Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment & Rehab in Cherry Hill, NJ

Hydrocodone is a potent narcotic that can put a person at high risk of abuse, addiction and dependence. Thankfully, treatment for hydrocodone addiction is available.

Prescription opioids like hydrocodone can offer immense relief for pain when used correctly, but they also carry significant risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prescription opioids are often misused, and hydrocodone, in particular, is one of the most commonly prescribed and abused pain medications in the United States. Understanding how hydrocodone works, why it can be so addictive, and the consequences of misuse is crucial for anyone prescribed this medication or anyone concerned about a loved one’s substance use.

Below, we’ll explore the key facts about hydrocodone addiction: what it is, how it impacts the body, the immediate effects of abuse, the types of hydrocodone products available and some relevant statistics. If you or someone you love is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, professional treatment and support can make all the difference.

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What Is Hydrocodone Addiction?

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine. It is primarily prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain but is sometimes also used as a cough suppressant. Hydrocodone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking pain signals and creating a sense of relaxation and euphoria.

Hydrocodone addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive use of the medication despite harmful consequences. Addiction is not simply physical dependence; it also involves psychological dependence. People who become addicted to hydrocodone may experience:

• Cravings: An intense urge or need to use hydrocodone
• Tolerance: The need for higher doses over time to achieve the same effect
• Withdrawal: Physical and psychological symptoms that occur when the drug is reduced or stopped
• Behavioral Changes: Neglecting responsibilities at work, school or home; attempting to obtain multiple prescriptions (“doctor shopping”); or engaging in secretive behavior

Ultimately, addiction can diminish a person’s quality of life, relationships and overall health. It’s important to recognize the warning signs early to seek professional help and reduce the risk of serious complications.

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Hydrocodone Addiction and Its Effects on the Body

Long-term hydrocodone use and addiction can affect virtually every system in the body. Some of the most notable impacts include:

• Neurological Impact: Hydrocodone changes the way your brain perceives pain and reward. Over time, these changes alter the brain’s chemistry, making it difficult to experience pleasure without the drug. In the long run, this leads to psychological dependence and an increased risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
• Respiratory Depression: Opioids suppress the body’s respiratory drive, and at high doses, they can lead to dangerously slow or stopped breathing. Prolonged use can also worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cardiovascular Stress: While hydrocodone primarily affects the nervous system, it can also place stress on the cardiovascular system, especially in individuals with preexisting heart conditions. A slowed breathing rate can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood, potentially putting stress on the heart over time.
• Gastrointestinal Problems: Opioids commonly cause constipation and other bowel problems. Chronic opioid use can lead to more severe gastrointestinal issues like bowel obstruction. Persistent digestive complications can impact nutrition and overall well-being.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Prolonged opioid use can disrupt the normal production of hormones like testosterone and cortisol. These imbalances can lead to fatigue, mood swings, reduced libido and other complications.
• Increased Risk of Overdose: As tolerance builds, individuals may take more hydrocodone than prescribed or mix it with other substances to amplify its effects. This can lead to overdose, which is potentially fatal due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

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Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse and Abuse

• Euphoria: A sense of extreme relaxation and happiness, which is a key factor in addiction development
• Drowsiness: Feeling excessively sleepy or groggy, which can impair the ability to drive or operate machinery
• Reduced Anxiety: A temporary sense of calm, though anxiety often returns or worsens when the drug wears off
• Constipation: A common side effect due to slowed gastrointestinal function
• Nausea and Vomiting: Hydrocodone can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, especially in higher doses
• Slowed Breathing: A direct effect on the respiratory system, which can become dangerous if misused
• Confusion or Disorientation: High doses can lead to cognitive impairment and difficulty concentrating

These immediate effects underscore the potency of hydrocodone. Taking larger or more frequent doses than prescribed can heighten these symptoms and accelerate the progression toward addiction.

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Types of Hydrocodone

Multiple formulations of hydrocodone exist, often combined with other compounds like acetaminophen. Understanding the different types is important, as each has its own dosage form, risk profile and potential for abuse. Below are four well-known hydrocodone-based medications:

Vicodin

Vicodin is one of the most commonly prescribed hydrocodone products. It contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. The addition of acetaminophen helps increase the pain-relieving effects of hydrocodone. However, large quantities of acetaminophen can damage the liver, so misuse of Vicodin poses a dual threat: opioid overdose and liver toxicity.

