Do you feel you have lost control over your use of the opiate painkiller hydrocodone? Abusing medications containing hydrocodone can lead to the development of a tolerance, abuse and physical and psychological dependence. Hydrocodone is most often used for pain relief or cough suppression. It can be used in combination with other substances such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin. Some of these product combinations include Vicodin, Lortab and Lorcet. As with all opiate medications, the development of a tolerance can be swift and lead many down a path of risky behavior. Once this develops, the normal dose is no longer able to produce the desired effects. This causes many to escalate use and chase the rewarding feelings or pain relief they’ve become accustomed to. Abuse of hydrocodone medications or other opiates can be defined as any behavior that contradicts the products’ labels that give specific directions on use and warnings. Living under the control of a substance such as hydrocodone can be debilitating, leading to serious health, legal and personal problems.

Warning Signs of Potential Hydrocodone Abuse

The risk of abuse and dependence is real when it comes to opiates which can be highly addictive. The drug can be easily diverted and sold on the black market. Common actions among abusers can include doctor-shopping to secure more than one supply, fake call-ins for refills and falsification of prescriptions. Abuse can include overuse, tampering with the medication or combining it with other substances to heighten the effects. Hydrocodone is a central nervous system depressant. Combining it with other medications that have the same effect can be lethal. These can include alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers and other opiates. A preoccupation with consuming or obtaining hydrocodone can be an indication that physical and/or psychological dependence has developed.

Hydrocodone Treatment Can Be Safe, Effective and Humane

Opiate medications are typically front-line treatments in the war on pain relief but even therapeutic use can turn to abuse. Our patients in the Waismann Method program did not set out to become addicted and we don’t waste time using shame or guilt in treating the addiction. The Waismann Method of Accelerated Neuro-Regulation is performed in an accredited hospital under close supervision of doctors and other professionals. Our humane procedure takes less than two hours and uses medicine to cleanse hydrocodone from patients’ opiate receptors. This happens while they sleep under light sedation administered by board-certified anesthesiologists. The withdrawal phase is accelerated and occurs while the patient is sedated. They awake opiate-free without awareness of withdrawal symptoms that occurred while they were out. We don’t use opiate replacements such as Suboxone or methadone in our treatment. The entire hospital stay is a few days, getting patients back on their feet in much less time than traditional drug treatment programs. Domus Retreat, our transitional living facility, is also available for those who wish to continue their recovery in a safe, confidential environment.