As much as we all want to be in perfect health, there are times when medical conditions may creep up and leave us in need of medication. Hydrocodone is a common name that we may come across from time to time. It's a common painkiller that many people know but do not know much about. If you are such a person, you are in the right place! This post aims to give you everything you need to know about Hydrocodone. Please visit EMRGENT Addiction for more info.

What exactly is Hydrocodone?

It's a prescription opioid drug that is used primarily for pain relief. Due to its potency, it can be a controlled substance that is sometimes addictive. It works by changing the way our brain and nervous system respond to pain while also reducing cough reflex. Since its effects are similar to heroin, Hydrocodone is sometimes referred to as prescription heroin.

Doctors usually prescribe Hydrocodone for pain relief after surgery or for severe pains like cancer or arthritis. It comes in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid, depending on the condition and age of the patient. Typically, it's not recommended that people take Hydrocodone for more than five days in a row.

One of the dangers of Hydrocodone is its addictive potential. It's why many doctors prescribe it only for short-term use. Overuse of the drug can result in dependence, tolerance, and even addiction. Addiction is when one becomes unable to live life without using Hydrocodone.

It's essential for people to read all the instructions in the label before taking the drug when prescribed. Hydrocodone often comes with side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and constipation. It's crucial to be aware of these potential side effects, especially if you are first-time users.

How commonly is Hydrocodone Abused?

Since it is the most commonly prescribed opioid drug in the US, it is also the most commonly abused. In 2011, the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) estimated that there were more than 82,000 emergency room incidents which are related to its non-medical use. In 2012, over 29,000 hydrocodone-related exposures and 36 deaths have been reported according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers. And in 2013, 4 million people over the age of 12 were reported using this drug for nonmedical purposes.

The abuse of this drug is not limited to adults. The 2014 Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey has found out that close to 6% of high school seniors had, at some point in their lives, used this narcotic without a prescription. One factor that may have caused this is that adolescents mistakenly think that this drug is safer than those illegal drugs sold on the streets because it is a prescription drug.