Hydrocodone Addiction And Abuse

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid, typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, that often comes in a formulation with acetaminophen. It is also prescribed as a cough medicine due to its antitussive effects.

Unlike natural opiates, like morphine and codeine, hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid, meaning it is made in a laboratory by chemically processing natural opiates.

Physicians prescribe hydrocodone, with or without acetaminophen, to treat short-term pain following dental surgery or for injury-related pain. However, due to the addictive nature of opioids, regular use of hydrocodone can be habit-forming.

Since hydrocodone is an opioid, it acts on the mu opioid receptors in the brain to help alleviate pain, but it also induces a state of euphoria and drowsiness. Many people misuse hydrocodone because of its euphoric effects and, as a result, can easily become addicted to this opioid.

What Are The Effects Of Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is primarily taken for its pain-relieving effects. However, it also produces other effects, such as euphoria and sedation, as well as undesirable side effects that include:

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Itchy skin
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Nodding in and out of consciousness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Reduced breathing rate
• Slowed heartbeat
• Slurred speech

Hydrocodone use can also cause tolerance and dependence, which are signs of addiction.

Can You Overdose On Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone overdose is also a dangerous effect and can occur when someone takes a larger dose than intended or when hydrocodone is cut with other drugs, such as fentanyl. An opioid overdose can result in slow, shallow breathing and reduced oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, known as hypoxia, which can result in death. Signs of overdose include:

• Extreme drowsiness
• Pinpoint pupils
• Confusion
• Shallow breathing
• Nodding in and out of consciousness

Is Hydrocodone Addictive?

Yes, hydrocodone is extremely addictive, which is why it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is intended only for short-term use in specific situations.

Unfortunately, it is widely misused, and when it is misused, it has a high potential for addiction. When hydrocodone binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, it not only blocks pain signals to reduce the feeling of pain in the body, but it also floods the brain and body with dopamine, which provides feelings of euphoria and positive reinforcement for continued use.

The “feel good” sensations of euphoria create an urge to use more hydrocodone. When hydrocodone is used on a continual or regular basis, the brain will become less sensitive to hydrocodone’s effect (pain relief and euphoria), and the person will require a higher dose to achieve the same desired effects from hydrocodone. This is known as tolerance and is a sign of addiction.

Dependence is another sign of addiction and occurs when the brain and body become dependent on hydrocodone to function normally. When the person stops taking hydrocodone or reduces the dosage, they will experience uncomfortable withdrawal effects.

Over time, the brain’s reward circuit becomes blunted, which makes it harder for a person to experience pleasure from naturally rewarding activities such as eating, sex, and exercise. As a result, the person will compulsively feel the urge to use more hydrocodone to feel the pleasurable sense of euphoria.

Explore These Featured Centers

Signs Of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction is classified as an opioid use disorder. Addiction affects the brain, and long-term abuse of hydrocodone not only changes the way the brain functions but can have lasting effects on mood and thought patterns.

Addiction is diagnosed on a spectrum from mild to severe. Some signs of hydrocodone addiction include taking more hydrocodone than intended (increased dosage and or frequency) and prioritizing drug use over personal or professional responsibilities. Other signs and symptoms of hydrocodone addiction include the following:

• Tolerance
• Dependence
• Spending a lot of time using, thinking about using, and recovering from hydrocodone use
• Cravings and urges to use hydrocodone
• Unable to fulfill obligations at work and school because of hydrocodone use
• Continuing hydrocodone use despite having problems at home, work, and school caused by drug use.
• Social withdrawal due to hydrocodone use
• Using hydrocodone in dangerous situations (such as driving a car or operating machinery).

Signs Of Hydrocodone Abuse

Hydrocodone abuse is defined as using hydrocodone in any other way than how a physician prescribed it. The most common forms of hydrocodone abuse include:

• Taking a higher dosage than prescribed or taking hydrocodone more frequently or for a longer time than prescribed
• Using someone else’s prescription
• Crushing the pills to snort or inject them
• Purchasing hydrocodone off the street
• Using hydrocodone with other substances such as alcohol, other opioids, or benzodiazepines

Because most people who abuse hydrocodone begin by misusing a prescription given to them by their doctor, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of hydrocodone abuse, but common signs to watch out for include:

• Drowsiness
• Euphoria
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Pinpoint pupils
• Hiding prescriptions
• Empty prescription pill bottles
• Pill cutter or razors around the house
• Sleeping more than usual
• Mood swings and irritability

Types Of Hydrocodone

Hydrocodone is available in various forms and is primarily categorized into two types:

• Pure products (single entities)
• Combination products (usually with acetaminophen)

There are also immediate-release or extended-release formulations.

As a pure product, hydrocodone is available in extended-release form, providing around-the-clock daily pain management. It was originally marketed under the brand name Zohydro ER but was discontinued in the U.S. in 2022. Hysingla ER is the only brand name of a pure hydrocodone product that does not contain acetaminophen available in the U.S.

Hydrocodone is commonly combined with acetaminophen (branded under the name Tylenol) as it helps alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. Immediate-release hydrocodone is always combined with another ingredient, such as acetaminophen, and common brand names in the past included:

• Vicodin
• Norco
• Lortab

However, these brand name medications (Norco, Vicodin, and Lortab) are no longer available in the U.S. due to a 2011 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandate that limited the amount of acetaminophen in prescription combination pain relievers. This mandate was issued to reduce the risk of severe liver damage associated with high doses of acetaminophen. 

Generic versions of hydrocodone and acetaminophen combinations are still widely available, however, with the maximum dosage of acetaminophen being 325mg.

Hydrocodone comes in 5, 7.5, and 10 mg combined with acetaminophen in either 300 or 325 mg. Hydrocodone is also combined with ibuprofen, aspirin, and antihistamines to treat allergies and cough.

Is Hydrocodone Dangerous?

The risk of danger is low when hydrocodone is taken as prescribed to treat acute pain for a short-term duration. However, when hydrocodone is misused or abused, it does have a high potential for danger because it can result in a lethal overdose or addiction.

Overdose can occur when a person takes too much hydrocodone, mixes hydrocodone with other opioids or alcohol, or takes hydrocodone that was purchased off the street and was laced with another drug, like fentanyl.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options

Hydrocodone addiction treatment is similar to other opioid addiction treatments. Medications are used to help ease opioid withdrawal side effects, curb cravings and urges, and promote long-term recovery. FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder (OUD) include:

• Methadone
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine
• Suboxone

The first step in the hydrocodone addiction treatment process is addressing any withdrawal side effects. Although opioid detox is generally not dangerous, the withdrawal side effects are unpleasant and can be very uncomfortable. FDA-approved medications are administered to minimize opioid withdrawal effects.

Once the person is out of the detox phase, formal addiction treatment can begin in either an inpatient or outpatient setting. Opioid medications can continue to be used in combination with psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

The goal of psychotherapy is to recognize and address the underlying triggers that may have led to the addiction in the first place. The goal is to develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage these triggers effectively in the future.

Find A Treatment Center Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to hydrocodone, now is the time to get help. Contact a treatment provider or visit our rehab directory to find out more about the many treatment options available to you.