Help for Norco Addicts
Hear from others who have loved ones facing addiction.
Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as that which accompanies dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased risk for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
There are several treatment options available for recovery from addiction, which target both the psychological and physiological drug dependence associated with addiction.
Is It Addictive?
Norco is the brand name for a prescription medication combining the following drugs:
- Hydrocodone – Similar to codeine, this drug is an opiate narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antitussive (cough suppressant).
- Acetaminophen – This drug is an anti-pyretic (fever reducing) analgesic, and often acts as a supplemental agent to enhance the pain-relieving effects of other drugs.
Norco is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that:
- It carries a high potential for abuse.
- It may lead to psychological and/or physical dependence.
While psychological dependence is unlikely to develop with only short-term use of the drug, repeated administration of the medication, especially at doses higher than recommended, can significantly increase this risk.
What are the Signs of Addiction?
Addiction to a substance is the result of both physical and psychological dependence on the drug.
[/box]
Common Signs of Norco Addiction
Some of the most common signs of addiction include:
- Changes in mood, including irritability, depression, or other unpredictable mood shifts.
- Erratic behavior.
- Loss of interest in usual or previously pleasurable activities.
- Social withdrawal or isolation.
- Changes in interpersonal relationships.
- Obsession with the drug.
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Withdrawal symptoms when Norco use stops.
- Altering the prescribed dose (taking more than what is prescribed).
- Using the drug for recreation or without a prescription.
- Using additional substances—such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or stimulants—at the same time to enhance the effects of the drug.
- Visiting multiple doctors to obtain Norco prescriptions – a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “doctor shopping”.
Hydrocodone addiction doesn’t have to control your life. If you or someone you know is battling a Norco dependency, get help today. Call 1-888-708-0796 to discuss treatment options.
Am I Addicted to Norco?
One of the most obvious signs that you may be struggling with Norco addiction is an obsessive mental preoccupation with the drug. For example:
- You may find yourself constantly thinking and obsessing about taking the drug.
- You may spend a large portion of your time attempting to obtain the drug.
- Norco use may become a top priority – above family, friends, and even their career.
- You may isolate yourself socially.
- Your mood and behavior may become erratic and unpredictable.
Addiction Treatment
Given that Norco addiction has both psychological and physical components, it is important that the treatment program address both.
Detoxification
The first step to treatment for addiction is to detox the body from the drug from the drug. Most addiction treatment centers have professional medical personnel and other trained staff that will assist with the detoxification process and increase your comfort as much as possible.
There are some medications available that may ease some of the more severe and intolerable symptoms of withdrawal. The duration of the detoxification period will vary from individual to individual, and usually depends on two major factors:
- How long the individual has struggled with the addiction.
- How much of the drug they generally took at a time.
Rehabilitation
Following the detoxification from Norco, patients typically enter the rehabilitation phase of treatment of treatment, which begins to the address the psychological dependence on the drug. This generally includes the following to address the mental component of the addiction:
- Addiction therapy – which can include cognitive behavioral techniques, or other approaches.
- Counseling and addiction education – can occur in both individual and group sessions.
Rehabilitation will also address relapse prevention by providing the patient with the tools they need to be successful in life outside of the treatment center without the drug. Aftercare planning is another essential part of the active period of rehabilitation, and something that will occur prior to program completion.
Call Our Hotline Today
Recovery from opiate addiction is not easily done alone. There are a number of treatment options available to assist you with recovering from addiction to this drug and reclaiming your life.
Don’t continue suffering alone. Call 1-888-744-0069 to find treatment and put addiction behind you for good.
