Hydrocodone Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Effects and Treatment

Hydrocodone is the generic form of Vicodin and it is a prescription opioid pain reliever with a long history of use in treating moderate to severe pain it also has a high potential for abuse because of it’s addictive qualities.

While hydrocodone and Vicodin are effective for managing pain, it comes with a significant risk of misuse and abuse. In recent decades, there has been a notable increase in chronic pain cases and healthcare spending, contributing to the rise of the opioid epidemic. Additionally, hydrocodone can produce euphoric effects, which may tempt individuals to use it for non-medical purposes, seeking pleasure and diversion. This pleasurable sensation can lead to repeated, uncontrolled use, potentially resulting in dependence on the drug.

1.5 million people used a prescription pain reliever in 2015.

2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Over time, this pattern of misuse can escalate to dangerous behaviors, such as taking larger doses or obtaining the drug through illegal means without a valid prescription. Consequently, the misuse and abuse of hydrocodone have become a pressing public health crisis in the United States, characterized by addiction, overdose incidents, and adverse health consequences.

The symptoms of hydrocodone addiction that develop with continued use and dependence include cravings for the drug, leading to the loss of control over its use and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop. Continued abuse results in deteriorating physical and mental health, strained relationships, poor work or academic performance, financial difficulties, legal troubles, and an overall decline in general well-being.

What is Hydrocodone Addiction?

Hydrocodone addiction is a condition in which a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on hydrocodone, which is a powerful opioid medication.

Hydrocodone addiction can develop when the drug is used for an extended period or in higher doses than prescribed. Over time, the body becomes tolerant to the effects of the drug, and individuals may require higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or euphoria. This can lead to a cycle of increasing use and dependence. Hydrocodone opiate addicts will use the drug despite the negative consequences it causes.

What Are The Different Types and Brand Names Of Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone, a potent opioid medication, is available under various brand names, each designed for specific pain management needs. Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab are commonly prescribed forms, combining hydrocodone with acetaminophen to enhance pain-relieving effects. Zohydro is an extended-release version, suitable for chronic pain management.

The identifier M367 marks a generic form known for its immediate-release properties. Understanding these variants helps in recognizing the prescribed medication and its intended use, crucial for effective pain management and minimizing the risk of addiction.

Vicodin

Vicodin combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, targeting moderate to severe pain with potential for both pain relief and addiction.

Norco

Norco offers a mix of hydrocodone and a smaller amount of acetaminophen compared to Vicodin, offering pain management with a slightly reduced risk of acetaminophen-related side effects.

Lortab

Lortab, another combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is prescribed for varying levels of pain and is marked by its effectiveness and addiction potential.

Zohydro

Zohydro is an extended-release formulation of hydrocodone without acetaminophen, designed for managing severe pain over long periods, with a high risk of dependence.

M367

M367 is a generic version of hydrocodone, identified by its pill marking, offering immediate-release pain relief and associated with addiction risks.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction?

Hydrocodone addiction can manifest through various signs and symptoms, including cravings for the drug, increased tolerance, loss of control over use, and neglect of responsibilities. Below are what you can expect:

• Cravings for the drug
• Needing larger doses to achieve the desired effects
• Inability to control or reduce drug use
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of hydrocodone
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to hydrocodone use
• Continued use of hydrocodone despite negative consequences
• Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit or reduce use
• Development of tolerance to hydrocodone’s effects
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, agitation, or depression

Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate an addiction, but if you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, it is important to seek professional help for further assessment and guidance.

What are the Causes of Hydrocodone Addiction?

The causes of hydrocodone addiction are multifaceted and can involve various factors. Some potential causes and contributing factors to hydrocodone addiction include:

1. Biological Factors

Genetic predisposition can influence an individual’s susceptibility to addiction. Some individuals may have genetic variations that affect the way their brain responds to hydrocodone, making them more vulnerable to developing addiction. 

Additionally, individual differences in brain chemistry and physiology can impact how hydrocodone interacts with the brain’s reward system and neurotransmitter pathways. For example, certain individuals may experience a heightened release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable feelings, in response to hydrocodone use, leading to a stronger reinforcing effect. 

Moreover, factors such as age, gender, and overall physical health can influence how the body processes and metabolizes hydrocodone, potentially impacting its addictive potential. The interplay of these biological factors contributes to the individual variability in susceptibility to hydrocodone addiction.

