How Can You Tell if Someone Has Addiction Symptoms to Hydrocodone?

It has never been this important to know if someone has addiction symptoms to hydrocodone – a prescription opioid pain reliever synthesized from codeine. Every day in the United States, 115 people become another fatal overdose statistic in the opioid crisis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In order to prevent such a fate, we will discuss the addiction symptoms to hydrocodone to know when you or a loved one should find professional help.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5)

The DSM-5 is a set of guidelines that help to determine hydrocodone addiction among others. It poses a series of questions that a person must answer as honestly as possible based on what they did in the past year.

According to the guidelines, hydrocodone addiction signs are as follows:

  • One of the addiction symptoms to hydrocodone is withdrawal symptoms.
  • Tolerance is another of the abuse of hydrocodone side effects, which is characterized by higher quantities of the drug required as use intensifies.
  • Despite some apparent physical and mental health issues, use of hydrocodone continues.
  • Risky use of hydrocodone occurs, such as before driving.
  • Many previously important aspects of a person’s life become second to the substance abuse.
  • Regardless of social and family related problems caused by the abuse, the user can’t stop.
  • Work, childcare and other important things in a person’s life are increasingly neglected.
  • When the user hasn’t had hydrocodone recently, they have cravings for it.
  • Substantial time is spent recovering, acquiring and abusing hydrocodone.
  • Even though there is a desire to stop the abuse, the users can’t bring themselves to stop.
  • When the user takes hydrocodone, they usually can’t control how much they end up taking or for how long they take it for.

According to the DSM-5, if two or more of the above-mentioned symptoms occur within a year, then there is an addiction.

Additional Signs of Abuse

If a person uses hydrocodone in greater quantities than was prescribed, then they will experience some of the hydrocodone side effects. If these addiction symptoms to hydrocodone occur in an individual, then it is likely that they have recently abused high amounts of the drug.

The signs of current abuse of hydrocodone and possible withdrawal symptoms include the following:

  • Seizures
  • Constipation
  • A greatly slowed heart rate
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Headaches
  • Fevers
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trouble with breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Unusual fear
  • A ringing in their ears
  • Confusion
  • Teary eyes and nasal congestion
  • Blurred vision

Treatment for an Addiction to Hydrocodone

Thankfully, an addiction to hydrocodone is easily treated through the use of professional rehab programs. The reason for their success is because they provide an all-inclusive approach to treatment, which includes checking for co-occurring mental disorders, addressing the overwhelming flu-like symptoms of withdrawal and looking at the addict’s behavior in order to improve the way that they deal with triggers and stress.

The initial detox can be medically assisted. What this means is that the addict can be given FDA-approved medications to reduce many of the symptoms including cravings so that the person can break the initial physical dependence easier. Treatment should always follow this detox so that the behavioral therapy can be employed. Furthermore, rehab can provide its patients with valuable education on the workings of addiction and provide them with relapse prevention techniques that can help them long after the end of their rehab program.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.