Hydrocodone Abuse Treatment in Fort Myers
8 Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse
Taking hydrocodone, even as prescribed, for five days or more substantially increases the chance of addiction. Hydrocodone is a powerful prescription opioid that is effective for treating pain, but like other opioid painkillers, it can be highly addictive. It’s also widely abused. Once an individual becomes addicted to a drug, even a prescription drug, they can find it extremely difficult–even impossible–to stop using it without finding Hydrocodone abuse treatment in Fort Myers.
WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers clients a full lineup of addiction treatments designed to promote lasting recovery during Hydrocodone abuse treatment in Fort Myers. We feature inpatient and outpatient rehab, as well as dual diagnosis treatment, medication-assisted treatment in Fort Myers, and medically sanctioned therapies that address each aspect of a person’s addiction. Opioid addiction is dangerous. Just because a drug happens to be a medication doesn’t make it safe when it’s abused. If you find that you can’t stop using Hydrocodone, there is help available at WhiteSands Alcohol and drug detox Tampa. We can help you put your Hydrocodone abuse problem in the past during Hydrocodone abuse treatment in Fort Myers.
Hydrocodone’s Uses
Like other opioid painkillers, Hydrocodone definitely has its medical use. In the pantheon of effective painkillers, this medication does an excellent job of decreasing pain. Both doctors and dentists may prescribe Hydrocodone after surgery when pain levels tend to be at their most severe. Hydrocodone works by changing the way the brain perceives pain. It tends to be prescribed when other pain relievers aren’t strong enough to alleviate the individual’s pain. A person might be prescribed this medication right after the extraction of wisdom teeth or a woman might be prescribed it after having a c-section.
Of course, today, doctors know that this drug is more habit-forming than previously thought. Many healthcare providers are aware that the potential for tolerance and abuse can occur much more quickly than was believed decades ago. Even though Hydrocodone is effective for treating pain, its use is often curtailed by providers after a week’s time in favor of a less potentially habit-forming option.
Why Does Hydrocodone Have the Potential for Abuse?
A person can develop a tolerance to Hydrocodone quickly. They may not be aware of the tolerance forming. Suddenly, they can find that their pain is flaring up. To combat it, they take their dose a bit earlier. This seemingly innocent tolerance formation and dose-increasing pattern pave the way to addiction. In these cases, it’s understandable–patients try to curtail their pain with a medication that’s worked well for them. But even a small increase–half a pill taken earlier than what the prescription directs–is a sign of Hydrocodone abuse.
Of course, some people do use the drug recreationally. Hydrocodone can provide feelings of sedation and well-being. Also, continuing to take Hydrocodone even though pain levels have decreased is another sign of abuse. Taking Hydrocodone with alcohol or other unauthorized drugs (drugs not prescribed) also constitutes abuse.
8 Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse
Many different signs suggest a Hydrocodone abuse problem needing substance abuse treatment in Fort Myers. Signs and symptoms of Hydrocodone abuse or addiction include:
1. Increasing the Dose or Rate of Dosing
Taking more of the drug than planned is a sign of Hydrocodone abuse. As mentioned, this increase may happen innocently enough. The pain kicks in sooner than it did before. Knowing that the Hydrocodone will knock it out, the individual takes their dose sooner than directed or increases it to extend the pain relief. They may not realize it, but that is a sign that the body is becoming more tolerant of the drug. The earlier appearance of pain suggests that more of the drug is needed to control it as the body has become accustomed to initial doses.
2. Individual Wants to Stop Using by Can’t
Another sign of a Hydrocodone abuse problem or addiction is that the individual wants to stop using the drug, but finds that they can’t. They feel compelled to use it. This feeling of compulsion may occur with or without the pain that the medication was initially prescribed to treat. In fact, no matter how much the person wants to stop, they may find it impossible. That’s addiction, but with treatment, stopping Hydrocodone abuse is possible as is lasting recovery.
3. Failing to Meet Responsibilities
Hydrocodone addiction, like other opioid use disorders, can undermine a person’s ability to maintain their responsibilities and obligations. An individual addicted to opioids cannot hide this condition for long because of the power of the drugs. They do cause mental and physical health to erode. As that happens, the individual may begin to miss days at work or produce inferior-quality work. They may experience similar issues in their personal life because of their drug use.
4. Relationship Problems
Drug addiction often leads to relationship problems. A family or a spouse may begin to notice a problem. Denying that there’s an abuse problem or using drugs in secret can lead to trust issues.
5. Obtaining the Drug Illegally
Many doctors curtail their opioid prescribing practices after a patient has been on powerful drugs like Hydrocodone for a week or longer. They are now aware–or should be aware–of its increased potential for abuse. Obtaining the drug unethically–like by doctor shopping–or on the street is a serious sign of a Hydrocodone abuse problem.
6. Taking Other Opioids
It’s not uncommon for a person with an opioid addiction to seek out another opioid if their preferred drug is unattainable. This is why so many people addicted to prescription drugs gravitated to heroin once the medical community and state legislatures clamped down on prescription drug over-prescribing practices. In fact, a person with a Hydrocodone addiction is at heightened risk of developing another opioid addiction.
7. Using Despite Health Deterioration
A person who keeps using Hydrocodone even though it’s negatively impacting their physical or psychological health has an abuse problem. In fact, this is a sign of addiction. Using even though they know it’s bad for them suggests they’ve lost the ability to control their use.
8. Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids can be severe. If withdrawal symptoms occur, it’s a definite sign of physical dependence and, possibly, full-blown addiction in play.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, you should seek help. An evaluation allows treatment providers to recommend the ideal course of treatment for you. Putting off treatment only deepens the addiction, making it even harder to stop using. Don’t ignore these symptoms; if you experience them, it’s time to seek help to stop using Hydrocodone or other opioids.
Hydrocodone Abuse Treatment in Fort Myers: Stop Abusing Hydrocodone With Help From WhiteSands
The addiction specialists at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab can help you stop using Hydrocodone during Hydrocodone abuse treatment in Fort Myers. Learning how to manage this addiction is crucial. Opioid drugs have caused hundreds of thousands of deaths in recent decades. They are a leading cause of drug overdose. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, you can get the individualized, flexible treatment that suits your needs.
Our rehab center features both evidence-based and holistic therapies that are known to promote long-term recovery. We can help you develop the strategies you need to prevent relapse and put your addiction behind you. Call us or visit to discuss our enrollment process. We accept many insurance plans and offer different treatment solutions. Don’t ignore the signs of Hydrocodone abuse. If you spot them, get the help you need to stop using them.
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
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.