Providing alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox and treatment for 25 years.
Licensed and certified by the State of California.

Pat Moore Foundation: Oxycodone Abuse, Addiction and Treatment -
What is Hydrocodone?

For over 25 years Pat Moore Foundation has specialized in oxycodone and other opiate addiction treatment programs. We know first-hand the powerful addictive and destructive qualities of oxycodone and prescription drug abuse. Following is a short information guide on oxycodone abuse, addiction, symptoms, risks, hydrocodone, suboxone detox and treatment. We provide this as a service to Pat Moore Foundation family and friends, as well as for anyone seeking helpful and insightful information on oxycodone, including its addiction and abuse.

Like it’s cousin, oxycodone, hydrocodone can cause physical dependence and addiction. In some cases, hydrocodone addiction can be more dangerous than oxycodone.

What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic similar to codeine. It is used to control mild to moderate pain and is also an anti-tussive (cough suppressant). Hydrocodone is much more potent than codeine, however. Thirty milligrams of codeine is the equivalent of about 5 milligrams of hydrocodone. In strength, hydrocodone is more comparable to morphine, heroin and oxycodone. It also produces similar effects to these drugs—a calm euphoric state.

Hydrocodone is one of the most commonly prescribed narcotics in America. According to the DEA, almost 130 million prescriptions for drugs with hydrocodone in them were written in 2006. While pure hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, hydrocodone is not usually prescribed in its pure form. It is usually mixed with another drug or multiple drugs. For example, hydrocodone and acetaminophen (also called hydrocodone apap) is a common formulation found in Vicodin and Lortab. Hydrocodone is also combined with ibuprofen, aspirin and antihistamines. When combined with other non-narcotic drugs, hydrocodone becomes a Schedule III controlled substance and is not as heavily restricted by the government.

The lesser restrictions on the combination formulas like Vicodin have led to greater abuse of these drugs than pure hydrocodone, which is harder to obtain. Vicodin and similar drugs are widely available through “doctor shopping,” forging prescriptions and other avenues. Like it’s cousin, oxycodone, hydrocodone can cause physical dependence and addiction. In some cases, hydrocodone addiction can be more dangerous than oxycodone addiction because of side effects from other drugs like acetaminophen. Long-term use of Vicodin can cause severe liver damage.

Source: http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/hydrocodone.html

Click here to read the next part in the series, "Hydrocodone Addiction". Click here to return to the first part in the series, "Introduction to Oxycodone Abuse, Addiction and Treatment".

Pat Moore Foundation's drug & alcohol detox and alcohol & drug addiction treatment programs are licensed and certified by The State of California. We provide non-medical and medically managed detoxification (using Suboxone, Subutex, and Buprenorphine when appropriate) and primary residential treatment. Our individual homes are on a unique co-ed campus where we offer gender specific treatment. We are located in Costa Mesa, in Orange County, Southern California, close to Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, and only an hour's drive from Los Angeles and San Diego. To speak with a counselor, please call us 24-hours at (888) 426-6086 or if you'd like us to contact you, send a confidential message online by filling out our online form.

Note: All medical services are administered by medical professionals, which are facilitated and operated solely under the jurisdiction of a separate medical corporation.

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