
It is generally a white, oblong pill and is meant to be taken orally. As an opioid, hydrocodone attaches to receptors in the brain to produce pleasure, decrease pain and slow breathing. The calm, pleasant feeling that results leads some people to keep taking hydrocodone even when they no longer need it as a painkiller.
Prescription hydrocodone is commonly paired with acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer branded as Tylenol. The hydrocodone and acetaminophen combination is sold under many names, including Vicodin, Lortab and Norco. Since long-term use of acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, these combination drugs carry an additional risk. When taken orally, hydrocodone travels through the body before entering the bloodstream and affecting the brain.
When someone snorts hydrocodone, blood vessels in their nose absorb it, producing a quicker and more intense high. Though smoking and intravenous injection both take a substance to the brain faster than insufflation, these are not common methods of taking hydrocodone and have a reputation of being more dangerous.
Snorting a drug is no safer than smoking or injection, but many people believe that it is. When someone takes hydrocodone for an extended period of time, they will likely develop a tolerance to it. The body adapts to the substance and requires the person to take a higher dose for the same effect.
This can lead to physical dependence, a state in which someone must take hydrocodone in order for their body to operate normally. Physical dependence is often accompanied by addiction, a mental craving for the drug that results in drug-seeking behaviors and compulsive use despite negative physical and social consequences.
Furthermore, an overdose can occur at a lower threshold if hydrocodone is combined with other substances, including the following:. Opioids, like hydrocodone, have become such a problem in the US that it is now at epidemic levels. Every day, more than people in the US die from an overdose to an opioid-related medication. Although measures are being taken to decrease these numbers, recognizing the warning signs of an overdose is extremely important in getting people help quickly to save lives.
Hydrocodone medications typically include acetaminophen, a. Tylenol, so addicts are also at risk of an acetaminophen overdose, which includes the following:. The first symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose can take 24 hours to appear, and they include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition to lowering the threshold for an opiate overdose, taking alcohol with painkillers also increases the liver toxicity caused by acetaminophen.
Hydrocodone users who develop a tolerance or exceed the prescribed dosage are at a high risk of overdose. Professional rehab is the best way to avoid an overdose or prevent one from happening again, and it includes the following:.
Rehab facilities can also educate loved ones on how to prepare a sober home and assist in an addiction recovery. We want to help you find the same outcome as Erin.
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