What Made My Loved One a Hydrocodone Addict?

What Made My Loved One a Hydrocodone Addict?

Hydrocodone is classified as a narcotic pain reliever and is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Additionally, it can be prescribed as a cough suppressant. According to a 2011 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) publication, hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid drug in the U.S. The same report stated that, in 2010 alone, over 139 million prescriptions were filled for medications containing hydrocodone.

Causes of Hydrocodone Addiction

While hydrocodone can be legitimately used for pain relief, it remains a highly addictive drug. As hydrocodone use increases, so does the number of hydrocodone addicts. Hydrocodone addiction can develop from several different situations, such as the following:

  • Recreational use. Hydrocodone is often used recreationally for its euphoric effects. As hydrocodone use increases, the body can become tolerant to the chemical effects of the drug, which leads the user to take higher levels of hydrocodone. This cycle can quickly lead to an addiction.
  • Long-term medical use. Long-term use of a prescription drug can also lead a patient to become desensitized to the effects of the drug. If a patient takes excess hydrocodone in order to minimize pain, he can eventually become physically and psychologically addicted.
  • Misconceptions about prescription drugs. Common misconceptions about prescription drugs can also lead to addiction. Many may think that since hydrocodone is prescribed by a doctor, it is safer than recreational drugs. However, hydrocodone and other prescription drugs can be hazardous to ones’ health when they are taken without medical supervision to regulate the usage.
  • Mental illness. Drug abuse and addiction can often be found in conjunction with mental illness. One may begin using a drug in an attempt to self-medicate. Prolonged use of a drug may also cause changes in the brain that could inflict a mental illness.
  • Other risk factors. Possible risk factors could include one’s genetic susceptibility, family life and social environment. Tragic life events, boredom, or stress may also lead an individual to turn to drugs such as hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone Rehabilitation Treatment

Many different treatment options are available to help hydrocodone addicts. Professional treatment centers address the physical addiction, the psychological addiction and any underlying problems that the addict is struggling with. They can also provide a variety of counseling and therapy options for recovering addicts. Additionally, treatment centers often offer aftercare treatment to help patients maintain sobriety after leaving the treatment facility. If you are involved in your loved one’s treatment process, remember to be honest about your feelings, do not blame or criticize and try to build and maintain a trust-based relationship.

Finding Help for Hydrocodone Addiction

If your loved one is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, please call our toll-free helpline today. Our counselors are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions about hydrocodone addiction and help you find the best treatment options for your situation. Call our helpline to learn more about how you can help your loved one today.