Most Insurances Accepted!
Call Ardu Recovery Center Today
Written by Drew Redd. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.
Hydrocodone is a powerful prescription opioid medication with a high potential for abuse. It is one of the most highly prescribed pain medications by clinicians for moderate to severe pain, and also one of the most highly abused by patients.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly 7 million Americans over the age of 12 misused hydrocodone in 2016. That number decreased to 5.5 million in 2018, but hydrocodone addiction is still all too common.
If you or someone you know is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, seek professional help to overcome this dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. Our drug addiction rehab center in Provo, Utah is here to support you on your journey to break free from opioid use disorder and achieving lasting sobriety.
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication derived from codeine, a natural opioid alkaloid found in the opium poppy. It is synthesized by modifying the chemical structure of codeine to increase potency and effectiveness in treating pain.
According to research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, “hydrocodone is the second drug of abuse in the United States but the first preferred by women.” Most women mistakenly believe that hydrocodone has a better safety profile because of the perceived lower overdose rate. Reports show an increase in hydrocodone-related deaths with a higher prevalence among female victims, resulting in approximately 97,000 drug-related emergency room visits caused by abuse or misuse in 2011.
Hydrocodone is primarily used as a prescription for:
Hydrocodone is available in different formulations and combinations to cater to patient needs, pain levels, and intended effect durations. Some formulations also include abuse-deterrent properties to reduce the potential for misuse and addiction.
The main types of hydrocodone medications include:
Gershman and Fass discuss a proposed amendment to reclassify hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II controlled substances, which could help decrease abuse through stricter regulation.
The immediate-release combination products, such as Vicodin and Norco, are the most commonly abused types of hydrocodone. They are easy to access and can be crushed and snorted or injected for a more intense high.
Hydrocodone is intended for oral administration, but people who abuse it often deviate from the prescribed method. Some common methods of hydrocodone abuse include:
Any of these methods of administration can lead to increased tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction, and severe health consequences.
Like other opioids, hydrocodone activates and binds to opioid receptors in the brain and central nervous system, particularly the mu-opioid receptors. This interaction triggers several effects:
Researchers from the University of Toledo found that chronic hydrocodone abuse can lead to addiction by dysregulating the glutamatergic system in key brain regions involved in reward and drug dependence. The changes in glutamate transporter expression, mGluR5 receptors, and signaling pathways disrupt glutamate regulation, reinforcing drug-seeking behaviors and facilitating the transition to addiction.
Repeated use of hydrocodone can make you tolerant of its effects. Soon, you start to require higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief or other desired effects. As the body adapts to the presence of the drug, you become physically dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using or take a significantly lower dose.
All these factors contribute to the high addictive potential of hydrocodone, making it a challenging condition to overcome without proper support and treatment. For those struggling with addiction to hydrocodone or other types of drugs, there is hope.
Our hydrocodone rehab center in Provo, Utah provides a compassionate and comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. Set in a serene, picturesque environment, our facility. offers all of the tools to heal the mind, body, and spirit.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addictions, Ardu’s opioid addiction treatment center is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Hydrocodone addiction can be a difficult problem to face, but it’s important to recognize the signs and acknowledge the issue before it progresses beyond repair. Substance use disorder (SUD) involving hydrocodone can be identified by physical and behavioral indicators.
Physical signs include:
Behavioral signs of hydrocodone abuse may include:
If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, reach out to Ardu. Our state-of-the-art hydrocodone detox center offers a safe, comfortable environment where you can begin your recovery under the care of addiction specialists and medical professionals.
Doctors typically prescribe between 10 and 40 milligrams of hydrocodone in a 12-hour period. Anything over 90 mg in a day is considered a potentially fatal amount. People who take this amount often seek euphoric effects, but even one excessively high dose of hydrocodone can lead to an overdose.
The lethal dose becomes even lower when you crush and snort or inject the pill, or when you combine it with alcohol. Do not take more hydrocodone than your doctor prescribed or use it in any way other than as directed.
Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid. On average, hydrocodone is considered about as strong as morphine. The potency of hydrocodone depends on the specific product and the presence of other substances. Everyone reacts to hydrocodone differently, and the effects will depend on factors such as body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and even the user’s genetic makeup.
Follow your doctor’s guidance and do not base your dosage on the experiences of others.
While hydrocodone is a potent pain reliever, stronger doesn’t always mean better. The goal is to find the right balance between effective pain management and minimizing the risk of side effects and addiction. Even when taken as prescribed, the potency of hydrocodone might be a determining factor in the development of tolerance and dependence.
If you find yourself building an unhealthy tolerance or struggling to control your hydrocodone use, reach out for help. At Ardu Recovery Center, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to support you.
Too much hydrocodone can lead to an overdose. It can cause severe respiratory depression, cutting the oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs. The risk of overdose is particularly high when you combine it with other substances that slow down breathing, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other opioids.
The potency of hydrocodone is directly related to its potential for abuse and overdose. Even when taken as prescribed, the body can develop a tolerance to hydrocodone over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. This can lead to physical dependence and an increased risk of overdose.
Telltale signs of a hydrocodone overdose include:
If you suspect that someone has overdosed on hydrocodone, call 911 immediately. Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can help restore breathing and save a person’s life while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive.
You can rely on our Ardu team to provide the support, guidance, and treatment needed to overcome addiction and build a foundation for a healthy, substance-free life.
Hydrocodone addiction can take a severe toll on your physical and mental health. It may lead to health problems that can be difficult to overcome without medical help.
Common negative health effects caused by hydrocodone addiction include:
For those battling hydrocodone addiction, co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD can make the journey to recovery even more challenging. In this complex interplay between addiction and mental illness, known as a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, each issue feeds into the other, making it difficult to break free without comprehensive treatment.
