Lortab Addiction & Abuse

Lortab is meant to treat moderate to severe pain and/or a persistent cough, when prescribed for medical use. Unfortunately, Lortab addiction often becomes the tragic result. If Lortab addiction is a problem for you or your loved one, call American Addiction Centers today at .

What is Lortab?

Lortab is one of several common brand names for hydrocodone, and is an opiate pain reliever nearly as strong as morphine when it comes to pain relief. It’s been shown to be as effective as codeine at suppressing coughs, if not more. While hydrocodone is the strongest and most addictive ingredient in Lortab, Lortab also contains acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.

Though Lortab does have legitimate medical uses, the drug is also highly addictive and has been linked to numerous emergency room visits and deaths, as the opioid family of drugs includes both Lortab and heroin — drugs that, when abused, destroy lives.

Lortab is prescribed under several hundred different brand names and generic names. Two common alternate names for Lortab are Vicodin and Lorcet. Lortab is also known by street names such as Vikes, Hydro and Norco.

How Is Lortab Taken?

Lortab is usually taken orally in tablet form. Occasionally, the drug is also found in capsule or liquid form.

How Widespread is Lortab Addiction?

Prescription opioid abuse is a serious problem in America, and Lortab is one of the most frequently prescribed of these drugs. Some of the people who suffer from Lortab abuse begin using it for recreational purposes, while others may initially have a justifiable medical reason — and by the time the medical condition is resolved, the addiction to Lortab may be too strong to beat without substance abuse treatment.

According to the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 11.2 million Americans used prescription opiates for “non-medical” purposes in 2003.

What are the short-term effects of Lortab?

Lortab’s short-term effects closely resemble that of morphine, and include:

1. Euphoria
2. Lightheadedness
3. Dizziness
4. Nausea
5. Drowsiness
6. Vomiting

What are the long-term effects of Lortab?

1. Liver damage (particularly from high doses)
2. Hearing loss
3. Tolerance – the user must take larger doses to achieve the same “high”
4. Addiction – the user may want to stop, but is unable to

The Drug Abuse Warning Network estimates that in 2005, hydrocodone, the main ingredient in Lortab, was associated with 51,225 emergency room visits.

What are the risks of Lortab addiction during pregnancy?

Lortab should not be taken by expectant mothers. The drug is classified as a Category C substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which means it should only be prescribed when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential harm to the unborn fetus.

Why is Lortab addiction so hard to overcome?

One of the biggest obstacles in conquering Lortab addiction is the deep sense of denial that can persist in users, since it’s a drug that doctors can prescribe. But it doesn’t matter whether the drug was purchased from a dealer in a dark alley or at your neighborhood Walgreens pharmacy; addiction is addiction.

Quitting also means experiencing difficult withdrawal symptoms, including:

1. Insomnia
2. Muscle Aches
3. Depression
4. Diarrhea

Lortab withdrawal symptoms generally increase in intensity for the first 24-72 hours after stopping the drug, and then gradually decline after one to two weeks. If a person undergoes medication-assisted opioid treatment, these symptoms lessen considerably.

Where can people seek Lortab addiction treatment?

Just as there are tragic, sobering tales of those who lost their lives to a Lortab overdose, there are also success stories. The choice is yours and yours alone. American Addiction Centers can radically improve the lives of you and your loved ones. Don’t put it off. Call American Addiction Centers today at . No matter your insurance, we can help you find Lortab addiction treatment. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury Lortab rehab.

No matter your insurance, be it Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross / Blue Shield (BCBS), Assurant, Unicare, United Health Care, Anthem, Carefirst, Asuris Northwest Health, Golden Rule, Celtic Insurance, Fortis, Health Net, Kaiser, Vista, Shelter, Wellpoint, Tri Care, Accordia or even Medicare, and state insurance — we can help you find Lortab addiction treatment. We also offer many affordable self pay options as well as luxury Lortab rehab.