Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Tiktok
Rolling Hills Recovery Center combination logo

Our Location

855-559-8550

Get Help Now
Get Help Now
855-559-8550
Rolling hills recovery center combination logo
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance
Take The First Step Now
Contact Us
Check Insurance

Hydrocodone Abuse and Addiction

  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Modified:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes
  • Reviewed by: Dr. Carl Williams, Ph.D., LCADC
  • Last Update:
  • Reading Time: 7 minutes

Learn about the dangers, statistics, and treatment options for hydrocodone addiction and its abuse potential.

Start With a Phone Call
Check Insurance
Young woman is sitting by the river bank and thinking. Sitting alone, deep thinking.

Effective Pain Relief & Cough Suppression Compared

What is Hydrocodone?

When used as directed, hydrocodone is a potent opiate drug that serves two functions.

It is a cough suppressant and a pain reliever for moderate to severe pain. According to research, hydrocodone is:

  • For cough suppression, it is more effective than codeine.

  • In terms of pain relief, it is nearly as effective as morphine.

Table of Contents

vase sitting on a glass table with rolling hills recovery center logo on the tv in the background.
Levels of Care
Popular Topics
Families & Addiction

Hydrocodone Overview

Prescription Opioid and Its Clinical Applications

Hydrocodone is currently the most commonly prescribed opioid painkiller in the United States.

Hydrocodone, like all opiates, is the derivative of the poppy.

Still, it is classified as semi-synthetic because it does not occur naturally – hydrocodone is created by chemically modifying the codeine molecule.

Doctors frequently prescribe hydrocodone as part of a medication formulation containing other ingredients, such as acetaminophen.

Zohydro ER, a pure hydrocodone medication, was only recently approved for distribution.

Your medical team

Immediate & Long-Term Side Effects

Effects of Abusing Hydrocodone

Suppose a person who abuses hydrocodone takes the medication for a long enough period. In that case, their body and brain can adapt to the presence of the drug in their system.

It can change how it reacts to the drug through a process known as tolerance.

The following are the immediate side effects of hydrocodone misuse and abuse:

  • Hazy vision

  • Confusion

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Mouth dryness

  • Euphoria

  • Skin itch

  • Lightheadedness

  • Nausea

  • Nodding in and out of consciousness

  • Pinpoint pupils

  • Reduced rate of breathing

  • Seizures

  • Sleepiness

  • Heart rate has slowed

  • Speech slurred

  • Vomiting

  • Skin that’s hot and flushed

There are affordable options for addiction treatment.

Rolling Hills Recovery Center works with a variety of healthcare providers.

support pic edited
Check Coverage Online
Check Online
Talk Over the Phone
Call (855) 559-8550

Did You KNow?

Most Major Insurance Will Help Cover the Cost of Treatment
anthem-white
cigna-1
mcr-aetna-white
mcr-beacon-white
med-mutual-white
prc-magellan
TRICARE_Logo_png
Call Today (855) 559-8550
Check Your Coverage
You Could Be Covered
100% for Treatment

Statistics & Long-Term Health Risks

Hydrocodone Statistics

The following are some significant hydrocodone abuse statistics:

  • Long-term hydrocodone abuse alters brain function and can have long-term effects on mood and thought patterns.

  • Long-term Hydrocodone abusers are more likely to suffer from insomnia, liver or kidney disease, depression, and anxiety.

  • Some mental disorders, such as insomnia and depression, can be treated with therapy and antidepressant medication. On the other hand, damage to the liver and kidneys is challenging to reverse and treat.

  • An overdose can occur if you take too much hydrocodone.

  • When the body cannot process all opioids in its system, breathing and heart rates can become dangerously low.

  • Overdose of hydrocodone may cause them to stop breathing in minutes, depriving their brains of oxygen (also known as hypoxia).

  • Although scientists discovered it in the 1920s, most scientists ignored the rate of hydrocodone addiction, overdose, and death until the 1960s.

  • Numerous reporters have published reports since then.

Did You Know Rolling Hills Recovery Center Offers Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction?

A patient navigator is ready to help. Our team of dedicated professionals are here to help 24 hours a day.

Call (855) 559-8550

Prevalence, Celebrity Impact, & Legal Issues

More Facts About Hydrocodone

  • The most commonly prescribed opioid in the United States is Hydrocodone, with 83.6 million prescriptions in 2017.

  • In 2011, approximately 100,000 emergency room visits in the United States were attributed to hydrocodone combination products.

  • Since 2009, hydrocodone has been the second most common prescription opioid researchers find in drug evidence and submit to forensic laboratories.

  • Hydrocodone has made headlines recently due to the deaths of celebrities such as Heath Ledger, Michael Jackson, and Brittany Murphy after using the drug.

  • Courtney Love, the rock singer, was famously arrested and charged with illegally possessing hydrocodone and other painkillers.

  • In addition, “Friends” star Matthew Perry checked into rehab in 1997 for hydrocodone addiction.

  • Addiction to the drug extends beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Anyone can become addicted to hydrocodone.

  • Cindy McCain spoke to the nation about her former hydrocodone addiction involving Vicodin that began after two back surgeries while campaigning for her husband, Sen. John McCain.

Our Patient Navigators Are Here When You Need Them

Our experienced staff is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have. Call today and change your tomorrow.

We're Here When You're Ready

Find Out Why We Have a 4.9 Rating on Google

Testimonials & Stories of Hope

Your Path to Freedom Begins Today

Don't Wait Any Longer. Transform Your Life Today.

Our caring treatment navigators are standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to help you or your loved one. When you call Rolling Hills Recovery Center you can trust that you will find the help you need – at no cost or obligation to choose our program. Get started right now.

Call Today (855) 559-8550
Get a Callback Now
Request a Confidential 100% Confidential Callback

We Make Getting Help Easy

Our Simple Admissions Process

Treatment Planning
Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams review your personal history and circumstances in order to determine the best treatment plan based on your needs.

Schedule Admission Date
Intake

During intake you will be asked some more questions about your background & medical history. This allows us to fully formulate your treatment plan.

Tour the Facilities
Personal Tour

One of our caring team members will take you around the clinical facilities and introduce you to the rest of our team and current community. 

Settle In
Unwind & Relax

We know that the first day of treatment can be overwhelming for anyone. We work with you to ensure you ease yourself into the treatment process.

Our Admissions Process

In Conclusion

Effective Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction

Treating hydrocodone addiction requires a multifaceted approach, as it can deeply affect both your physical and mental health. The core of an effective treatment plan is strategies that may include medically supervised detox and therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the psychological triggers of addiction.

Outpatient programs like partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) play an important role in maintaining long-term sobriety by providing continued support and helping individuals rebuild their lives and relationships.

Our team at Rolling Hills Recovery Center provides personalized care tailored to each of our client’s needs, supporting them on their journey. If you or a loved one is battling a hydrocodone addiction, reach out to us today to take the first step towards a drug-free life.

Facebook Linkedin X-twitter Pinterest Instagram

Written By:

Geoffrey Andaria

Geoffrey Andaria mental health writer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Mental Health Writer

About Author:

Geoffrey Andaria is an experienced mental health content writer and editor. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, Geoffrey is highly educated in freelance articles and research. Having taken courses on social work, Geoffrey is adamant about providing valuable and educational information to individuals affected by mental health and the disease of addiction.

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Carl Williams Ph.D., LCADC

Carl Williams, medical content reviewer at rolling hills recovery center
Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

About Reviewer:

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa, and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Start Your Journey

Stay Informed & Up-to-Date

Related Articles & Topics