Is Hydrocodone a Narcotic?

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Hydrocodone is a prescription-only opioid that doctors prescribe to treat moderate, severe, and sometimes chronic pain. Many drugs contain hydrocodone, with Vicodin one of the most common. Despite the fact that doctors only prescribe this medication to people for pain caused by an injury or disease, it often makes its way into the wrong hands.

A hydrocodone addiction can occur even when a person is taking this drug under the watchful eye of a medical professional. When somebody decides to take the substance on their own, the chance of hydrocodone addiction and subsequent issues is greater.

Here are some signs that you or a loved one is abusing hydrocodone:

• You are taking the drug even though it was not prescribed by a doctor
• You use the medication in a manner other than what is recommended by your medical team
• You increase the dosage without consent
• You take the medication for longer than you are supposed to

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Abuse

There are many signs and symptoms of hydrocodone abuse, but some can be difficult to pinpoint, as they can vary from one person to the next.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

Mood swings and social withdrawal are common signs of hydrocodone abuse.

• Seeking frequent refills of the drug
• Financial problems due to the illegal purchase of hydrocodone
• Changes in social activity, such as quitting hobbies that were previously enjoyed
• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to get more than one prescription

Hydrocodone Statistics

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in 2024, approximately 3.4 million U.S. individuals over the age of 12 reported misusing products that contain hydrocodone. While this number is concerning, it’s down significantly from 2015, when 7.2 million individuals reported illicit hydrocodone use.

In 2022, hydrocodone use was involved in 1,420 poison-related case mentions and 514 incidents of single exposure. It also led to three deaths in the United States. Those numbers were up slightly in 2023, when the substance was included in 1,458 case mentions and 523 exposures.

There are definite benefits of hydrocodone use when prescribed by a medical professional. When used illegally, however, it can harm the person who is using the drug, often leading to addiction and, in the most serious cases, death. If you or someone you know is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, reach out to us for treatment resources and connections. You can also browse our online directory of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings near you.

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