Opioids are effective painkillers and are prescribed to millions of people every day. One type of synthetic opioid is hydrocodone. It’s a central nervous system suppressant that is used to treat pain and as a cough suppressant. It also comes with a very high risk of abuse, and those who take it should be aware of the side effects and the risk of abusing their hydrocodone prescription.
The Ranch Tennessee welcomes people from all walks of life who are looking for opioid addiction treatment in Nashville to stop opioid abuse. Our programs are tailored to each client’s unique symptoms and reason for being there. We will work with you to create a whole-person treatment program that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, mindfulness practices, and other beneficial therapies. You will participate in group and private therapy sessions to ease withdrawals and cravings and learn new coping skills to manage symptoms and triggers.
Understanding Hydrocodone Abuse
While hydrocodone is safe to take when you follow the prescription and talk to your doctor when your pain levels change, there is still a risk of abusing the medication. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It’s often combined with acetaminophen or ibuprofen to increase its effectiveness in treating pain.
Many people abuse hydrocodone for its euphoric effects. It causes a massive release of dopamine and serotonin, which causes a euphoric feeling that is very addicting. If you continue to take more than prescribed or with alcohol or other drugs, it can cause dependence and addiction to hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Controlled Substance Act, meaning it has some medicinal purpose, but there is a high risk of addiction. If you are taking hydrocodone, you may experience the following side effects:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Blurred vision
It can be very easy to abuse hydrocodone. In many cases, people will take more than prescribed or with alcohol or other recreational drugs to heighten the effects. If they do this continuously, it can lead to dependence and addiction. If you are abusing hydrocodone, you should be familiar with some of the serious side effects that can happen. They include:
- Respiratory depression
- Severe drowsiness and confusion
- Low blood pressure
- Liver damage
- Seizures
If you’re abusing your hydrocodone prescription, you may develop an opioid use disorder and require attending an addiction treatment program. This program can help alleviate opioid withdrawals and cravings safely while clients participate in behavioral and holistic therapies.
The Risks of Misusing Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone abuse is a real problem for millions of people in the U.S. that includes some dangerous side effects. The severity of these symptoms will increase the longer you abuse hydrocodone, which can lead to an overdose, coma, and death.
The risks of misusing hydrocodone may include:
Short-Term Risks
The short-term risks of hydrocodone abuse include respiratory depression, severe drowsiness, and confusion. It also includes nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. When you try to stop abusing hydrocodone, it will create opioid withdrawals and cravings that will increase the longer you go without. This is why relapse happens so easily.
Long-Term Risks
If you abuse hydrocodone for a long period of time, it can cause severe withdrawals and cravings, liver damage, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system. If you try and stop without medical support, you will experience:
- Intense pain
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Insomnia
Long-term risks include many mental health issues, such as developing depression disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other treatable mental health illnesses.
Overdose Risks
Hydrocodone abuse can lead to an overdose and death if you aren’t careful and take too much. If you suspect someone is experiencing an overdose, here are the symptoms:
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Extreme drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Cold, clammy skin
- A blue-ish tint to the lips and fingertips
- Slow heart rate
- Seizures
If a friend or loved one is experiencing an overdose, call 911, and if you have it, administer Naloxone to stop the effects of an overdose immediately.
Enroll Today at The Ranch TN to Join Our Opioid Addiction Treatment in Nashville
The Ranch TN is a full-service addiction and mental health treatment center that welcomes Nashville residents who are struggling with opioid use disorder. Our team has experience treating all types of opioids and will create a comprehensive treatment program. Each program is tailored to the individual and will include behavioral and holistic therapies and medication to ease opioid withdrawals, cravings, and other disruptive symptoms.
For more information about hydrocodone abuse and our opioid treatment program, use our online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation and tour.