Hydrocodone Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Hydrocodone Abuse

When someone becomes reliant on hydrocodone to complete day-to-day activities, hydrocodone addiction becomes a serious issue that can be life-threatening.

Many Americans develop opioid addictions. Substance use disorders (SUD) like hydrocodone addiction can completely derail your life and affect your relationships, success, and, of course, your health. Thankfully, treatment for hydrocodone addiction comes in many forms and can be successful in helping you achieve long-term recovery.

Keep reading to learn the science behind hydrocodone addiction and the effects it can have.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is also an antitussive (cough reliever). Opioid medications, like hydrocodone, codeine, and oxycodone, are known for their high risk of abuse and addiction.

Classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, hydrocodone is most commonly found in combination products (along with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.) under brand names like Norco, Lorcet, Lortab, and Vicodin.

Opioids are associated with a higher risk of addiction because of the way they work in your body. When you take hydrocodone, it binds to opioid receptors in your brain and nerve endings throughout the body to block pain signals.

In this way, opioids mimic endorphins when you take them. Endorphins are naturally occurring body chemicals that can cause a euphoric or pleasurable feeling that people find addicting. Hydrocodone also increases the release of dopamine, which is known as the “feel-good” hormone. After extended use, people may feel as though they need these endorphins and increased dopamine to feel normal.

This is worsened by the fact that your body can build up a tolerance to the effects of hydrocodone, leading people to take higher doses over time for the same effects.

There is a difference between hydrocodone abuse and hydrocodone addiction, and it’s important to know what sets these two apart.

Because hydrocodone is a prescription drug, it can be used in a safe way that is not considered abuse. Any misuse of hydrocodone is considered to be abuse. Misuse can occur in several different ways, including using it more frequently than usual, taking higher doses than prescribed, or taking it without a proper prescription. Though hydrocodone abuse is not an addiction, it can often develop into an addiction.

On the other hand, hydrocodone addiction causes individuals to rely on the drug to function. They may feel as though they cannot get through their day without taking hydrocodone. The addictive nature of hydrocodone and other opioids can cause people to lose control and develop compulsive use.

Yes, the use of hydrocodone does cause dependence. Much like other opioids, hydrocodone is known to cause physical dependence.

When you use hydrocodone, the drug affects your brain by blocking pain and mimicking endorphins. The longer you take an opioid, the more your body will build up a tolerance to its effects, leading you to take larger doses over time to achieve a similar result.

When your body starts to rely on hydrocodone to properly function, you have developed a physical dependence. Trying to stop opioid use when opioid-dependent can cause withdrawal symptoms. Opioid misuse, as well as prolonged use, is more frequently linked with physical dependence, though it can happen to anyone taking hydrocodone.

Many signs and symptoms can indicate a hydrocodone addiction. This can be very helpful in identifying addiction in yourself or even in your friends or family. Signs of addiction are not only physical but also psychological and behavioral.

Physical signs can be some of the easier signs to identify when it comes to possible addiction. They can include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, dizziness, urinary retention, respiratory depression, pupil constriction, and vomiting.

As for psychological symptoms, you may notice signs like anxiety, euphoria, mood swings, impaired cognition, or depression. Drug abuse can alter your brain chemistry and mess with your endorphins, leading to the above signs.

Behavioral changes are also important to keep an eye out for. If you or someone you know exhibits social withdrawal, engages in uncharacteristic, risky behavior, neglects responsibilities, goes doctor shopping, or is suddenly secretive, it may indicate hydrocodone addiction. Doctor shopping is a drug-seeking behavior that involves seeing multiple doctors to get more medication.

Other behavioral signs you may notice surround your hydrocodone use. Many people start to take hydrocodone more frequently, at higher doses, or are unable to think about anything but the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to quit hydrocodone use and occur once you’ve developed a physical dependence on the drug. This is very common with opioids. Withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant and inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.

Much like with signs of hydrocodone addiction, withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological. Common physical symptoms include insomnia, sweating, yawning, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, muscle aches, runny nose, goosebumps, shaking, high temperature, and increased pain.

As for psychological symptoms, you may notice symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression, and intense cravings.

The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. This is often dependent on the severity of your dependence, how long you’ve abused hydrocodone, and how much hydrocodone you take.

Withdrawal symptoms typically appear within 12-30 hours after the last dose, peak around three days, and can last up to a few weeks. Going through opioid withdrawal on your own can be very challenging and even dangerous. This is why it’s strongly recommended to do so under medical supervision in a detox program.