At Ardu, we are familiar with the intricacies of dual diagnosis and are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment for co-occurring disorders. Our integrated approach addresses both the hydrocodone addiction and the underlying mental health concerns simultaneously, giving you the all-encompassing support needed to heal from the inside out.
We use proven therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused interventions to guide you toward a life of wellness and sobriety.
Find out why addiction and mental health often go hand in hand.
Ardu is such a warming place to be. The moment you walk through the doors you feel the love everyone has for one another. Staff genuinely cares about each other and the clients, they check in frequently and always try to make sure clients are getting the most out of the experience.
The best time to seek the help of a hydrocodone addiction treatment program is before the addiction takes hold, but for most people, the decision to get clean often comes after hitting rock bottom.
Recovery from addiction may feel like an insurmountable task, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, offering evidence-based therapies and programs tailored to your specific needs. These may include:
We pride ourselves on providing the most effective, cutting-edge addiction treatment in the country. Our holistic approach to addiction combines proven therapies, personalized care, and a strong support system to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction.
The first step in getting you clean is detox.
Our hydrocodone detox program helps you to cleanse your body of toxins while safely and effectively managing withdrawal symptoms. Our team of experienced medical professionals will work closely with you to create a personalized detox plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Our medical detox program incorporates 24/7 monitoring, medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and other proven medical and holistic therapies to support your physical and emotional well-being during this challenging time. Detoxing can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, which is why we prioritize your comfort and safety throughout your stay.
To complement our traditional medical approach, we also offer holistic therapies to help with withdrawal, reduce stress, and promote overall healing. These may include:
We also incorporate individual and group counseling sessions to address the psychological aspects of addiction and help you develop the coping skills needed for long-term success.
With our expert care, compassionate support, and innovative therapies, our detox program sets you up for success as you transition into the next phase of treatment.
After detox, we address the underlying causes of your hydrocodone dependence and help you build the skills needed for long-term recovery. Our experienced team will work with you to create a treatment plan that may include:
We offer inpatient and outpatient treatment options to meet your unique needs in therapy. Our inpatient program provides a structured, immersive environment with 24/7 support. You’ll benefit from a structured daily schedule filled with individual and group therapy sessions, educational classes, and recreational activities. You’ll have constant access to medical care and support from our multidisciplinary team.
If you opt for our outpatient therapy programs, you’ll attend therapy sessions and classes on a regular basis, either several times a week or daily, depending on the program’s intensity. These programs allow you to receive treatment while maintaining work or family commitments.
You’re not alone in this struggle. Help is just a phone call away. Reach out to our team at Ardu today, and take the first step on your path to a healthier, happier life free from the chains of hydrocodone addiction.
Many prescribed medications have the potential for addiction, so it’s imperative to enact preventative measures. Some of these measures include:
Drew Redd is the executive director of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.
The strongest painkillers are opioid analgesics such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and morphine. These narcotic analgesics are used to treat severe pain and have a high potential for addiction and fatal overdose if misused. Similar to oxycodone, they work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals.
Drowsiness and unusual tiredness are common side effects of hydrocodone. Hydrocodone binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain, disrupting the brain’s wakefulness-promoting systems and altering the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that regulate arousal and attention. Its depressant effects on the brainstem’s respiratory centers can lead to a build-up of carbon dioxide, which can further contribute to feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness.
If you take hydrocodone regularly every day, you may become physically dependent and addicted. With long-term use, increased doses are often required to achieve the same pain relief, which develops tolerance. When you try to lay off hydrocodone or take smaller than usual doses, you’re in for severe withdrawal symptoms. Daily use also increases the risks of respiratory depression, liver disease, and overdose.
Common side effects of hydrocodone include constipation, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, and breathing problems. It can also cause more severe side effects such as adrenal gland problems, abuse, addiction, and life-threatening respiratory depression, especially with high doses or when combined with other depressants.
Oxycodone is generally considered to be stronger and more potent than hydrocodone when comparing equivalent doses. Hydrocodone is converted into hydromorphone in the body, while oxycodone itself is the active opioid. Healthline suggests that oxycodone may be about 1.5 times more potent than hydrocodone as an analgesic.
Hydrocodone is not a blood thinner. It is an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants, are drugs like warfarin that inhibit blood clotting. Hydrocodone does not have any anticoagulant effects.
Opioids such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine are classified as depressants because they depress or slow down the central nervous system. This can slow breathing, cause drowsiness, relieve pain, and bring a sense of emotional well-being. Excessive opioid use can dangerously suppress respiration.
Tramadol is a weaker opioid than hydrocodone. Tramadol has a lower binding affinity to the mu-opioid receptor than hydrocodone. At typical doses, hydrocodone provides greater pain relief but also carries a higher risk of abuse and respiratory depression than tramadol.
Opioids are highly addictive with often devastating consequences. Here are some common signs of opioid abuse:
Cardia, L., Calapai, G., Quattrone, D., Mondello, C., Arcoraci, V., Calapai, F., Mannucci, C., & Mondello, E. (2018, October 1). Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology of Hydrocodone for Chronic Pain: A Mini Review. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01122
Gershman, J. A., & Fass, A. D. (2012). Hydrocodone Rescheduling Amendment And Pipeline Products on the Horizon. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 37(7), 399. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3411214/
Wong, W., & Sari, Y. (2023). Effects of Chronic Hydrocodone Exposure and Ceftriaxone on the Expression of Astrocytic Glutamate Transporters in Mesocorticolimbic Brain Regions of C57/BL Mice. Toxics, 11(10), 870. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics11100870
What is post-acute withdrawal syndrome?
How to recognize teen addiction
What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?
What are the most common detox symptoms?
What are the most damaging drugs to your body?
What to expect from women’s rehab
