Call us at 866-238-2178
Drug Addiction
Lortab diversion and abuse has been steadily rising in recent years. In 2007, Lortab was the most frequently prescribed opioid medication according to the National Forensic Laboratory Information System. Currently, the Drug Enforcement Agency is reviewing a petition to increase regulations on the drug, moving it from a current Schedule III to a Schedule II medication under the Controlled Substances Act.
People with a Lortab addiction misuse the medication for its opioid effects. Widespread diversion of the drug occurs from altered prescriptions, theft and illicit purchase from the internet. Lortab pills are the most commonly encountered drug obtained from illegal street sales. As with most types of opioid medications, Lortab is associated with tolerance, abuse and full-blown addiction.
The drug contains acetaminophen and carries an added risk of liver toxicity when used in high doses for a long period of time. Recent data suggests a person with a Lortab addiction who abuses the drug at high doses may be able to escape liver damage if the doses escalated over a long period of time.
Lortab addiction can happen in people of all ages because it is easily available. The drug is sometimes viewed as a “white collar” addiction, Lortab abuse has increased among all ethnicities and socio-economic groups. Additionally, the misuse of Lortab is rising among school age children. People with an addiction will observe drug-seeking behavior such as doctor shopping, altering prescriptions, bogus call-in prescriptions, and diversion through unethical physicians and other illegal sources.
A Lortab addiction will mimic the action of certain chemicals that are released into the brain, sending pleasure messages to the reward centers. Most addictive drugs are able to produce the pleasure effects by acting upon the brain’s messenger chemicals. The result is positive feelings are sent from the brain and dependence grows from this point.
Lortab is highly addictive, sometimes a person will go on to misuse the drug and take more than is prescribed. Side effects of an addiction to Lortab include the following:
Once a person has a genuine Lortab addiction and the drug is discontinued, withdrawal effects will begin. The severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend upon the length of time the addiction has been going on and the amount of Lortab taken. Some of the side effects of Lortab withdrawal include the following:
An addiction to Lortab is a serious condition which requires medical attention. To overcome an addiction, a person should seek out the assistance and the resources of a rehabilitation facility. Treatment protocol for drug addiction may include detoxification, counseling, therapy and other modalities depending upon the needs of each individual patient.
If you or someone you love is facing drug addiction problems, there is help available. Please contact us today for further assistance.
