Lortab Addiction: The Risks and Treatments

Lortab, a brand name of the substance Hydrocodone, is an opiate based pain relieving medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Like many narcotic prescription medications, Lortab has the potential to be addictive when used for an extended period of time. To avoid suffering from the extensive health risks associated with long term use, it is important to seek Lortab addiction treatment if you or a loved one become reliant on the substance.

The Health Risks of Lortab Addiction

Lortab is a powerful drug, and abuse of it can have harmful and potentially even fatal effects. The following are just a few of the health risks associated with Lortab:

- Common Side Effects

Side effects can occur with any level of Lortab use although they become more likely if the substance is taken persistently or in high concentrations. Like most other opiates, Lortab can cause nausea, vomiting, a dry mouth, and constipation. In some rare cases, use of the substance has also been linked to hearing loss.

- Liver Damage

Acetaminophen, one of the key ingredients in Lortab, is known to cause liver damage when taken in high doses, especially if it is consumed in addition to alcohol. If patients drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or have a previous history of liver problems, the likelihood of damage is especially high. The amount of acetaminophen that is suitable for a healthy person to use is between 1,000mg and 4,000mg per dose.

- Interference With Hormone Levels

Over time Lortab interferes with the production of testosterone, cortisol, female leutinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone. Low muscle mass, high body fat, irregular menstrual cycles, low bone mass, and increased risk of bone fracture are all knock on effects of this hormone interference.

- Overdose

Everyone's body reacts differently to medication, but the majority of people using Lortab will eventually build up a tolerance level to it. For those who are addicted, this could lead to taking dangerous quantities of the substance to achieve the same feeling of lightheadedness and euphoria. Unfortunately, an overdose of this type of medication can lead to difficulty breathing, cardiac arrest, and eventually even death.

Lortab Addiction Treatment

With such serious health consequences, getting immediate Lortab addiction treatment is vital. Thetreatment that is best for each individual will depend on the person's age, gender, and lifestyle, as well as the extent of their Lortab abuse. The following are some of the most effective treatment methods currently used:

- A Detoxification Program

The withdrawal symptoms of Lortab can be very extreme, but the exact severity will depend on the duration and level of substance abuse. The symptoms range from insomnia and muscle aches to depression and seizures, and the withdrawal process can last for as long as 72 hours. A medical detoxification program which controls that the withdrawal phase in a safe and supervised environment is regarded as the most effective way to go through the process.

- Rehabilitation Center

After detoxification has dealt with an individual's physical addition to Lortab, longer term rehabilitation is recommended. Inpatient rehabilitation centers are the ideal setting for those with serious addictions because the tightly controlled environment prevents access to drugs and prevents individuals from suffering a relapse. Patients get medical and emotional support all hours of the day and may also receive therapy sessions and lifestyle classes.

- Outpatient Care

Outpatient care usually centers on group or individual therapy sessions which can be attended in a patient's free time. This type of care is better suited to people who have a less serious addiction and need to keep up with other responsibilities like work or childcare. For people who have just ended a stay at a rehab center, outpatient treatment can be an usefull way of adjusting more easily back into everyday life.

- Alternative Treatments

Some rehab centers and outpatient facilities may also offer access to alternative treatments. Techniques like yoga, acupuncture, and meditation are used alongside herbal remedies to fight both the short term and long term effects of addiction.

Lortab addiction treatment has a high success rate when it is carried out in a well monitored care environment. Among Lortab addiction suffers denial is common, but with such serious negative health impacts, getting immediate advice from a medical professional is vital.