Hydrocodone Pictures And Important Facts You Need To Know

Hydrocodone is mainly used as an anti-cough agent and oral narcotic analgesic (pain reliever). This particular drug is available in the form of syrup, capsule, or tablet. It is taken orally, however injection methods are also available. By looking at various hydrocodone pictures, one will know that this semi-synthetic opioid is available in a variety of packaging, markings, and colors. There are many available brand names for hydrocodone which include Hycet, Lortab Maxidone, Anexsia, Norco, Lorcet, Liquicet, Polygesic, and Vicodin. In the Unites States alone, more than 200 products contain hydrocodone. You may check and see various hydrocodone pictures for you to become more knowledgeable about this drug.

Hydrocodone Addiction and Abuse

This particular drug has its medical purpose. However, excessive or abusive use may lead to addiction which can result to a serious health condition and miserable life. For the past years, hydrocodone abuse has been alarmingly increasing. The effects of this drug is similar to the effects of heroin or morphine. One 15mg of hydrocodone is equivalent to a 10-mg dose of morphine. When taken orally, this particular drug produces opiate-like effects and its effects usually last for a period of six hours. Hydrocodone pictures are available online for you to check and see that this drug comes in various colors and sizes.

Despite of its medical benefits, this drug is abused by every age group specifically teenagers due to its affordability. Hydrocodone is a cheap street drug known in various street names such as viko, vikes, hydro, and norco. You can purchase a pill which may range from $2 to $10. An 8 oz bottle of hydrocodone costs between $20 to $40. It is not surprising to know that hydrocodone addiction is very common. The population of those who get addicted to this drug increases by an average of 20% every year. Teenagers and adults can easily obtain hydrocodone because the prescriptions are easy. With this, people become quickly addicted because of its easy accessibility. You can see various hydrocodone pictures and see that this type of drug has similarities with other drugs when it comes to its sizes and packaging.

The Dangers of Hydrocone Addiction

When used in an abusive manner, this drug can cause physical and psychological side effects. It can impair a person's thinking or reactions specifically if it was not prescribed for a significant reason.

Why is hydrocodone becomes addictive? The answer to this is simple. Narcotics like this attach themselves to the opioid receptors. When these are attached to the receptors in a person's spinal cord, brain, and gastrointestinal tract, they alter the way in which a patient feels pain. Hydrocodone affects the person's ability to control sensory perceptions which include pleasure, which leads to a partial feeling of euphoria. This may lead to higher doses as time goes by. The body will demand for a higher dose of this drug in order to achieve the same effect. Abusers have been found to chew, crush, inject, or snort the drug.

Hydrocodone abuse can cause many adverse reactions. Misuse of this drug may lead to cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory arrest or depression, and circulatory depression. Other known adverse reactions are not limited to but may include cardiovascular system complications (billiary tract spasms and dry mouth), nervous system complications (euphoria, hallucinations, headaches, visual disturbances, uncoordinated muscle movements, transient hallucinations, tremors, weakness, convulsions, agitation, and dysphoria), genitourinary system complications (urinary retention), and allergic reactions (pruritus, urticaria, hypersensitivity, severe skin rashes, sweating).

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Anybody who is addicted to hydrocodone must do a step-down approach in getting off of hydrocodone. It is not advisable to stop the use of this drug abruptly because this can lead to serious side effects which include seizures and coma. The main option in treating the addiction is to slowly reduce the amount that a person takes. This must be continued until the patient has safely and successfully stopped using it. Withdrawal symptoms may include fever, watery eyes, depression, sneezing, extreme anxiety, sweating, restlessness, and extreme drug cravings.

In most cases, a person who is addicted to this particular drug may opt for a hydrocodone addiction treatment center. This type of center has the required facilities in order to limit the patient's access to the drug. The center can employ treatment options in order to help the patient with his or her recovery process. The user needs to maintain a special diet, the use of alternative medicines, and participate in a special cognitive-behavioral therapy.