2. Environmental, Social, and Cultural Factors

Individuals who reside in communities with high rates of drug availability or have easy access to prescription medications may be more likely to engage in hydrocodone misuse. Social factors, such as peer influence and social norms, can also influence hydrocodone use. If someone’s social circle includes individuals who misuse or abuse drugs, they may be more likely to experiment with hydrocodone or develop addiction. 

Cultural factors like societal attitudes towards drug use and the normalization of prescription medications, can impact the perception and acceptance of hydrocodone use. Additionally, socio-economic factors, stressors, and lack of supportive resources or treatment options can contribute to the development and maintenance of hydrocodone addiction within specific communities or populations. 

3. Psychological Factors

Individuals with certain psychological characteristics or conditions may be more susceptible to addiction. For example, individuals with untreated or poorly managed mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be at a higher risk. They may turn to hydrocodone as a means of self-medication to alleviate emotional distress or to cope with underlying psychological issues.

4. Prescription Practices

Overprescribing or inappropriate prescribing of hydrocodone can contribute to the development of addiction. Individuals who receive higher doses or longer durations of hydrocodone treatment may be at a higher risk.

5. Previous Substance Abuse

Previous substance abuse can increase the risk of hydrocodone addiction. Individuals who have a history of substance abuse, whether it involves alcohol, opioids, or other drugs, may be more vulnerable to developing addiction to hydrocodone. The brain’s reward system can become sensitized through previous substance abuse, making individuals more prone to seeking out and responding to the pleasurable effects of hydrocodone. 

6. Reinforcing Effects

Hydrocodone can produce pleasurable and rewarding effects, such as pain relief and feelings of euphoria. These effects activate the brain’s reward system, leading to a desire for repeated use of the drug. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of hydrocodone, and individuals may require higher doses to achieve the same desired effects. This cycle of reinforcement can lead to a pattern of compulsive drug-seeking behavior, where individuals continue to use hydrocodone despite negative consequences.

7. Co-occurring Disorders

Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be at a higher risk of developing hydrocodone addiction. Some individuals may use hydrocodone as a form of self-medication to cope with underlying emotional or psychological issues.

8. Chronic Pain Management

Hydrocodone is commonly prescribed for the management of chronic pain. Individuals who experience chronic pain conditions may be at a higher risk of developing hydrocodone addiction due to long-term exposure to the medication and the challenges associated with managing pain effectively.

9. Stress and Coping Mechanisms

High levels of stress and inadequate coping mechanisms can contribute to the misuse of hydrocodone as a means of escape or self-medication. Hydrocodone’s ability to induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria may provide temporary relief from stress or emotional discomfort.

It’s important to recognize that addiction is a complex interplay of multiple factors, and the specific causes can vary from person to person. Additionally, while these factors can contribute to the development of hydrocodone addiction, not everyone exposed to them will develop an addiction. Individual susceptibility and personal circumstances also play a significant role.

What is the Prevalence and Scope Of Hydrocodone Addiction?

In the United States, there was a substantial increase in the number of opioid prescriptions during the 1990s. Traditionally, doctors have prescribed these medications to manage chronic illnesses, post-surgical pain, dental procedures, and pain resulting from injuries. The widespread use of opioids has played a crucial role in meeting the growing need for effective pain management within the healthcare system. However, this high level of prescribing has raised concerns about the potential for these drugs to be abused and misused.

• Most hydrocodone abuse takes place in the US. This is because other nations have forbid the drug from being used for any kind of medicinal purpose whatsoever. Prescriptions for the medicine are still common in the US to meet perceived demand.

 

• In the US, over 136 million prescriptions for medications containing hydrocodone were filled in 2013. There were 93.7 million filled in 2016 and 83.6 million were sold to patients in 2017. This data demonstrates that the most common opioid distributed across the nation is hydrocodone.

• With almost 136 million prescriptions written in 2011, hydrocodone prescriptions outnumbered all other prescriptions.

• An estimated 5 million adults 12 years of age and older had a prescription opioid use disorder in 2021.

• 46.9% of the 8.7 million adults 12 and older who abused prescription painkillers in 2021 did so using hydrocodone-containing drugs. As a result, hydrocodone-containing medicines are the most widely abused class of prescription pain treatments.

 

• In 2020, prescription painkillers were used by 75,198 individuals aged 12 and older, and 37,657 of those individuals were given hydrocodone medications.

