Hydrocodone, similar to other types of drugs, can easily lead to abuse and addiction, which can wreak havoc not just on the person using it but their family and community as a whole.
It used to be that drug addiction was only heard of in crowded cities and suburbs. But, somehow, hydrocodone has managed to find its way into one of the country’s smallest—and most charming—states: New Hampshire.
In this article, we’ll explore the particularities of hydrocodone addiction. We’ll also talk about many common treatment programs available at Live Free Recovery Services nestled in the picturesque landscape of The Granite State.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction
Understanding everything there is to know about this type of addiction is the first step in battling this crippling condition.
What Is Hydrocodone?
The majority of prescription painkillers, such as Lortab, Norco, or Vicodin, combine two ingredients. The first is hydrocodone, which is a powerful prescription opioid, and the second is acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever.
Together, these two active ingredients work to manage moderate to severe pain that can’t be treated by any of the over-the-counter milder non-opioid medications.
In addition, hydrocodone is also sometimes used as a cough suppressant for adults.
How Hydrocodone Affects the Body
As with most substance use cases, individuals who continue using their drug of choice, which in this case is hydrocodone, eventually become dependent on it for several reasons.
The first is that after a while of continued use, the drug begins to control their behavior, thoughts, and actions so much so that nothing else matters except getting and consuming it.
Why?
Simply because, as a potent prescription pain reliever, hydrocodone works by attaching to the opioid receptors in the brain, thus altering the way the body’s ability to sense pain. The result is a considerable reduction in the sensation of pain and discomfort.
If taken for longer than prescribed or in higher doses than necessary, the body learns to rely on the opioids in its system and can no longer function without them.
Another powerful reason why hydrocodone can be highly addictive is that it causes the brain to release a significant amount of the feel-good chemical, dopamine, which is mainly responsible for feelings of pleasure, contentment, and happiness. The problem is that too much dopamine in unregulated amounts has the power to change other chemical processes in the body, forcing individuals to become even more dependent on the drug.
This is why, with prolonged use, people suffering from addiction start having stronger and stronger cravings. In many cases, they can’t go several hours without using. And when they try to quit on their own, they experience severe withdrawal side effects, the most common being:
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle aches and pains
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
There are a handful of signs that can reveal if someone is addicted to hydrocodone or is suffering from opioid use disorder (OUD).
The most common sign is the individual’s increasing tolerance to the drug. So, they’re forced to consume more just to achieve the same result.
To do this, they’re forced to frequently ask for refills. If that fails, they’ll likely look for other ways to get their hands on the drug, which are often from other illicit sources.
Another sign is the appearance of physical dependence, particularly when they don’t take the drug, such as sweating, anxiety, and nausea.
Then there are behavioral changes, which can also indicate a hydrocodone addiction. This typically includes mood swings, changes in sleep patterns, and irritability. Individuals struggling with drug abuse also withdraw from family and friends and become more secretive. They also tend to pay little attention to their personal and professional commitments because they’re more fixated on getting their hands on the drug.
This sense of urgency soon becomes the most important thing to the extent that it overshadows everything else in their lives.
If an individual suffers from 2–3 of these symptoms, their addiction level is considered to be mild. If they suffer from 4–5 symptoms, their level of addiction is categorized as moderate, whereas if they suffer from six or more, they’re diagnosed as severely addicted.
Treatment Options
Below is a rundown of some of the most commonly available treatment options at Live Free Recovery Services, which is located in Manchester and Keene, New Hampshire. Both of these locations offer qualified healthcare professionals and staff who make it their mission to help individuals overcome their addiction, become more empowered, and reach their full potential.
Hydrocodone Detox
When someone is addicted, they force their bodily processes to adjust to the substance they’re consuming. Their brain also increases its dopamine production, which amplifies the intense chemical changes in the body.
This leads to the rise of withdrawal symptoms until they take the next dose. While often uncomfortable, these symptoms indicate the initial stages of detox.
This is why, the first step in beating any type of addiction, including hydrocodone, is detoxication.
The duration of the detox phase differs depending on the person’s age, lifestyle, and history of addiction. However, the general rule is that it can usually last around 7–10 days, and peaks around the fourth day after their last dose.
During this time, individuals can expect to experience headaches, anxiety, heart palpitations, muscle aches, insomnia, and sweating.
To ensure a successful detox, healthcare providers help the individual readjust to functioning without the constant need to take the drug in a safe and structured environment. To do this, they’re administered medications, such as clonidine, suboxone, or methadone, that work to gradually remove the addictive substance from their system.
Behavioral Therapy
For decades, behavioral therapy (BT) has been used to treat all kinds of substance abuse disorders. It’s proven to be highly effective at processing stressful situations, grief, personal challenges depression, and anxiety.
BT comes in many forms and techniques with the main focus being on teaching individuals how to adjust their negative behaviors and thought patterns. It provides them with valuable life skills they can use to overcome their drug dependence as well as improve their mental health.
The most prevalent is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). it’s typically used to help individuals understand the underlying factors that led to their addiction in the first place and learn more favorable ways to manage triggers and cravings.
Because BT has proven its efficacy in treating drug abuse, experts are now capable of adapting it to suit other conditions as well. It’s also flexible enough to easily apply to every individual.
Support Groups
One of the prominent treatment plans at Live Free Recovery Services is their support groups. They offer a variety of programs including the relapse prevention program, which is a prevention plan that helps individuals stay on track and remain drug-free after they’ve completed their addiction treatment program.
There’s also the rehab alumni group. This form of aftercare is designed to help individuals who have completed their treatment maintain their recovery.
Alumni groups also connect people who have gone through similar experiences in a safe setting. This makes it more accessible for them to share their stories without fear of judgment or criticism. They can also provide one another with much-needed understanding, support, and encouragement for navigating the next phase of life.
This is carried out with the help of various services including educational resources, emotional support, and sober social events that focus on making sobriety fun, such as:
- Movie nights
- Cookouts
- Arts and crafts sessions
- Barbeques
- Sporting events like bowling or playing pool
- Nature-based outings like hiking or camping
Men’s and Women’s Rehab and Halfway Houses
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), men are twice as likely to engage in “illicit drug use” than women. They also have higher rates of dependence and abuse of drugs and alcohol compared to women.
This is one thing the healthcare providers at the Live Free Recovery Services rehab center understand far too well. That’s why they’ve devised different rehab programs for men and women. They’ve also set up sober living programs designed specifically for each.
These homes provide a safe space where individuals in recovery can get the guidance and care they need to live a drug-free life. At the same time, they’re encouraged to transition back into their daily routine gradually.
Residents who choose to reside in sober living homes are required to attend group and individual counseling sessions as well as 12-step meetings. They’re also expected to maintain their school or employment attendance.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, seeking hydrocodone addiction treatment in New Hampshire is accessible for those who need it. The various options make it easy to successfully manage this disorder, from the physical and emotional aspects to the psychological and social ramifications.
With the right personalized treatment plan, individuals are given the skills and tools they need to help them in their recovery so that they can reclaim their lives and enjoy a drug-free future.
Published on: 2024-05-07
Updated on: 2024-07-08