Am I Addicted To Hydrocodone?
If this question has been lingering in your mind these days, that only shows you are concerned about your health and that is a great thing. However, it is important to look at this matter from a medical perspective to determine the necessary steps that should be taken next.
Let us delve deeper into the root of the addiction to this substance and understand what could be done about it.
What Makes Hydrocodone Addictive?
Hydrocodone is a highly addictive substance that physicians prescribe to patients to treat severe pain. As an opiate, it can demand the brain to release a great amount of happy hormones scientifically called dopamine.
This ability makes it vulnerable to the risk of abuse and misuse. Users experience a strong sense of relief from pain and an extremely pleasurable feeling that makes them crave more for the drug as time progresses. This becomes a habit that can only be treated with professional care.
How Does Hydrocodone Affect Me?
The potential of this drug is so powerful that it establishes physical dependence in less than a week. Psychological dependence is also likely to occur within the first dose. This is the reason why physicians must only prescribe this drug once there are no other options left.
Another notable quality of the substance is its tendency to kill the natural ability of the brain to produce positive feelings. As a result, when the substance declines in the body, the user may experience mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This will only feed their need to crave more for the drug. Some people also tend to fear the withdrawal symptoms that come along with moving away from the medication which makes them apprehensive to let go of it.
What Are The Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
It is important to understand that addiction may possibly occur to anyone who is taking the drug, whether under a prescription of a physician or not. The drug is strongly capable of making its user easily build tolerance towards its effects which can eventually lead to addiction.
Manifestations of substance addiction can be spotted in three ways. They can be evident in physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects. The following are signs to watch out for to determine if the user is experiencing substance addiction:
Physical signs
The most prominent sign of substance addiction can be spotted in the eyes. They usually appear smaller even in the presence of normal light.
You will also notice that the person tends to be extremely tired and weak. They will usually feel sleepy and can also feel nauseous.
Other physical conditions that could be fatal would be the changes in breathing. If the heartbeat slows down or the person has difficulty breathing, this indicates an immediate call for medical help. These tendencies are signs of overdose and can lead to death.
Take note also of swelling in the face. It can be the eyes or the lips and even the throat. This is a sign of an allergic reaction and this is highly dangerous too. If this happens, call your doctor right away.
Psychological signs
The substance can also manipulate the way a person thinks. The confusion begins to set in once the person is under substance abuse. It could be accompanied by forgetfulness as well restlessness.
Mental disorders are also likely to occur. If the person feels anxiety most of the time or tends to feel extremely lonely, this could be brought on by the body’s tolerance of the substance. A sudden shift of mood can also be evident.
Behavioral signs
Closely take a look at how a person behaves. If you notice signs of apprehension and disturbance without relevant cause, this might relate to substance addiction. Here are a few things to set your eyes on:
Restless about taking the drug
Substance addiction may lead people to resort to hopping from one doctor to another just to get a prescription. They make up stories and even try to get early refills far from their prescribed date. The obsession to have more leads them to become restless and even confused.
You will also notice that the user tends to take the drug even without the presence of pain. Patients under this substance medication must be carefully monitored to ensure that their prescribed dosage is strictly followed.
Neglect on responsibilities
This is the most common behavioral outcome of addiction. The person tends to neglect responsibilities at work, at home, or even to oneself. Poor personal hygiene is likely to become evident. And most of the time, all these bring about multiple problems towards their lifestyle.
Users are also most commonly observed to take risks without proper judgment. They seem to care less about putting themselves in danger so they engage in reckless activities such as violence and intoxicated driving.
Tendency to isolate
Substance addiction influences users to isolate themselves even from people close to them such as their family and friends. They tend to socialize less and prefer to spend more time by themselves. This behavior could arise to other major problems if left unattended.
How to overcome addiction
Professional help is necessary to cope with hydrocodone addiction. It is never a good idea to wallow in emotional pain all by yourself in case you notice signs of substance addiction.
Keep in mind that addiction is also considered a common side-effect of using this drug as a medical treatment. That’s why doctors only prescribe this medicine for a short period.
If you sense substance addiction in yourself or from anyone you care most about, seek help from a treatment provider that can medically assist in detox as well as offer effective therapies. Do not hesitate to ask for help because addiction is a battle that needs extra support.
Never resort to taking steps on your own such as reducing your dosage or abruptly quitting substance use. Again, consult a doctor or addiction specialist to ask for professional help in overcoming your abuse of this opioid.
