How to Help a Norco Addict

Help for Norco Addicts

Norco is an opiate prescription medication commonly used to provide relief from moderate to severe symptoms of pain, such as those which accompany dental work or surgery. Norco is a narcotic and is associated with an increased risk of abuse, dependence, and addiction.

There are several treatment options available for recovery from Norco addiction which target both the psychological and the physiological drug dependence associated with substance use disorders.

Is Norco 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 Norco Addiction?

Addiction to a substance is the result of both physical and psychological dependence on the drug.

Common Signs of Norco Addiction

Some of the most common signs of Norco 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 for free at 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 your career.
You may isolate yourself socially.
Your mood and behavior may become erratic and unpredictable.

Norco Addiction Treatment

Given that Norco addiction has both psychological and physical components, it is important that the treatment program you choose addresses both.

Norco Detoxification Programs

The first step in treatment for addiction is to detox the body from drugs. Most addiction treatment centers have professional medical personnel and other trained staff who will assist with the detoxification process and increase your comfort as much as possible.

There are medications available that may ease some of the more severe and intolerable symptoms of opioid 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.

Learn more about 3-day, 5-day and 7-day detox programs.

Norco Rehabilitation Programs

Following detoxification from Norco, patients typically enter the rehabilitation phase of treatment, which begins to the address psychological dependence on the drug. To address the mental component of addiction, this generally includes the following:

Addiction therapy—which can include cognitive behavioral techniques or other approaches.
Counseling and addiction education—which can occur in both individual and group settings.

You may choose an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.

Inpatient programs provide a more intensive form of treatment that lays a foundation for long-lasting sobriety. Meanwhile, outpatient programs offer the flexibility of being able to live and work at home throughout treatment.

Rehabilitation will also address relapse prevention by providing the patient with the tools they need to be successful in life without the drug outside of the treatment center. Aftercare planning is another essential part of the active period of rehabilitation and will occur prior to program completion.

How to Find Norco Addiction Treatment Near Me

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 these drugs and reclaiming your life.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted facilities across the country. A caring admissions navigator with AAC can answer any questions you may have about treatment and help you understand your recovery options. Don’t continue suffering alone. Call AAC free at to find a rehab program that matches your needs and put addiction behind you for good. You can also quickly and easily check your insurance coverage for free by filling out the form below.