Hydrocodone usage in our nation has quadrupled over the last ten years. The FDA believes hydrocodone is the most widely abused drug in our nation. In 1997, the DEA seized 1.3 million hydrocodone pills, and that number has steadily increased in the last ten years. While hydrocodone addiction effects all ages and races, the most likely addict is said to be white, female and between the ages of twenty to forty. In 1994, an estimated seven million prescriptions were written for hydrocodone, while in 2000 an estimated eighty-nine million prescriptions were written. Emergency room visits for reasons involving hydrocodone increased by five hundred percent. Hydrocodone dependence is said to emerge after one to four weeks of usage. One of the reasons why hydrocodone is so widely abused in our country is due to its availability. Some hydrocodone prescriptions are pure and labeled as a schedule II controlled substance. Most of the time, hydrocodone is mixed with a non-narcotic ingredient such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Over two hundred products consist of this combination. The mixture lowers the drugs class to a schedule III controlled substance and is therefore much more available and is considered less of a threat to the public. Being less regulated than it should be, our nation's dependence on it has multiplied.
Hydrocodone Addiction Symptoms
There are many symptoms of hydrocodone addiction, some of which are asking for specific brand names such as Vicodin or Norcos, which have a higher street value. Some ask for refills prior to the time of refill. Some "doctor shop" and go to different doctors to get more prescriptions, or even invent new injuries to get more prescriptions. People will claim they are going on vacation and need their new prescription early or will claim that they have lost their prescriptions and need new ones. Some seclude and isolate, claiming they need a lot of time alone or to themselves. After they've spent this time alone, they will be found nodding off from taking too much. Some steal things of value and lie about how they spend their time alone and practice other ways of dishonest behavior. People will change their social circle, excluding the good, straighter edge friends and incorporate new friends that have the same or similar problems. People addicted to hydrocodone, as with any addiction, will have an unexplainable lack of money all the time, and will have unexplainable mood changes. They often have a good amount of pills stashed in odd places, and when they don't they will buy more pills from the street if they can't get more from their doctors. People addicted to hydrocodone will experience withdrawal symptoms when they run out of pills and will get anxious when they are running low on pills. People will have an obsession with getting more pills when running low on their supply.
Withdrawals
Hydrocodone withdrawals are worrisome, though they are not nearly as painful or uncomfortable as heroine withdrawals. It's important to know the consequences and to prepare beforehand in hopes to withdrawal successfully and in the most comfortable way. One experiencing withdrawals from hydrocodone will be most likely have depleted all necessary nutrients. It is paramount to stay hydrated and replenish the body of proper nutrients. It will be very important to drink lots of water, Pedialyte and Gatorade. These beverages, especially Pedialyte, help with the uncomfortable symptoms and make the body feel almost instantly better. When muscles begin to cramp or have restless aching legs, eating bananas and keeping your favorite candies close at hand will help. Make yourself as comfortable as you possibly can, staying amused with a good television show or movies, taking baths and remaining in a quiet place until you feel better. Try not to eat too much, as this has been a very common mistake. It is more important to drink lots of fluids than it is to eat food. If you are really hungry, eat your favorite candies and have bananas or papayas. These will help with constipation and pacify muscle cramps. Sleep patterns will most likely be disturbed, so make sure to stay amused, whether it be a season of a television series, your favorite movies or someone there to talk to. If you can't do this successfully on your own, don't be afraid to ask for help. It's honorable to even be trying to quit on your own, and loved ones or peers will be much more accepting of you asking for help than to find you addicted or catch you in the act.