• People over the age of 26 misused prescription painkillers at higher rates in 2020 compared to children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17.

• In patients with little drug exposure and those who oppose illegal drug use, legitimate prescribed opioid use before the 12th grade is independently linked to a spike in risk for opioid misuse after high school at 33%. Clinic-based teaching and prevention programs are crucial because they can prevent future opioid misuse among the aforementioned individuals.

• 12.5 million individuals 12 years of age and older misused painkillers in 2015. In contrast, around 97.5 million persons aged 12 and up took pain medicines for their prescribed reasons.

• The number of persons who used painkillers without a prescription in 2018 was approximately 11.4 million.

• 18.4% of people over 12 intentionally misused prescription medications at least once over the course of their life.

• In 2021, an overdose involving prescription opioids claimed the lives of about 16,706 people. More than 106,000 people overdosed on narcotics in the same year, including both illegal substances and prescription opioids.

• The most widely abused subclass of prescription painkillers in 2019 was hydrocodone products, with 5.1 million people aged 12 or older reporting misusing it in the past year. 

• In 2019, relieving physical pain was the most frequent motive cited by those aged 12 or older who took prescription painkillers inappropriately (65.7%).

 

Demographic Comparison

Various demographic groups exhibit distinct patterns of psychotherapeutic drug use, including medications like hydrocodone, for various reasons and to varying extents. Identifying the specific age groups, genders, and racial groups more prone to prescription painkiller misuse is essential. This information is vital for designing and implementing tailored prevention and rehabilitation strategies that can effectively address the unique needs and circumstances of these diverse demographic groups.

• In comparison to males in the same age range, females 12 and older were more likely to use prescription painkillers. Prescription painkillers were used by 38.8% of females and 33.9% of males in 2015. According to research, women react to pain differently than men do. Women, particularly those in the reproductive age range, are more sensitive to pain and more likely to have chronic pain.

 

• In 2020, people aged 12 and older misused prescription painkillers most frequently for physical pain relief, which accounted for roughly 64.6% of all cases. Other motives include easing stress (8.1%), aiding sleep (4.5%), assisting with mood regulation (5.6%), and feeling good or getting high (11.3%).

• Around 97.5 million people used prescription painkillers in the United States in 2015. Among them were 5.7 million kids between the ages of 12 and 17; 12.1 million adolescents between the ages of 18 and 25; and 79.7 million adults over the age of 26. This demonstrates that adults are more prone to use prescription painkillers than other age groups.

• Compared to other age groups, young adults (18 to 25 years old) are most likely to use prescription medicines illicitly. 

• In 2005, 18.2% of college-aged Hispanic women reported using prescription medicines illicitly in the last year, compared to 13.8% of White women, 11.6% of women from other racial groups, 8.4% of African American women, and 6.3% of Asian women.

 

• Hispanic men had the highest 12-month rates of illicit prescription drug usage among undergraduate men in 2005, at 16.2%, compared to White men’s 13.8%, men of other racial groups’ 9.9%, Asian men’s 9.0%, and African American men’s 8.6%.

 

• Overdoses involving prescribed opioids claimed 17,087 lives in total in 2016. This equates to 7,109 women and 9,978 men when broken down by gender.

• Women saw a greater increase than men in the number of overdose deaths involving prescription opioids from 1999 to 2016, with a 596% increase vs a 312% increase.

• Compared to other age groups, women aged 45 and 54 have a higher risk of dying from an overdose of a prescription opioid.

What Are the Effects of hydrocodone (Vicodin) Abuse?

The effects of hydrocodone can encompass sensations of pleasure, an enhanced sense of well-being, and a decrease in anxiety and stress. Understanding that the drug can produce these enticing effects helps us grasp why hydrocodone is often overused. These pleasurable effects serve as an attraction for individuals who misuse hydrocodone, ultimately leading to addiction and dependency. To satisfy their cravings, people may resort to various methods to obtain the drug, potentially engaging in risky and unlawful activities in the process.

• About 12.5 million individuals reported misusing painkillers in 2015. An average of 10.7 million people misused prescribed painkillers per year between 2013 and 2014. The 97.5 million persons who did not abuse their painkillers in 2015 stand in stark contrast to this.

• 53.7% of the 12.5 million individuals aged 12 and older who abused prescription painkillers in 2015 got the medication from a friend or family member. To be more precise, it was either given to them for free (40.5%), sold to them (9.4%), or taken from them without their consent (3.8%).

