Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed opioid analgesic. People who are in especially severe pain due to injury or a surgical procedure might be given this medicine by their doctor. However, like all opioids, hydrocodone can be habit-forming, and a person taking it is at risk for abusing the drug or even becoming addicted to it. Painkiller abuse has become a topic of discussion in the media because of how widespread the issue has become. Even people who had no prior history of drug abuse have found themselves addicted to their prescription medicines. There are many benefits of hydrocodone detox for someone who is struggling to quit using this powerful drug.
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, our team recognizes that hydrocodone detox may be required as a necessary first step in recovery. If you or a loved one is stuck in the endless cycle of hydrocodone abuse, reach out to Pines Recovery Life Detox today for help by calling 800.263.3869 or completing our online form.
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Prescription drug abuse, such as hydrocodone abuse, affects people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It can be difficult at times to determine if you or someone you care about may be abusing prescription drugs.
Prescription drug abuse is usually defined in a few ways:
- Taking prescription medicine that isn’t prescribed to you
- Taking prescription medicine more often or in greater doses than the prescription says
- Taking a prescription drug for reasons other than why it was originally prescribed
What Are Some of the Dangers of Hydrocodone Abuse?
There are many dangerous outcomes associated with chronic abuse of hydrocodone, as well as a few that can happen at any time.
Some of the dangers of hydrocodone abuse include:
- Hydrocodone contains acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can severely damage your body’s internal organs, which can lead to long-term disability or even death.
- Opioids of all types can cause constipation. If this condition is left untreated, it can cause devastating illness and injury to the intestinal tract.
- Hydrocodone can disrupt the body’s immune response over time, making it more and more difficult for the cells of the body to fight off bacteria and other harmful organisms.
- Hydrocodone is a central nervous system depressant, so if too much is taken, a person can stop breathing and be at risk for death.
- Taking hydrocodone habitually can cause addiction, which means that the body becomes habituated to the presence of the drug.
- If the person who is addicted cannot get their preferred prescription medicine, they are at risk for turning to illegal drugs such as heroin, which are even more dangerous.
What Happens if Someone Who Is Addicted Stops Taking Hydrocodone?
If someone who is addicted to hydrocodone suddenly stops taking the drug, they will go into withdrawal. Withdrawal is a term used to describe symptoms that will be experienced when a person’s body no longer has access to a substance to which it has become habituated. Withdrawal can be highly unpleasant or even medically risky. This is why if you or someone you care about are considering quitting hydrocodone, you should explore a hydrocodone detox program, such as the one offered at Pines Recovery Life Detox. Doctors, nurses, and other caregivers at our hydrocodone detox program can help guide patients through the physical withdrawal symptoms while monitoring to ensure that the patient is safe and as comfortable as possible.
Some symptoms of withdrawal are:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Stomach issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Muscle aches
- Fever
Choose Pines Recovery Life Detox to Overcome Hydrocodone Abuse
If you or your loved one is ready to seek help, contact a detox program or substance abuse treatment program near you, such as Pines Recovery Life Detox. We provide detox programs in Pembroke Pines, Florida, for a number of different substances, including hydrocodone. Reach out to one of our caring staff members by completing our online form or calling 800.263.3869 to begin your recovery journey.
