Addiction to opiate medication such as hydrocodone is a very serious and potentially life-threatening disease. The reasons a person develops an addiction to hydrocodone varies greatly from one individual to another. Some people who are addicted to hydrocodone are addicted to other drugs or alcohol before their addiction to this drug develops. Other people are prescribed hydrocodone by their doctors to relieve pain and then find they simply can’t live without hydrocodone when the initial pain has subsided. Whatever the cause of addiction to hydrocodone, it is very serious and needs immediate treatment.
Only approximately 5.9 percent of people who enter a rehab center with drug addictions are addicted to opiates such as hydrocodone, according to NIDA. Because this type of addiction is relatively uncommon, many people believe that it is not serious; however, this is definitely not true. Addiction may lead to very serious hydrocodone overdose symptoms. In fact, overdosing on hydrocodone can be fatal.
Typical Signs of an Overdose
Because hydrocodone is a prescription drug medication, many people think that it is safe to use. The assumption is that as doctors prescribe hydrocodone for pain, it is as safe as other pain medications such as ibuprofen. The truth, however, is that hydrocodone is a very powerful narcotic medication that has the potential to cause very serious illness and injury. It is important that you know hydrocodone overdose symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if you or your loved one experience signs of an overdose on hydrocodone. Hydrocodone overdose symptoms include:
- Clammy skin
- Slowed pulse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Heavy perspiration
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Seizures
- Coma
“When rushed to a hospital, when the first hydrocodone overdose symptoms appear, overdose treatment is highly effective.”When rushed to a hospital, when the first hydrocodone overdose symptoms appear, overdose treatment is highly effective. In some cases, treating these symptoms requires the administration of Narcan, the antidote for hydrocodone; however, Narcan brings with it its own series of side effects, so this medication is generally avoided when possible. Other, less drastic treatments for hydrocodone overdose symptoms include activated charcoal with a laxative. The activated charcoal binds to the hydrocodone in your stomach and intestines, and the laxative helps to flush the drug out of your system as quickly as possible.
Did You Know?
In 2009, there were 4.5 million emergency room visits related to drug use.
We will work tirelessly to ensure that we find a hydrocodone detox and withdrawal treatment that will meet your needs or the needs of your loved one.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people who are addicted to hydrocodone don’t pursue treatment because they are concerned that they will have to experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal from hydrocodone vary based upon how much of the drug was recently ingested and the duration of the addiction. In general, symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Sweating
- Spontaneous and excessive yawning
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Depression
- Cravings for unusual foods, or foods that you don’t normally eat
- Insomnia
Fortunately, modern medicine allows for a safe and comfortable medical detox from hydrocodone. Don’t let the fear of withdrawal symptoms stop you from achieving the happy, healthy, and sober life you’ve always wanted. We can help you arrange for a comfortable medical detox and effective treatment program so you do not have to worry about the effects of hydrocodone overdose symptoms again.
Treatment usually begins with detoxification and continues with residential treatment. Residential treatment allows addicts to learn how to live a sober life in a structured environment with lots of therapy, surrounded by people who care and understand. After several weeks or months of residential treatment, many patients are able to step down to outpatient therapy. Some patients require intensive outpatient therapy, which is typically comprised of both group therapy and individual therapy over the course of several hours per day, several days per week. Some people find that 12-step programs are helpful and assist them in their recovery process.
Although recovery from addiction is a lifelong process, the first steps an addict takes are often the most difficult. We can help make them easier. Give us a call today at .
