If you’ve ever been injured or needed to undergo surgery, you may have been prescribed a prescription painkiller to help manage temporary pain. Although over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be adequate in managing certain types of pain, there are times when a stronger medication is needed. This is when medical providers turn to prescription opioids. Hydrocodone is one of several types of medications doctors prescribe to their patients for pain relief. But is hydrocodone an opioid or another type of painkiller? Suppose a doctor prescribes hydrocodone to you or someone you know. In that case, it’s important to understand what type of drug hydrocodone is, the potential dangers, and how to recognize if someone is abusing their medication.
Opioid addiction can catch people by surprise, especially when they develop a dependence on the drug they rely on for pain relief. If you find yourself in need of opioid addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, Promises Brazos Valley has everything you need for recovery under one roof. With a full continuum of care from residential to outpatient and alumni programs, we can help those you care about overcome opioid addiction for good.
Is hydrocodone an opioid?
Like oxycodone, morphine, and fentanyl, hydrocodone is an opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to enhance its effectiveness without increasing its addictive properties. You may be familiar with Vicodin or Lortab, which are combinations of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Ibudone and Vicoprofen are brands of hydrocodone mixed with ibuprofen.
Hydrocodone is a full opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain and fully activates them. This provides powerful pain relief but also contributes to its high potential for abuse.
The dangers of hydrocodone abuse
As a Schedule II drug, hydrocodone carries a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hydrocodone is one of the most commonly misused licit or illicit opioids. In addition to developing an addiction, hydrocodone abuse can cause:
- Constipation
- Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
- Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges
- Organ damage, including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver
- Overdose
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
In addition to these serious consequences, hydrocodone abuse can put a person at increased risk of accidents and injuries if they attempt to drive or operate machinery while under the influence of the drug.
How do you know if someone is abusing hydrocodone?
If someone is using hydrocodone specifically as prescribed by their doctor, there’s often no need for concern. This opioid can be a critical component of pain management, but if your loved one begins to misuse their medication, it’s essential to step in and express your concerns to help them avoid developing an addiction. But how can you tell the difference between someone taking hydrocodone for pain management and someone abusing the drug?
Changes in behavior or mood
If you notice the person’s mood seems to shift suddenly, they exhibit erratic behaviors, or become very secretive, it could be a sign of hydrocodone misuse. Also, be aware if they become increasingly irritable or anxious.
Physical changes
A person abusing hydrocodone may seem excessively drowsy, have slurred speech, and constricted pupils. They might also start to lose a lot of weight very quickly.
Mismanaging medication
Someone misusing hydrocodone will usually run out of their medication before they’re eligible for a refill. To override this, they might schedule an appointment with more than one doctor in the hopes of obtaining multiple prescriptions.
Get help for hydrocodone abuse at Promises Brazos Valley
Promises Brazos Valley is here to help when you discover a loved one has trouble with their hydrocodone prescription. We offer men’s and women’s addiction treatment with both inpatient and outpatient options, 12-step alternatives, and trauma-informed care to provide the people you love with a customized treatment plan to facilitate a successful recovery. Encourage your loved one to reach out to us today at 979.426.0086 or submit our online form, and we’ll get back to you.