Am I Addicted to Hydrocodone?

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Hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because it has a high potential for misuse and addiction.

Some people may misuse hydrocodone from the beginning, while others start by taking it exactly as prescribed and gradually develop a dependence over time. This can happen because hydrocodone produces powerful effects and may become habit-forming, especially when used for an extended period. 

If you have been taking hydrocodone for several months or longer, it is natural to wonder whether you may be developing a problem. Taking the medication as prescribed does not necessarily mean you are addicted, but misuse can take many forms.

For example, taking higher doses than prescribed, using it more often than directed or feeling like you cannot function without it may be warning signs. Ask yourself the questions below to determine whether your hydrocodone use may be putting you at risk for addiction. 

We can help you find the treatment you need to overcome an addiction to hydrocodone.

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Hydrocodone Abuse

According to the NIDA, hydrocodone is one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, sometimes referred to as Vikes, Norcos, or Watson-387 by those looking to buy or sell it illegally. When a person starts to abuse hydrocodone, this is when they invite the issue of addiction. 

Have you ever…

Hydrocodone is a highly addictive painkiller. If you believe you have a problem you should seek help now.

• Taken more hydrocodone than you were prescribed at a certain time?
• Taken the drug more often than you were prescribed in a certain amount of time?
• Continued taking the drug for longer than you were prescribed to do so?
• Used the drug for a reason other than it was prescribed?
  • For example, if you have ever taken hydrocodone because you were feeling stressed or pressured about work, school, etc., instead of for your pain, this is a form of drug abuse.
• Taken the drug to feel euphoric or get high?

These questions were all possible scenarios of abuse. If you answered yes to any of them, you have likely abused the drug at some point in the past. However, a person does not become addicted to a drug simply by abusing it once.

Chronic abuse over time is what causes addiction, which is why you should consider your habits and whether or not you might have been abusing the drug for an extended amount of time (two months or more). If you cannot stop using hydrocodone on your own, we can help you find the treatment you need.

Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) today.

Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

When someone becomes addicted to hydrocodone, they exhibit certain symptoms that can be difficult to hide or control. While you may be convinced that you are in control of your drug abuse, it could be that you have not yet realized how dangerous or problematic your drug use has become.

• Do you take hydrocodone every day, sometimes even when you do not feel you need to?
• Do you take the drug when you are alone?
• Have you ever taken another opioid drug when hydrocodone was not available to you?
• Have you ever done something dangerous or illegal to obtain more of the drug, including:
  • Doctor shopping?
  • Buying the drug from a dealer?
  • Faking or stealing prescriptions?

• Have you ever done something dangerous or illegal while on the drug, including:
  • Driving while under the influence?
  • Going somewhere unsafe or taking someone else to an unsafe place?
  • Hurting yourself or someone else?
• Have you been reprimanded (legally or otherwise) for any of these actions?
• Have you become less satisfied with your work, school, or personal life as a result of your hydrocodone use?
• Do you crave hydrocodone when you are not currently on it?
• Do you feel that you are on the drug as often as possible?
• Are you secretive in your actions that concern the drug, including hiding your abuse from friends and family members, lying about how much you’ve used or where you’ve been, etc.?
• Have you ever become angry when someone has brought up your hydrocodone use?
• Do you feel that you are not in control of your use of the drug?
• Do you feel that, if you were to try and stop now, you would not be able to do so on your own?
• Have you tried to stop or cut back your use of the drug and failed?

If you answered yes to these questions, you are displaying symptoms of addiction. Especially if you are beginning to feel that you are not in control when you are honest with yourself, chances are that your feelings are valid and you need help.

Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for help finding the treatment you need.

Top 5 Hydrocodone Addiction Symptoms

An addiction to hydrocodone can cause serious long-term problems in a person’s life. If you cannot control your hydrocodone intake and feel sick without it, you are likely addicted.

Dependence & Tolerance

Even when hydrocodone is used as directed and for an extended time, they are likely to develop a tolerance and even a dependence on the drug. These two issues can also occur independently of addiction, but in the case of abuse, they will be intense and often feed into the addiction.

Tolerance

• Do you feel that the same amount of hydrocodone does not cause the same effects for you that it once did?
• Do you find yourself taking more of the drug each time to counteract this problem?

Dependence

• Do you feel that you need to use hydrocodone?
• Do you become anxious, upset or worried when you are unable to use the drug?
• When you are not able to obtain it, do you experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Muscle aches and pains

If you answered yes to these questions, you have likely developed a tolerance or dependence on hydrocodone (which will occur after any long-term use). If, however, you have been taking more of the drug because of these issues or abusing it in any way, addiction will likely occur if you are not experiencing it already.

Am I Addicted to Hydrocodone?

Addiction is a progressive condition. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to find help today.

Answering yes to many of the questions above points toward addiction. If you feel that you might be addicted to hydrocodone, seek treatment immediately to start your recovery journey. While hydrocodone can be used safely, its habit-forming nature means that it is important for you to always be aware of your personal state and the potential for addiction.

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