• 36.4% of those surveyed in the same year admitted to getting the painkillers they misused through a legitimate prescription or from a medical professional. The majority of the time (34%), they obtained the painkillers on a single doctor’s prescription. Of the 36.4%, 1.7% were from those who got the medication from multiple doctors.

• Only 4.9% of respondents admitted buying the last painkiller they misused from an unknown individual or a drug dealer.

 

What Are The Risk Factors Associated With hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone has strong pain killing abilities, but it also carries the risk of abuse, addiction, and, in extreme situations, lethal outcomes. The danger of abuse and the difficulties that can result from it are increased at higher doses of the medicine. When using hydrocodone, a person’s susceptibility to addiction or overdose depends on a number of important characteristics. When evaluating the possible hazards connected with the drug, it is essential to take into account these components, which include personal characteristics, usage habits, and the existence of any co-occurring health issues.

• Older persons 65 years of age and older are more vulnerable to the effects of opioids, which could result in overdose.

• The risk of overdosing is greatest in people with respiratory problems. Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and sleep apnea are a few examples of these ailments.

• The danger of overuse, which could result in overdose, is higher in young adults (18 to 25 years old).

• Prescription opioid drugs are more likely to be misused by people who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. This is because opioids, including hydrocodone, have strong addictive qualities and carry a significant risk of addiction and abuse.

• Prescription opioid usage may be more common in those with specific mental health conditions. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are some of these mental health conditions.

• From 2009, hydrocodone has been the second most common opioid narcotic to be found in drug evidence sent to municipal, state, and federal forensic laboratories.

• More than 56,000 people died in 2020 as a result of using prescribed opioid painkillers like Vicodin.

• In 2021, prescription opioids, including natural and semi-synthetic opioids, contributed to more than 80,411 fatalities.

• In 2017, 1,810 hydrocodone exposures were recorded by American poison control centers overall.

 

• 5.5 million people misused hydrocodone in 2018. Despite a big decrease from 6.9 million in 2017, this figure is still quite high.

• The overall number of prescriptions for hydrocodone-containing medications in the US fell to 70.9 million in 2018. This is a reaction to the opioid crisis and the updated clinical recommendations for prescription opioids for chronic pain.

What Are The Hydrocodone Statistics

• In the United States in 2021, there were a total of 13,620 drug overdose fatalities involving natural and semi-synthetic opioids, including hydrocodone.

• In 2021, natural and semi-synthetic opioid overdose deaths totaled 1,034 and were highest in California. Florida comes in second with 1,013, followed by New York with 972, Texas with 623, and Pennsylvania with 619.

• With 13 deaths, South Dakota has the fewest natural and semi-synthetic opioid overdose deaths. North Dakota, with 17, and Wyoming, with 25, are other states with low drug overdose mortality from natural and semi-synthetic opioids.

• Between 1999 and 2014, opioid painkiller overdoses resulted in the deaths of more than 165,000 people.

• 73% of persons taking hydrocodone for non-cancer pain reported experiencing negative effects. Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are typical adverse reactions. 

• To prevent its widespread abuse and misuse, hydrocodone was downgraded from a schedule III narcotic to a schedule II substance in 2014. The shift is frequently linked to the dramatic decline in hydrocodone overdoses.

• Approximately 142 million opioid prescriptions were written in total in 2020. This figure represented a sharp decline from the nearly 215 million opioid prescriptions written in total in 2006.

• Over 255 million opioid prescriptions were written in 2012, which was a record-breaking year. The year with the fewest opioid prescriptions overall was 2020, with 142 million written.

 

• The year 2012 saw the greatest opioid dispensing rate, with 81.3 prescriptions written for every 100 persons. The lowest rate, 43.3 prescriptions for every 100 individuals, was in 2020, making its dispensing rate much higher than preceding years’ rates.

 

• The percentage of adult emergency department visits where opioid medication was administered or prescribed rose from 21% to 31% between 2001 and 2010. The biggest increases in discharge prescriptions during this time were observed for oxycodone and hydrocodone.

• Acetaminophen-hydrocodone and hydrocodone were the most commonly prescribed opioids at emergency department discharges in 2016 and 2017. Other opioids include oxycodone, tramadol, acetaminophen-oxycodone, and acetaminophen-codeine.

