HYDROCODONE
Background of Hydrocodone
Are you aware of Hydrocodone? Hydrocodone is a cough medicine and an analgesic drug. Hydrocone suppresses cough and reduces pain by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Hydrocodone is a combination of an opioid analgesic.
Hydrocodone abuse has been increasing in recent years. Hydrocodone can produce a euphoric condition. Hydrocodone has an equal efficiency for control of pain like that of morphine. In addition to this, the drug Hydrocodone is structurally related to codeine, which is used as a painkiller, anti-cough and anti-diarrhea drug.
Hydrocodone is usually found in combination with other drugs. These drugs include ibuprofen, aspirin, paracetamol and antihistamines. Hydrocodone is considered as an addictive drug that can lead to mental and physical dependence. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Hydrocodone, a mixture of synthetic codeine and acetaminophen (paracetamol), is the most abused prescription drug in the United States.
History of Hydrocodone
The German pharmaceutical company, Knoll, was the early manufacturers of the drug, Hydrocodone. During that time, the company believed that by combining hydrogen and codeine molecule, it will produce less toxicity and becomes easier on the stomach. The National Research Council of the United States studied new different compounds, in order to find a less addictive painkiller.
The pharmacologist, Dr. Nathan Eddy, studied 350 drugs. He tested the analgesic effects of the drugs to animals. Through a series of testing the drug with animals, he came up with a result implying that Hydrocodone was an effective painkiller with predictable side effects. He noted that Hydrocodone was a good cough suppressant, though it had the risk of addiction due to its inducement of euphoria. Dr. Nathan Eddy also found out that the use of Hydrocodone repeatedly can lead to dependence on the drug.
In the late 1980s other medical groups, as well as the American Medical Association, issued guidelines to physicians promoting more insistent prescribing, to lessen the painful sufferings of truthful pain patients. Pharmaceutical manufacturers sold samples of Hydrocodone, sold as Vicodin. The drug became even affordable and, as time passed by, reports of addiction came about. Constant abuse can cause liver problems, especially if the Hydrocodone is combined with acetaminophen.
Application of Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone comes in different colors, packaging, and variety of markings. Hydrocodone comes in the form of tablets, capsules and liquid. It could be taken as a pill or a cough syrup. Other Hydrocodone users take the drug by snorting, or by dissolving in water and injecting as heroin.
Hydrocodones with more than 15 mg per unit dose, as well as pure Hydrocodone, are considered Schedule II drugs in the United States. On the other hand, Hydrocodone with less than or equal to 15 mg per dose in combination with acetaminophen or another non-controlled drug, which are called Hydrocodone compounds, are considered Schedule III drugs.
Side Effects of Hydrocodone
The usual side effects of Hydrocodone include allergic reaction, anxiety, blood disorders, changes in mood, constipation, difficulty in urinating, dizziness, drowsiness, dry throat, euphoria, feelings of depression, irregular or depressed respiration, lethargy, light-headedness, mental fogginess, nausea, rash, reduction of appetite, sedation, stomach pain, spasm of the ureter, unusual fatigue and vomiting.
Symptoms of Hydrocodone Overdose
The indications of overdosage of Hydrocodone include bluish tinge on the skin, cold and moist skin, coma, confusion, difficulty in breathing. difficulty in hearing, dizziness, feelings of illness, intense sleepiness, heart problems, hypotension, kidney problems, limp muscles, liver failure, low blood pressure, nausea, slow heartbeat and vomiting. On the other hand, cardiac arrest, coma, and even death, may be experienced due to severe overdose of Hydrocodone.
Abuse of Hydrocodone
Abuse of Hydrocodone is associated with tolerance, dependence and possible addiction. The drug, Hydrocodone, is abused for its opioid effects. The selling of Hydrocodone pills is widespread. A person by false call-in prescriptions, misused prescriptions, theft and illegal purchases from internet sources are made easier by the present controls placed on hydrocodone products. It has been studied that Hydrocodone is normally abused orally, often in combination with alcohol. An individual becomes addicted to the drug because it is habit-forming. Studies imply that some individuals who abuse very high doses of hydrocodone products with paracetamol may be safe from liver toxicity if they have been chronically taking these drugs and have escalated their dose slowly over a long period of time.
Individuals, who are abusers of Hydrocodone, are most likely in the age of twenty to forty years old. Nevertheless, Hydrocodone-related deaths have been reported from every age grouping.
Hydrocodone Rehabilitation Patients’ Statements on Malibu Horizon
The identities of the people writing these statements in support of truths about their rehabilitation have been refrained from giving to protect their inalienable right to privacy. The foregoing names are fictional names of the author’s own choosing.
"When I was sick, I can’t stand the pain. I was tempted to use Hydrocodone as a painkiller. Time passed without noticing that I’m getting addicted to it. My mom helped me through Malibu Horizon, and they believed that there’s a hope for me. Thanks guys! Thank you so much!" –Liza
"I was a Hydrocodone user. I can’t stop myself from using the drug until time came that I got addicted to it. My family and friends were there for me; they introduced Malibu Horizon to me. And that was the end of my torment. Malibu Horizon was very helpful. I’m so grateful that Malibu Horizon came into my life and rescued me. I owe my life to you Malibu Horizon!" —Timmy
"I thought it was the last day of my life. I didn’t know what to do. I almost had an overdose of Hydrocodone. The doctors helped me out and Malibu Horizon was there to change me. Now I feel like a renewed person and Malibu Horizon played a big role in my transformation. Thank you Malibu Horizon for the time worth spending!" —Claudia
"I’m a Hydrocodone addiction survivor and my parents were happy they have me back. That would not be possible without the help of the staff of Malibu Horizon. They have been my friends and I salute them. Malibu Horizon thanks a lot!" —Victor