An addiction recovery community since 1985, Pat Moore Foundation knows firsthand how powerfully addictive hydrocodone is and the destructive qualities this and other prescription drugs can have on the addict and family. We specialize in opiate and other drug addiction treatment programs, and provide a short information guide (below) that helps family and friends who are seeking helpful and insightful information on hydrocodone, including its addiction and abuse.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Hydrocodone is a pain reliever and cough suppressant that is found in over 200 types of prescription drugs. It is similar to codeine and equivalent in strength to oxycodone and morphine. Vicodin, which is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen (hydrocodone apap), is the most commonly known drug with hydrocodone in it. Because it’s a Schedule III controlled substance (less restricted than Schedule II) when in combination with other drugs, it’s relatively easy to buy hydrocodone for illegal purposes.
Its ready availability makes hydrocodone one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs. Additionally, it has a high risk of physical dependence, which can lead to addiction. Long-term use whether as-directed or abusively often causes physical dependence. The length of time required to become physically dependent varies from person to person depending on each person’s level of tolerance. At high doses, physical dependence can form in as little as 1 week, however. Strict supervision by a physician is always recommended when taking hydrocodone. Some form of detoxification program is usually required to get off hydrocodone.
While it is often thought of as a drug for “white collar” individuals, addiction to hydrocodone spans across a variety of age groups, ethnic backgrounds and income levels. Prescription drug addiction as a whole is fast on the rise, and it’s more deadly than most people think. Many are under the false perception that prescription drugs are safer than illicit drugs, but a recent study from the Florida Medical Examiner’s office concluded that prescription drugs kill more people than illicit drugs.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/us/14florida.html
Click here to read the next part in the series, “Suboxone Detox for Oxycodone.” 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.