Lortab Addiction Statistics and Facts.

Lortab is a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone that is commonly prescribed as a pain reliever for patients who have moderate to severe pain. It has to be prescribed by a physician in order to receive, although there are many people who obtain it illegally. Lortab addiction is becoming an increasingly large problem in the United States because of how easy it is to get a hold of. Addictions can start with improper use or even by individuals who started taking it for legitimate reasons.

Lortab Addiction

Users who become addicted to Lortab often have extremely difficult times quitting it. This is due to some withdrawal symptoms that can often be severe. Many people who try to quit end up relapsing soon after because the withdrawal is too much to handle. This can easily lead to an overdose, which can mean death or a number of major health problems. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Goose bumps
• Chills
• Agitation
• Sweating
• Fever

These will start to occur when Lortab dosages are decrease or ceased all together. Withdrawal isn't necessarily a sign that someone was abusing this drug; it just depends on the person. any people feel withdrawal after they have taken this for long periods of time. Their body gets used to the drug and will feel unhealthy without it until it's completely passed out of the system.

Once an addiction has fully started to develop, the body will demand more if it over time. This is due to the body developing a tolerance to the drugs that are in Lortab and needing more to provide it with the same effects. This is one of the most abused prescription drugs in the entire country. There are users of all ages and many people who die from it as a result of overdose. Some Lortab addiction statistics include:

- 3 months is the general length of time someone has to spend in rehab in order to beat Lortab addiction. This will vary based on the person and their body, but 3 months is the average amount of time.

- Signs that someone is addicted to Lortab include: nausea, vomiting, confusion, stomach cramps and trouble sleeping.

- In 2010 a study showed that 2.7% of 8th graders had used this drug for non-medical use. This report by the Monitoring the Future Survey also found that 7.7% of 10th graders and 8% of 12 graders used it non-medically as well.

- Most people who are addicted to Lortab obtain it illegally through fake prescriptions.

- Many people lie to their doctor in order to obtain prescriptions from their doctor.

- These are some of the most trafficked drugs in the country.

- In 2009 a study done by the American Association of Poison Control Centers found that there were 27.753 exposures to this drug. This study also found that 31 deaths in 2009 were reported due to use.

- A 2009 study by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that over 23.5 million people had used this type of drug for reasons unrelated to medical issues. This same survey also found that over 86,000 emergency room visits were due to the use of this type of drug under various brand names.

When individuals who use Lortab develop a high tolerance, they will continue to increase dosage. This easily leads to addiction and can mean not being able to give up the drug without a fight. Individuals who do not stop taking this type of drug can end up with loss of control over their entire life. One of the best parts about going to rehab is that patients are surrounded by medical professionals who can provide them with support and medical care to help overcome withdrawal symptoms.

This addiction is becoming a bigger problem as each year passes. Fewer people are willing to get help because they feel this is an addiction they can treat on their own without the help of a doctor. Here are some recovery statistics for Lortab and drug rehab centers:

• 45% of patients that came in for addiction had never been to treatment in the past
• 41% fully completed their rehab treatment
• 34% admitted themselves into treatment
• 35% were put into rehab as suggested by the court

The study that found these statistics was done by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association.