Hydrococet
Hydrococet is a brand-name narcotic opiate drug that is medically prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. The generic form of Hydrococet is hydrocodone. This drug can also treat chronic pain and reduce fevers. Hydrococet works on the central nervous system to disrupt pain signals to the brain. A combination of hydrocodone and the analgesic acetaminophen is used to make the drug Hydrocet, also used for moderate pain.
Hydrococet is classified as a Schedule 2 Drug by the DEA. This drug classification has the potential for abuse but also has accepted medical uses for which it is legally sold and prescribed by doctors. These drugs, however, can be extremely addictive. Schedule 2 drugs, such as Hydrococet, also include narcotics such as oxycodone in their class of medicines that have a powerful ability for becoming addictive.
Hydrococet, as one of the brand names for hydrocodone, goes by the same street names as that drug does. Those who become addicted or dependent on Hydrococet know this drug by these slang terms:
- Vikes
- Viko
- Hydro
- Norco
- Watsons
- 357s
- Perks
Hydrococet is a drug of choice for some because it gives a person the sensations of euphoria and feelings of blissful apathy to things or people around them. Those who become addicted to Hydrococet will often show certain symptoms and signs, but these signs can be difficult to interpret and connect to Hydrococet addiction unless carefully observed over time. The symptoms of Hydrococet dependence and addiction include:
- Distancing oneself from family and friends
- Spending a lot of time alone and isolated
- Using up money more quickly than usual
- Having mood swings
- Looking dazed and confused
- Losing the ability to focus on anything
- Suddenly changing social activities
- Exhibiting strong cravings for Hydrococet and concentrating time and money on getting refills for the drug
History and Trends of Hydrococet
A pharmaceutical company in Germany in the 1920s first formulated Hydrococet. Its generic name is hydrocodone. Today, Hydrococet is often formulated with acetaminophen, to achieve a high-performing narcotic pain reliever. This substance has found its way to being used recreationally and illegally by those seeking a euphoric high when Hydrococet is used at stronger doses than prescribed. It can give users a pleasant numbing and tingling sensation in the body and is highly addictive.
Roughly 4.5 million Americans are addicted to prescription painkillers such as Hydrococet and other narcotic opioids. Addicts will often go “doctor shopping” to gain access to greater and greater doses of the drug. They will obtain a variety of prescriptions by visiting different physicians and getting them filled at different pharmacies.
The side effects of abusing Hydrococet can be painful and very dangerous. Some of the consequences of abusing this drug include:
- Slow heart rate, lowered blood pressure
- Seizures
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Weakness
- Constipation
Hydrococet is one of the painkillers most often being abused in America. It is on a level with oxycodone as being the most abused substance for addict use. In some states, Hydrococet, or hydrocodone, is in front of oxycodone in terms of drug misuse statistics.
Abuse and Addiction
When Hydrococet is used for a long period of time, it can establish a psychological or physical dependence. Those who become physically dependent upon Hydrococet can have dangerous and painful withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it suddenly.
The effects of Hydrococet abuse are such that the relief from pain that the drug offers may lead the body to alter how it processes the drug. A person may believe that their body definitely requires the drug in order to get through any particular day, even if pain is not present. When a person realizes they need a higher and stronger dose in order to feel the initial effects they first experienced when taking Hydrococet, they may increase this initial dosage, leading to the possibility of addiction and abuse.
Treatment
There are programs available for recovery from Hydrococet addiction. Residential or outpatient programs exist to help those who have developed a serious dependency upon this drug. In a residential rehab program, patients live at the facility for the program’s duration, which can be anywhere from 28 to 90 days. An outpatient rehab treatment program lets patients live at home during treatment, coming into the facility for counseling and different programs such as group therapy.
The isolated environment of a residential program is most effective for those addicted to Hydrococet. This allows them to focus solely upon recovery without distractions and gives them the ability to deal effectively with withdrawal symptoms.
Usually, medical professionals are on staff at both treatment center types to alleviate withdrawal symptoms while the body detoxifies from stopping Hydrococet intake. These withdrawal symptoms can include painful muscle aches and the inability to sleep. The average stay at an inpatient detox center is 30 days, though some may need longer periods for severe addictions, with 90 days being the optimal for maintaining sobriety.