Hydrocodone addiction is increasingly becoming a problem.  Individuals all over the United States are becoming hooked on this prescription pain medication.  Hydrocodone is one of the most abused prescription medications in the country.  In the last ten years the use of this drug has nearly quadrupled, with far too many individuals falling ill, becoming hospitalized due to over-dose and entering drug rehab facilities.

What Is A Hydrocodone Addiction?
Hydrocodone relieves pain.  It also causes individuals to experience feelings of euphoria.  This is a primary reason why people who do not have any problems with pain take the drug.  There are a number of hydrocodone based drugs. Two of the most common are Lortab and Vicodin.  An addiction to these drugs may develop after a person has experienced some sort of injury and have been prescribed it by their doctor.  A person who is addicted to the drug will not use it according to their doctor’s instructions. It is illegal in the U.S. to have hydrocodone without a prescription or to distribute it.  It is classified as a schedule 2 drug.


Signs of An Hydrocodone Addiction
The signs of a hydrocodone addiction are similar to any other type of addiction. A person will use more of the pills then they have been prescribed.  They may accidentally “lose” their prescription or engage in doctor shopping. All of these are signs that a person may have developed a dependency on hydrocodone.

Causes of An Hydrocodone Addiction
A person may have developed an addiction to hydrocodone after having been prescribed it for moderate to severe pain.  Other individuals may simply like the euphoric feelings that the drug induces and may take it recreationally.

Effects of Long Term and Chronic Use
There are many dangers to long-term and chronic use of hydrocodone. Damage to the organs is possible.  A person is also at risk for overdosing.

Complications
Common complications associated with a hydrocodone addiction include the break up of one's family, problems with one's careers, physical deterioration, mental degeneracy and even death.

Treatment and Support
Many drug rehabilitation programs provide help for those addicted to hydrocodone.  Because the rates of abuse and addiction have become so high, it is necessary for rehab facilities to have these types of programs available.

After Rehab
After a person has entered an inpatient rehabilitation program, they may want to follow that up with outpatient care. Counseling and drug support groups may also be an effective way to help one stay sober.