Norco

Norco also combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, but typically contains a higher proportion of hydrocodone relative to acetaminophen when compared to some other combination products. Because of its high hydrocodone content, Norco carries a substantial risk of addiction if misused. Physicians often prescribe Norco for short-term use after surgery or an injury, but even a short prescription can lead to dependency in susceptible individuals.

Lortab

Lortab is another combination medication containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Like Vicodin and Norco, the ratio of these two active ingredients can vary. Lortab comes in tablet, capsule and liquid forms, which can make it appealing for those who struggle with swallowing pills. However, this also makes it easier for some to misuse because liquid forms can be measured incorrectly or mixed with other substances.

Zohydro

Zohydro is a hydrocodone-only medication, meaning it does not contain acetaminophen. It was designed to manage severe pain for patients who need around-the-clock, long-term treatment. Zohydro is an extended-release formulation, which means the medication is released slowly over time. Although it does not carry the liver risks associated with acetaminophen, Zohydro has a high potential for abuse because it delivers large amounts of hydrocodone. When crushed or otherwise tampered with, the extended-release mechanism can be bypassed, leading to a rapid and potentially fatal dose.

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Hydrocodone Addiction Statistics

Hydrocodone has long been one of the most frequently prescribed opioid pain relievers in the United States. While exact numbers can vary year to year and depend on the source, some recent data offer a glimpse into the scope of the problem:

• Prescription Rates: According to the CDC, healthcare providers wrote 37.5 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people in some U.S. counties in 2023, down from 46.8 in 2019. Hydrocodone-containing medications contribute significantly to these rates, indicating their widespread availability.
• Misuse Prevalence: The 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that about 8.6 million people aged 12 or older had misused prescription opioids in the previous year. Hydrocodone is frequently cited as the opioid most commonly involved in non-medical use.
• Overdose Deaths: Opioid-related overdose deaths remain high nationwide. In 2022, there were 81,806 opioid-related overdose deaths in the US — over 1.5 times the rate in 2019. While synthetic opioids like fentanyl have overtaken prescription opioids as the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths, the combination of hydrocodone with other drugs or alcohol still accounts for thousands of fatalities each year.
• Transition to Other Substances: Research indicates that some individuals who start misusing hydrocodone may later transition to more potent opioids like heroin or illicit fentanyl if they lose access to prescription opioids. This pattern of progression highlights the importance of early intervention.
• Treatment Admissions: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recorded increases in treatment admissions for prescription opioid use disorders over the last two decades. Hydrocodone is often mentioned as a primary or contributing substance in these treatment episodes.

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Seeking Help for Hydrocodone Addiction

If you suspect that you or someone you love may be addicted to hydrocodone, it is critical to reach out for professional help as soon as possible. Addiction is a multifaceted condition, and comprehensive treatment programs often include:

• Medical Detox: A supervised setting where withdrawal symptoms can be managed safely and effectively
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): The use of approved medications like buprenorphine or methadone to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Counseling and Therapy: Individual therapy, group counseling and family therapy to address the psychological aspects of addiction
• Support Groups: Peer support and 12-step programs provide community and accountability during recovery
• Aftercare Planning: Ongoing support services to prevent relapse and maintain long-term sobriety

At The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, we provide personalized care plans tailored to each individual. Our goal is to address not only the addiction but also any co-occurring mental health conditions that might fuel substance use. Recovery is a journey, and no one should have to walk it alone.

FAQs

Some common questions about hydrocodone include:

Is hydrocodone an opioid?

Yes, hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic.

Is hydrocodone addictive?

Hydrocodone, as a Schedule II controlled substance, carries a high risk of addiction.

How does hydrocodone work?

Doctors are not sure exactly how hydrocodone relieves pain. However, they know the drug binds to receptors in the central nervous system called mu-opioid receptors, which may play a role in how the drug acts as a painkiller.

How long does hydrocodone stay in your system?

The amount of time hydrocodone can be detected in your body depends on what is being tested. After your last hydrocodone dose, the drug can show up in urine for up to 3 days and in saliva for up to 2 days. Further, a 1.5-inch section of hair can show if hydrocodone was taken in the past 90 days.

How long does it take to get addicted to hydrocodone?

A person can become physically dependent on hydrocodone in as little as a few days or weeks. When you are physically dependent on a drug, your body expects its presence and you can go into withdrawal without the drug.

How long does hydrocodone withdrawal last?

The duration of hydrocodone withdrawal is partially dependent on if you typically take a short- or long-acting form of the drug. If you are taking a short-acting form of hydrocodone, withdrawal symptoms can last up to 10 days. If you are taking a long-acting form of the drug, symptoms may last up to 20 days.