There are different stages to opioid withdrawal as well. In early-stage withdrawal, you may be more likely to experience symptoms like sweating, yawning, and insomnia. As for late-stage withdrawal, more unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and high temperature are likely.

With hydrocodone abuse comes many side effects, some pleasant and others not so much. There are two categories: short-term effects and long-term effects. The former occur immediately after use, and the latter occur with prolonged, extended use.

Short-term effects of hydrocodone abuse include:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Chills
• Vomiting
• UTI
• Abdominal pain
• Respiratory depression
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Clammy skin
• Lightheadedness
• Sedation
• Sleepiness
• Low blood pressure

Long-term effects of hydrocodone abuse include:

• Chronic constipation
• Increased risk of bone fractures
• Increased risk of overdose
• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Kidney failure
• Liver damage or failure
• Hyperalgesia
• Memory problems
• Mental health disorders
• Opioid overdose
• Death

Side effects can be acute, but with long-term opioid abuse, they can likely have long-lasting and even permanent effects on your health. On top of this, the side effects of hydrocodone abuse also commonly affect the individual’s loved ones and those around them.

As noted above, long-term abuse greatly increases your risk of opioid overdose. Even with medical attention, overdose can create permanent damage, such as brain damage, organ damage, and death.

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs of overdose such as pinpoint pupils, shallow or absent breathing, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, cold or clammy skin, and irregular heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 right away – an overdose is a medical emergency.

Taking hydrocodone can cause opioid addiction in anyone, but there are also risk factors that can make the likelihood of developing an addiction much higher.

One common substance addiction risk factor is mental health conditions. Mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety can increase the likelihood of hydrocodone addiction. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to try to cope with the symptoms of their condition.

Other risk factors can come from adolescence. If you grew up with a lack of family involvement, were exposed to drugs at a young age, or experienced peer pressure around using addictive substances, you may be more susceptible to developing an addiction.

Likewise, if you grew up around family members with addictions or are genetically predisposed to addiction due to family history, you are likely at higher risk.

If you have a history of substance abuse, you are also more likely to develop a hydrocodone addiction. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe pain medications with a lower risk for abuse and addiction.

Specific risk factors for hydrocodone addiction include:

• Being prescribed hydrocodone
• Being in your teens or 20s
• Having chronic pain
• Taking hydrocodone unprescribed
• Taking part in risky behavior
• Environmental factors like easy access to hydrocodone
• Being prescribed a high dose of hydrocodone
• Being prescribed hydrocodone for a long period

Hydrocodone addiction can be identified by its signs and symptoms, but a true hydrocodone addiction diagnosis can only come from a medical professional who has completed an evaluation.

If you notice a loved one exhibiting signs of opioid addiction, it’s strongly recommended to encourage them to seek professional medical help. One way to help encourage them can include having them take online assessments or other screening tools. These tools can help identify concerning behaviors.

When completing a medical evaluation, a healthcare provider will analyze different areas of your life as well as your behavioral patterns and habits to determine if you have an addiction.

You may expect to be asked questions about the frequency and dosage of your hydrocodone use as well as choices you make regarding hydrocodone use.

Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 will also be used to confirm your diagnosis. You must answer the questions you are asked as honestly as possible to allow for an accurate diagnosis.

DSM-5 criteria include:

• Opioids are often taken in larger amounts or over a longer time than
  intended.
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid
  use.
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the opioid, use the
  opioid or recover from its effects.
• Craving or a strong desire to use opioids.
• Recurrent opioid use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,
  school or home.
• Continued opioid use despite having persistent or recurrent social or
  interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of opioids.
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced
  because of opioid use.
• Recurrent opioid use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
• Continued use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or
  psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by
  opioids.
• Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
  • (a) a need for markedly increased amounts of opioids to achieve intoxication or desired effect
  • (b) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of an
    opioid
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
  • (a) the characteristic opioid withdrawal syndrome
  • (b) the same (or closely related) substances are taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Hydrocodone addiction is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Whether your addiction is mild or severe, it can be detrimental to your health and well-being.

If you or a loved one has more questions regarding hydrocodone addiction and treatment, make sure to call our helpline today.

For help finding reliable treatment near you, check out our list of treatment centers by state. You’ll find contact information, insurance details, and more.