What Is Hydrocodone Addiction?
Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid commonly used to treat moderate to severe pain. While it can be effective when taken as directed for a short period, hydrocodone’s powerful effects also make it prone to misuse and abuse. When someone repeatedly takes hydrocodone for nonmedical reasons — or continues taking it beyond what a doctor prescribes — they can become physically and psychologically dependent on it. This cycle of misuse can lead to addiction, a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking, persistent use and an inability to stop despite harmful consequences.
Opioid pain relievers like hydrocodone work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and body, blocking pain signals and producing feelings of euphoria. Over time, these changes can alter a person’s brain chemistry, making it difficult for them to experience pleasure or function normally without the drug. People who develop a hydrocodone addiction may prioritize using or obtaining the medication above all else, damaging their careers, relationships and health in the process.
Additionally, once a person has become dependent on hydrocodone, stopping or reducing use can produce intense withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, anxiety and irritability. These uncomfortable symptoms can discourage someone from quitting on their own, further cementing the addiction. Professional treatment programs can help individuals detox safely and develop strategies to maintain recovery in the long term.
Hydrocodone Addiction and Its Effects on the Body
As an opioid, hydrocodone slows down certain bodily functions. This can help individuals who experience severe pain, but it also places significant stress on major organ systems, especially with repeated misuse. Over time, the body becomes increasingly tolerant to hydrocodone, requiring higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same pain relief or euphoric effects. This escalates a person’s risk of overdose and long-term organ damage.
Treatment Can Be Life Changing. Reach out today.
Some of the physical effects of long-term hydrocodone use include:
- Liver Damage: Many hydrocodone formulations (such as Vicodin, Norco and Lortab) include acetaminophen, which can be toxic to the liver in high doses. Taking larger amounts than prescribed — or mixing hydrocodone-acetaminophen combinations with other substances like alcohol — heightens the risk of severe liver damage or failure.
- Respiratory Depression: Opioids slow breathing by blocking specific receptors in the brain stem. When hydrocodone is taken at high doses, it can dangerously reduce breathing rates, potentially leading to hypoxia, coma or death.
- Cardiovascular Stress: Opioid abuse can impact heart function, and individuals with existing heart conditions can face heightened risks. Prolonged use may also lead to an irregular heartbeat or exacerbate hypertension.
- Gastrointestinal Complications: Chronic hydrocodone use can cause persistent constipation, nausea and vomiting. Over time, these ongoing issues can disrupt normal digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Long-term opioid use has been associated with lower sex hormone levels (e.g., testosterone), which can lead to fatigue, depression, lower libido and other health concerns.
Beyond these physical harms, hydrocodone addiction affects mental and emotional well-being. Dependence on the drug can result in intense cravings, mood swings, irritability and difficulty concentrating. Social or interpersonal consequences often follow, including strained relationships, legal issues, missed work or job loss, and financial instability. The psychological toll can be significant, and many people struggling with addiction experience deep shame or guilt that further isolates them from the support they need.
Immediate Effects of Hydrocodone Misuse and Abuse
Misusing hydrocodone, even over a short period, can have immediate consequences. While each person’s experience differs based on factors like body mass, overall health, tolerance and dosage, common short-term effects include:
- Euphoria and Relaxation: The initial effects often include feelings of pleasure, relaxation and a release from pain. This can quickly become a reason for repeated use.
- Drowsiness and Sedation: Opioids slow the central nervous system, causing profound drowsiness and sometimes sedation. This makes everyday tasks like driving dangerous.
- Slowed Breathing: Even a single large dose of hydrocodone can significantly slow breathing, potentially leading to respiratory depression.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Many people experience gastrointestinal upset, especially when they first begin taking hydrocodone or take it at high doses.
- Itching and Flushing: Opioids can trigger the release of histamine, leading to itching, flushing or sweating.
- Constipation: One of the hallmark side effects of opioids is slowed bowel motility, which causes constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Any of these effects can be amplified when hydrocodone is combined with other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax) or illegal drugs. Mixing substances increases the risk of dangerous interactions, including severe respiratory depression or overdose. If an overdose occurs, it is a life-threatening medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Types Of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is sold in various formulations, often combined with acetaminophen. Each product may differ in dosage, composition and duration of action. Below are some of the most common brand names and formulations:
Vicodin
Vicodin is one of the most recognizable brands of hydrocodone. It contains a combination of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. Typically prescribed for moderate to severe pain, Vicodin can be misused due to its ability to produce euphoria, especially at higher doses. Chronic misuse of Vicodin raises the risk of liver damage from excess acetaminophen as well as the usual risks associated with opioid misuse, such as respiratory depression and addiction.
Norco
Norco is another popular combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen but usually contains less acetaminophen per dose compared to older formulations of Vicodin. While this can slightly reduce the risk of liver toxicity, Norco still carries significant risks of addiction, overdose and other complications if taken improperly or in excessive amounts.
Lortab
Lortab also contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen, with varying strengths available. Like Vicodin and Norco, Lortab is typically prescribed to treat short-term pain from surgeries or injuries. When used regularly over a long period, or at doses higher than recommended, addiction can rapidly develop. The acetaminophen component also poses a risk of liver damage when misused.
Zohydro
Zohydro is an extended-release hydrocodone formulation that does not contain acetaminophen. Because Zohydro is formulated for around-the-clock pain relief, it is more potent than many immediate-release medications. Zohydro carries a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially if crushed or otherwise manipulated to produce a more intense high. People who misuse Zohydro may take higher doses than prescribed or combine it with other substances, greatly increasing the risk of overdose.
Hydrocodone Addiction Statistics
The opioid crisis in the United States has received extensive media coverage and government attention due to rising addiction and overdose rates. Hydrocodone, being one of the most frequently prescribed and misused opioids, has played a significant role in this crisis. Here are some notable statistics:
- Prescription Opioid Misuse: According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), millions of Americans misuse prescription pain relievers each year. Hydrocodone consistently ranks among the top opioids involved in misuse.
- Overdose Deaths: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that nearly 247,000 Americans died from overdoses involving prescription opioids from 1999 to 2019. Although changes in prescribing practices have contributed to a decrease in prescriptions, hydrocodone continues to be implicated in thousands of overdose deaths annually.
- Economic Impact: The opioid epidemic, fueled in part by hydrocodone abuse, costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year in healthcare expenses, lost productivity and costs associated with the criminal justice system.
- Transition to Illicit Drugs: Those addicted to hydrocodone sometimes turn to heroin or synthetic opioids like fentanyl if their prescriptions run out or become too expensive. This transition often increases the risk of overdose due to unpredictable potency and adulteration of street drugs.
It is important to recognize that these statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives affected by addiction. Families, employers and communities feel the strain of the opioid crisis. By understanding these statistics, we can better appreciate the scope of the problem and the importance of prevention, early intervention and accessible treatment.
If you are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, it might be time for professional treatment. The experts at The Recovery Village Palm Beach at Baptist Health are able to identify and treat substance use disorders as well as other co-occurring mental health conditions. Contact us today to learn more about treatment programs that can work well for you.
