Signs of Hydrocodone Abuse
Hydrocodone addiction symptoms include physical and behavioral effects. Developing physical dependence and tolerance are possible with hydrocodone use. Physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms, may develop within a few days of hydrocodone use but is more common with regular use for several weeks or more. Because it is possible for tolerance to occur, people addicted to hydrocodone may need to gradually increase the dose and frequency of use to achieve a euphoric high and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Habitual hydrocodone users may swing back-and-forth between a relaxed state and an irritable state when withdrawal symptoms start. Knowing the signs of hydrocodone abuse and addiction is important in recognizing a substance use disorder and providing a path to recovery from hydrocodone abuse.
Physical Signs
The physical signs of hydrocodone addiction and abuse include the physical effects of using the substance and also the physical symptoms of withdrawal.
The physical effects of hydrocodone use include:
- Pinpoint pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Slowed digestion leading to constipation
- Poor coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
The physical symptoms of withdrawal from hydrocodone include:
- Vomiting
- Muscle or bone pain
- Feeling itchy
- Feeling nervous
- Chills
- Insomnia
Behavioral Signs
In addition to the physical signs of hydrocodone’s use, certain behaviors can indicate substance use disorder. The behavioral signs of hydrocodone abuse and addiction include drug-seeking behaviors associated with addiction as well as behaviors resulting from the psychological effects of hydrocodone. Because hydrocodone is only available by prescription, there is widespread diversion and theft caused by people attempting to obtain the highly regulated medication.
Behaviors due to psychological effects of hydrocodone include:
- Mood changes; happiness and passiveness during the high followed by irritability and aggressiveness from the onset of withdrawal
- Slowed thinking and poor decision making
- Hiding needle marks from the view of others
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Decreased motivation
- Abandonment of routine responsibilities
Drug-seeking behaviors associated with hydrocodone addiction include:
- Disregarding personal safety or interpersonal relationships to use hydrocodone
- Compulsive desire to use hydrocodone to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Stealing money or belongings to maintain the financial means to buy hydrocodone
- Seeing different doctors to get prescriptions for hydrocodone, also known as “doctor-shopping”
- Filling prescriptions at different pharmacies, especially pharmacies in different bordering states to evade detection on state-based prescription monitoring programs
- Stealing prescription pain medications from the medicine cabinets of friends and family