As you reach for the bottle of hydrocodone to relieve your pain, reflect for a moment on the dangers you may face. Prescription painkillers resulted in over 47,000 overdose deaths in 2017 alone. While hydrocodone offers relief, it can also lead to dependence, addiction, and even overdose when misused. Understanding the side effects before taking this powerful opioid can help you use it responsibly under your doctor’s care. With therapy and addiction treatment programs, hope exists even for those already struggling with dependence. Make informed choices to protect your health when prescribed hydrocodone.
- Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is combined with other ingredients like acetaminophen and marketed under brand names like Vicodin, Norco, and Lortab.
- This powerfully habit-forming drug carries serious risks of dependence, abuse, and overdose when misused. Seeking professional addiction treatment like psychotherapy, solution-focused therapy or prescription drug rehab programs is crucial to overcoming hydrocodone dependency safely.
Call Evoke Wellness at Waltham at (833)-287-7223 today.
Side Effects of Hydrocodone
The most common side effects of hydrocodone include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness and drowsiness. More serious risks involve slowed breathing, addiction and overdose.
1. Mild Side Effects
- Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, drowsiness or lightheadedness
- Headache, mood changes or anxiety
- Dry mouth, flushing or sweating
2. Severe Complications
- Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
- Confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
- Dependence, addiction and withdrawal
- Overdose, coma or death if misused
Stay alert for any concerning symptoms. Seek medical attention right away if effects worsen or do not improve.
Before Using
Prior to taking hydrocodone, it’s crucial to disclose your complete medical history and any existing conditions or medications to your healthcare provider. Hydrocodone may interact with certain drugs, exacerbating side effects.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of substance abuse, breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, mental illness, or recent head injury. Hydrocodone use during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby, so discuss the potential risks and benefits with your obstetrician.
Precautions
Before taking hydrocodone, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor and disclose your complete medical history. Hydrocodone can interact with other medications, supplements, or health conditions, potentially leading to severe side effects.
Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while under the influence of hydrocodone, as it can impair your ability to function safely. Hydrocodone should also be used with caution in older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with liver or kidney problems.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Program
At Evoke Wellness at Waltham, we offer comprehensive treatment programs for addiction to prescription opioids like hydrocodone. Our approach combines psychotherapy, solution-focused therapy, and person-centered care.
1. Psychotherapy Program
Through individual and group counseling sessions, patients explore the root causes and triggers behind their addiction. Cognitive-behavioral techniques help reframe thoughts and behaviors. Our psychotherapy program employs evidence-based techniques like solution-focused and person-centered therapies. These help patients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and build a robust support system for sustained recovery. Therapists work closely with each individual to create personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
2. Person-Centered Therapy
Our compassionate therapists provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Patients gain self-awareness and develop coping strategies tailored to their needs.
Person-centered therapy focuses on creating an empathetic, non-judgmental environment. This approach encourages clients to gain self-awareness, self-acceptance and self-direction. Therapists provide unconditional positive regard, aiming to help clients find their own solutions through self-actualization.
The client-centered relationship nurtures personal growth by emphasizing the client’s frame of reference. With empathy and genuineness, therapists help unveil the client’s true self, facilitating their journey towards becoming a fully functioning person.
3. Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy helps individuals identify their desired outcomes. This short-term approach concentrates on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Therapists assist clients in envisioning how their lives could improve. Through questioning and goal-setting exercises, they collaboratively construct a concrete plan. This empowering method builds motivation for positive change.
4. Prescription Drug Addiction Treatment Program
The path to recovery from prescription drug addiction starts with a comprehensive treatment program. Psychotherapy plays a vital role, with approaches like solution-focused and person-centered therapy guiding individuals to develop coping strategies. Professional counseling combines with medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. Support groups provide community and accountability throughout the journey. Evoke Wellness offers a holistic treatment program tailored to each person’s unique needs and circumstances.
FAQ on Side Effects of Hydrocodone
Common Side Effects
The most frequent side effects of hydrocodone include constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drowsiness. You may experience dry mouth, headaches, or mood changes.
Serious Side Effects
Seek medical help if you have shallow breathing, seizures, confusion, severe stomach pain, or signs of an allergic reaction like swelling or hives. Long-term abuse can lead to addiction.
Conclusion
As we’ve explored, hydrocodone abuse is a growing concern nationwide. With overdose deaths rising and addiction rates soaring, it’s crucial we educate ourselves on the risks of this potent prescription opioid. By learning to identify problematic use, supporting loved ones in seeking treatment, and advocating for responsible prescribing policies, each of us can play a part in curbing this epidemic. There are many evidence-based treatment options, including inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, support groups, and medication-assisted therapies. No one has to face addiction alone. Help and hope are available if we reach out. Together, through compassion and action, we can work to prevent the devastating effects of hydrocodone and build healthier communities.
Begin Your Journey with Evoke Wellness at Waltham
If you or a loved one is considering outpatient treatment, Evoke Wellness at Waltham invites you to contact us. Our compassionate team is ready to answer your questions, discuss your needs, and help you take the first steps toward recovery. At Evoke Wellness, you will find more than just a treatment program – you’ll discover a community dedicated to your wellness and success. Together, let’s embrace the journey to recovery and the promise of a new beginning. Call us at (833)-287-7223 today or reach out online.
