While there may be some people who do not consider hydrocodone a narcotic, they are few and far between. This is particularly true with this substance becoming more commonly abused throughout the United States.

There are many drugs that contain hydrocodone, with Vicodin one of the most common. Despite the fact that doctors only prescribe this medication to people with severe pain caused by an injury or disease, it often times makes its way into the wrong hands.

An addiction to hydrocodone can occur even when a person is taking this drug under the watchful eye of a medical professional. When somebody decides to take the substance on their own, the chance of an addiction and subsequent issues is greater.

Here are some signs that you or a loved one is abusing hydrocodone:

• You are taking the drug despite the fact that it was not prescribed by a doctor
• You use the medication in a manner other than what is recommended by your medical team
• You increase the dosage without consent
• You take the medication for longer than what you are supposed to

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Abuse

There are many signs and symptoms of hydrocodone abuse, but some can be difficult to pinpoint as these can and will vary from one person to the next.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Seeking frequent refills of the drug
• Financial problems due to the illegal purchase of hydrocodone
• Changes in social activity, such as quitting hobbies that were previously enjoyed
• Mood swings
• Social withdrawal
• Visiting multiple doctors in an attempt to get more than one prescription

Hydrocodone Statistics

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), 37 deaths were associated with hydrocodone use in 2011. On top of this, more than 23 million people in the United States, age 12 or older, have used this drug for non-medical purposes at some point during their life

The definition of narcotic, as defined by Google dictionary, is as follows:

“A drug or other substance affecting mood or behavior and sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one..”

There are definite benefits of hydrocodone use when prescribed by a medical professional. When used illegally, however, it can have a negative impact on the person who is using the drug, often times lead to an addiction and in the most serious cases, death.