Hydrocodone Addiction

Understanding hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid painkiller often used to treat moderate to severe pain. Doctors will prescribe hydrocodone, often under the brand name Vicodin, to people who have recently had surgery or those who have had painful accidents. These prescriptions are usually on a short-term basis as hydrocodone can be highly addictive.

Both prescription painkillers and illicit opioids work by binding to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain that are responsible for indicating pain. Hydrocodone activates opioid receptors at sites in the peri-aqueductal and peri-ventricular gray matter of the brain, the ventromedial medulla, and the spinal cord to produce analgesia. It elicits euphoric, respiratory depressant, and physiologic dependence properties of mu receptors within the central nervous system.

When hydrocodone bonds to these receptors the pain signals in the brain are weakened or blocked entirely. These Mu receptors are also responsible for the positive reinforcement that users feel when they take the drug, which can lead to abuse.

Short and long-term effects of hydrocodone abuse

Taking hydrocodone without a prescription, taking more than the recommended dose, or taking in any form other than the recommended method of ingesting (such as snorting or injecting) is considered abuse.

As with other forms of opioid painkillers, abusing hydrocodone can lead to a dependence on the drug forming quickly. This dependence is formed when the brain builds up a tolerance to the drug's effects, meaning the user will require larger doses to feel the effects. Some will take higher doses or begin snorting or injecting hydrocodone (by crushing the pills into a fine powder) and many start to rely on regular hits to feel normal. After repeated abuse, the brain’s frontal cortex becomes impaired, meaning the user will struggle with decision-making and mood regulation.

Diagnosing Hydrocodone Addiction

Like most forms of addiction, a person with opioid use disorder will be diagnosed by a licensed professional using these 11 criteria, outlined by the DSM-5:^[1]

1. Hazardous use: You have used the substance in ways that are dangerous to yourself and/or others, i.e., overdosed, driven while under the influence, or blacked out.
2. Social or interpersonal problems related to use: Substance use has caused relationship problems or conflicts with others.
3. Neglected major roles to use: You have failed to meet your responsibilities at work, school, or home because of substance use.
4. Withdrawal: When you stop using the substance, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
5. Tolerance: You have built up a tolerance to the substance so that you have to use more to get the same effect.
6. Used larger amounts/longer: You have started to use larger amounts or use the substance for longer amounts of time.
7. Repeated attempts to control use or quit: You've tried to cut back or quit entirely, but haven't been successful.
8. Much time spent using: You spend a lot of your time using the substance.
9. Physical or psychological problems related to use: Your substance use has led to physical health problems, such as liver damage or lung cancer, or psychological issues, such as depression or anxiety.
10. Activities given up to use: You have skipped activities or stopped doing activities you once enjoyed in order to use the substance.
11. Craving: You have experienced an intense craving for the substance.

These criteria are measured by the negative impact the substance has on a person's life; including physical, psychological, and behavioral measures, and are classified as mild, moderate, and severe. The criteria are measured against the previous 12 months of substance use and a score of 2-3 is considered mild, 3-5 moderate, and 6 or more severe. Even severe hydrocodone addictions can be treated and overcome.^[1]

Types of Hydrocodone

Vicodin is the most widely recognized brand name for prescription painkillers with a hydrocodone base. These drugs will be combined with a non-opioid pain reliever known as acetaminophen and include the brands Norco and Lortab. Hydrocodone painkillers without acetaminophen are sold under the brand name Zohydro.

Related blog: What’s The Difference Between Oxycodone And Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone withdrawal

Like all forms of opioid withdrawal, hydrocodone withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable. Hydrocodone is an extended-release prescription painkiller, meaning the drug stays in the system longer and withdrawal symptoms are delayed if abused in pill form. Snorting or injecting hydrocodone removes the time-release properties and will cause withdrawal to set in faster.

Related: How long do drugs stay in your system?

Withdrawal from hydrocodone usually sets in within 6-12 hours of the last dose, with the most severe and painful symptoms peaking at the 72-hour mark. Acute withdrawal symptoms can last for up to two weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction and abuse. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) can last for up to 24 months and include a range of psychological ailments such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Hydrocodone detox

As hydrocodone withdrawal can be so uncomfortable and painful, attempting to stop abusing it on one's own can often lead to relapse. That is why it is always advised to attend a medically supervised detox in an inpatient or outpatient rehab center to boost the chances of a successful recovery. Since hydrocodone detox can be so difficult, in most cases, medical supervision is necessary so the person can not only recover but also minimize the risk of relapse.

Medically assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction often involves a course of medications to help reduce severe withdrawal symptoms during detox and as part of long-term recovery programs.

Drugs often used as part of hydrocodone addiction treatment:

Treatment for hydrocodone addiction

Suffering from hydrocodone addiction can be incredibly harmful to physical and mental health as well as having an adverse effect on a person's personal life. On top of this, the harsh withdrawal symptoms can make it feel like stopping is not an option.

This of course is not true. Stopping hydrocodone abuse on your own is difficult and not advised if you have a severe addiction or dependence. It is always recommended to seek professional help from a rehab center, especially to help manage withdrawal symptoms which can be painful and damaging to health.

If you or someone you know is suffering from a hydrocodone addiction, then contact a treatment center today to start the journey to recovery.