Lortab Addiction Overview and Guide
Lortab is the brand name of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller that is derived from codeine and thebaine. Hydrocodone is prescribed as an analgesic (painkiller) and an antitussive (cough suppressant). Lortab in particular is predominately used to treat moderate to severe pain.
The drug combines acetaminophen with hydrocodone in order to have a strong painkilling effect and to reduce the abuse of the drug. Hydrocodone medications like Lortab have been shown to be habit forming, and Lortab addiction is a common type of opiate addiction along with other hydrocodone medications such as Vicodin.
Lortab addiction and other types of opioid addiction are common because of the euphoric effects of hydrocodone. Lortab addiction may develop due to the recreational abuse of the drug. Lortab and other hydrocodone medications are normally not habit forming unless they are taken more often than recommended by a physician.
Lortab addiction is a serious medical illness that most often requires the intervention of drug rehab centers in order for it to be adequately treated. Treatment for Lortab addiction is similar to other forms of opioid addiction, and it involves psychotherapy, detoxification, medications to treat symptoms, and counseling and group support. Group therapy and outpatient counseling is often provided for long term treatment and support as well.
Lortab Addiction Symptoms
Lortab addicts will display some noticeable and other less noticeable symptoms and signs that they are addicted to the medication. Addicts will take large doses of the medication at one time, or they may take it more often than they are supposed to. In many cases of Lortab addiction, addicts will travel to several physicians and get prescriptions for Lortab or other hydrocodone medications from each of them.
They may also have several prescription bottles of the medication. Lortab addicts will display hydrocodone side effects and may attribute the effects to causes other than the medication such as illness or fatigue. Lortab addicts will often suffer from reduced performance at school or work because of a need to take the drug regularly and due to the strong side effects of the drug.
It is easier to spot some of the physical signs and symptoms of Lortab addiction. The symptoms of Lortab addiction are similar to other types of opiate addiction. Physical symptoms of Lortab addiction include flulike symptoms, dizziness, itchiness, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, nausea, and sweating. Physical symptoms may vary between individuals.
Psychological symptoms of Lortab addiction may include euphoria, depression, changes in mood, anxiety, and other effects. Psychological effects are longer lasting than physical effects, and they often require treatment through psychotherapy as well as psychiatric medications.
Lortab Withdrawal
Lortab addiction withdrawal is potentially very severe because of the strong physical and psychological addiction that hydrocodone can create. Even moderate cases of opiate addiction can be potentially dangerous and have severe side effects, therefore withdrawal is best performed at a qualified drug rehab center. The duration of Lortab addiction withdrawal is approximately three weeks, and it is symptomatic in varying degrees.
The severity of symptoms depends on the level of addiction as well as the individual person. Some require a longer period of withdrawal due to more severe effects. Withdrawal effects are both physical and psychological. Some of the symptoms of opiate addiction withdrawal include sweating, yawning, running nose and eyes, diarrhea, body aches, muscle pain, chills, goosebumps, restlessness, sleep deprivation, insomnia, loss of appetite, and other physical effects.
Psychological side effects include depression, restlessness, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, and strong cravings for the drug. The psychological and physical symptoms combine to make the withdrawal process very challenging for a person addicted to Lortab. Treatment for withdrawal symptoms includes medication to deal with the physical and psychological side effects as well as monitoring by trained addiction staff to avoid relapse.
Lortab Detox
Opiate addiction treatment involves detoxification as an initial stage of the treatment process. Detoxification from Lortab addiction does not have to be painful, although when it is performed without the assistance of drug rehab centers it can be very difficult. Individuals undergoing detox at a Lortab addiction rehab center will have a much easier detoxification process because they are monitored and provided with constant care as they undergo the process.
Patients are treated for their symptoms with the latest approved medications and psychotherapy as symptoms develop. Detoxification occurs gradually rather than abruptly, and patients are not shocked into detoxification so that their symptoms are minimized as much as possible. Opiate addiction detoxification at a drug rehab center can help to prevent relapse on the medication in the long term. Also, for the time period that a patient is at a rehab center, relapse on the drug will be prevented.
Patients are in a safer environment rather than in their home environment where they may be exposed to access to Lortab or other drugs. The environment of a drug rehab center is comfortable and secure for the patient. Medical staff and addiction specialists provide emergency care when severe opiate addiction symptoms occur. Another benefit is that patients have their personal needs provided and do not have to worry about cooking or cleaning as they undergo detoxification.
Lortab Addiction Treatment
Treatment for Lortab addiction involves several forms of treatment such as psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, group therapy, and individual counseling. Treatment is available on an inpatient or outpatient basis depending on the needs of the person. The best treatment plan will be suggested by medical doctors and addiction specialists, and they will devise a unique and individualized treatment for each new case. Those who have opiate addiction may also have psychological disorders, and drug rehab centers can provide psychotherapy and treatment for these disorders as well when appropriate.
Opiate addiction and Lortab addiction treatment requires the monitoring and treatment of psychological and physical symptoms. Physical symptoms of Lortab addiction may be treated with non-opioid medications to reduce pain and other medications to reduce nausea when necessary. Psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety may be treated with approved psychiatric medications and with psychotherapy and counseling from licensed psychologists.
Opiate addiction treatment requires both short term and long term treatment methods for the greatest effectiveness and to avoid relapse. As a part of a treatment plan, patients will participate in group therapy sessions in which they share their experiences with addiction and have access to a form of social support that will help them through the long process of rehabilitation. Patients are also granted access to family and friends to help them feel more comfortable and secure as they undergo the opiate addiction rehabilitation and withdrawal process at drug rehab centers.