• Acetaminophen-hydrocodone made up 55.6% of all opioid prescriptions in 2006–2007, while its percentage remained consistent at 53.1% in 2012–2013. From 2016 to 2017, this percentage dropped to 41.5%.

Why Do People Consume Hydrocodone?

People consume hydrocodone for legitimate medical reasons as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Hydrocodone is primarily used to relieve moderate to severe pain, such as pain following surgery or due to chronic conditions like cancer.

However, it’s important to note that some individuals may misuse hydrocodone for non-medical purposes. Opioids, including hydrocodone, can produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, which can be appealing to some individuals seeking to experience a “high” or alleviate emotional distress. Misuse of hydrocodone involves taking it in higher doses or more frequently than prescribed, without a legitimate medical need.

Unfortunately, the pleasurable effects of hydrocodone can also lead to misuse, dependence, and addiction. It is crucial to use hydrocodone only as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of developing an addiction or experiencing harmful side effects.

How Do People Consume Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is typically consumed orally in the form of tablets or capsules. It is often combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen, and marketed under various brand names.

When prescribed by a healthcare professional, the specific dosage and frequency of hydrocodone consumption will be determined based on the individual’s condition and pain management needs. 

Hydrocodone should be taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, although taking it with food may help reduce stomach discomfort.

Some individuals who use Hydrocodone illegally may dissolve the drug and inject with. This method is very rare and carries more risks for complications, including infections, vein damage, tissue damage, blood-borne diseases, and overdose.

What is the Difference Between Hydrocodone and OxyContin (Oxycodone)?

Hydrocodone and OxyContin (oxycodone) are both opioids used for pain management, but there are differences between them, including their strength and potential for addiction.

1. Potency

OxyContin (oxycodone) is generally considered to be more potent than hydrocodone. It is available in various strengths, including higher-dose formulations, whereas hydrocodone is typically available in lower strengths.

2. Formulation

OxyContin is an extended-release formulation of oxycodone. It is designed to provide long-lasting pain relief over a sustained period. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is usually available in immediate-release formulations that provide more immediate pain relief but with a shorter duration of action.

3. Schedule Classification

OxyContin and hydrocodone are classified differently under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States. OxyContin is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating a high potential for abuse and addiction. Hydrocodone, in most cases, is classified as a Schedule II or Schedule III controlled substance, depending on the specific formulation and combination with other substances.

4. Addiction Potential

Both hydrocodone and OxyContin have a significant potential for addiction. Prolonged or excessive use of either drug can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Addiction can occur when individuals develop a compulsive need to use the drug despite negative consequences.

Both hydrocodone and OxyContin should be used under medical supervision and according to prescribed dosages to minimize the risk of addiction.

What are the Treatment Options for Hydrocodone Addiction?

The treatment options for hydrocodone addiction typically involve a combination of medical, therapeutic, and support interventions. Here are some common approaches to treating hydrocodone addiction:

1. Detoxification

The first step in treatment is often detoxification, which involves safely managing withdrawal symptoms as the drug is cleared from the body. Medical supervision during detoxification can help alleviate discomfort and ensure safety.

2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Certain medications, such as buprenorphine or methadone, may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication-assisted treatments help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on recovery.

3. Behavioral Therapies

Various behavioral therapies are effective in treating hydrocodone addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drug use. Contingency management uses positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence, while motivational interviewing enhances motivation to change addictive behaviors.

4. Support Groups

Participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or other 12-step programs can provide valuable peer support and a sense of community during recovery. Sharing experiences and receiving support from others who have gone through similar challenges can be beneficial.

5. Individual Counseling

One-on-one counseling with a therapist or addiction counselor can help individuals address underlying psychological issues, develop coping skills, and set goals for recovery. Therapy can also explore triggers and provide strategies to prevent relapse.

6. Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Dual diagnosis treatment is crucial for individuals with hydrocodone addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder. This integrated approach recognizes the interplay between these conditions and aims to address both simultaneously. By targeting underlying issues, providing comprehensive assessment, and integrating substance abuse treatment with mental health care, dual diagnosis treatment offers a more comprehensive and effective approach.

7. Aftercare Support

Continuing support after the initial treatment phase is crucial for maintaining long-term recovery. This may include ongoing therapy, participation in support groups, and access to resources for relapse prevention.

Treatment should be tailored to address your unique circumstances and may involve a combination of the approaches mentioned above.