Hydrocodone Addiction Intervention and Treatment in California
Hydrocodone addiction intervention and drug rehab options in California include medically supervised withdrawal management, medication-assisted treatment, and other drug detox options. Residential and outpatient drug rehab is also available to offer extensive counseling and therapy. When searching for a drug rehab program in California to treat hydrocodone addiction, there are different options for the family to consider. Initially, a family should access drug rehab through their health insurance plan. Most private and state health insurance plans cover some portion of drug rehab. However, the extent of coverage and what is paid for depends on the health insurance plan type. Another option to consider is an addiction assessment with a qualified healthcare professional. The purpose of an addiction assessment is to determine the severity and extent of addiction and what the best drug rehab methods are to treat the individual’s addiction. No single form of drug rehab in California is right for every person, and treatment interventions and settings should meet the needs of the addict.
What is Hydrocodone, and How is it Used?
Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain medication and a cough suppressant that is similar to codeine. The drug blocks the receptors on nerve cells in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. Frequently, hydrocodone and acetaminophen are combined to achieve pain relief, and brand names include Vicodin and Lortab. Hydrocodone is often used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain, but it is also prescribed as a cough suppressant. Because hydrocodone is an opioid, it has the potential to cause physical and psychological addiction, leading to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. Hydrocodone is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid form. The dose of hydrocodone ranges from 2.5mg to 10mg, and the dose of acetaminophen ranges between 300 and 750 mg. Medically supervised drug detox programs in California help patients safely withdrawal from any dose of hydrocodone.
Typically, hydrocodone combinations are used to treat moderate to severe pain, and others are used to treat cough. Hydrocodone requires a prescription, yet like many other opioids, the drug is gotten illegally through doctor shopping, black market sales, and street-level drug dealers. Hydrocodone treats pain by changing the way the central nervous system responds to pain signals. The drug treats cough by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing. The drug is available in both short-acting and long-acting or extended-release forms of pain control. The hydrocodone tablets, capsules, and syrups are abused by opioid addicts.
What are The Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction?
Hydrocodone addiction or dependency is a common problem for many Americans. Most people become dependent on prescription hydrocodone because they are using a prescription longer than needed. Opioid addicts use hydrocodone when available, and most opioid addicts began their addiction with a prescription for hydrocodone. Drug rehab centers and drug detox centers in California are equipped to treat any severity of hydrocodone addiction. Some of the symptoms of hydrocodone addiction include taking the drug in a higher volume or over a greater period of time than planned. The individual has an ongoing desire to stop using hydrocodone but has been unable to cut down on use. There is a substantial amount of time spent accessing and using the drug.
Additionally, the person experiences strong urges to use hydrocodone, and as a result of their drug use, they are not able to fulfill responsibilities. The ongoing use of hydrocodone can cause social or relationship problems or exacerbate tensions in relationships. Someone addicted to hydrocodone will no longer place an importance on their family, social, and work life. Like any other addiction, the individual continues to use hydrocodone despite the physical or psychological issues it creates. Continued use of hydrocodone results in tolerance and dependence, and when the individual stops using the drug, they experience withdrawal symptoms. It is critical for family and friends to be aware of these signs and symptoms of hydrocodone abuse. The risk of overdose increases the longer an individual is using pain medication.
What are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Hydrocodone Use?
The initial short-term effects of hydrocodone use include slowed heart-rate, constipation, weight loss or gain, fever, anxiety, headaches, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and nasal congestion. Hydrocodone abuse can be associated with seizures, depression, fear, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. The long-term use of hydrocodone leads to tolerance, dependence, and addiction. In addition, the risk of overdose increases. When hydrocodone is used with other medications or alcohol, the individual is at risk of breathing problems, sedation, and coma. Drugs that have dangerous interactions include benzodiazepines, other pain medications, alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers. Drug rehab centers and drug detox centers in California are equipped to treat hydrocodone dependence and addiction. Seeking drug rehab is critical because any addiction quickly spirals out of control without help.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment and Detox in California
Treating hydrocodone addiction involves proper medical detox and withdrawal management, residential drug rehab, and outpatient drug treatment programs. The first step is a medically supervised drug detox in California. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, increased tearing, runny nose, muscle aches, agitation, insomnia, yawning, and sweating. Withdrawal symptoms that occur later during detox include nausea, vomiting, dilated pupils, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and goosebumps. Medical detox is important for opioid addiction because withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable. However, drug detox should not be considered the only approach.
The next phase of drug rehabilitation in California for hydrocodone addiction involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab center. Residential drug rehab is the better option because more therapy and counseling options are provided. Common behavioral therapy approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. Some drug rehab programs in California use holistic therapies and faith-based approaches that are incorporated with behavioral therapy. It is also critical to consider aftercare support, like 12-step meetings, peer support groups, or sober living housing.
Family Intervention for Hydrocodone Addiction in California
Someone struggling with hydrocodone addiction may not admit they have an addiction or ask for help. Family intervention in California is the best option to help a drug-addicted family member accept drug rehab. The best way to organize a family intervention is by hiring a professional interventionist. Family, friends, and the interventionist come together to confront the drug-addicted family member about their drug use. A family intervention motivates the individual to accept help and attend a drug rehab center. Unfortunately, opioid addiction impacts people throughout California. In 2018, California providers wrote 35.1 opioid prescriptions for every 100 people—Compared to the U.S. average; this was much lower. However, in California, an estimated 45% of drug overdose deaths involved opioids in 2018.
Sources-
NIDA. “Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 27 May. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
NIDA. “California: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3 Apr. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/california-opioid-involved-deaths-related-harms
