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Lortab is a brand name for the combination narcotic pain reliever that is made up of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This narcotic is commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain such as is associated with back problems, surgery, toothache or other conditions. Unfortunately, abuse of this medication can have life threatening effects for the individual.
Lortab is a highly addictive substance and as such recent regulations have been enacted in most states to help reduce the availability of Lortab on the streets. Doctors are required to vigilantly practice efforts to reduce the use of these drugs unless absolutely necessary and patients are required to adhere to strict orders in order to continue to receive their prescriptions. Unfortunately, even with legislation and doctor monitoring to reduce the abusive use of narcotics such as this, there are still widespread situations in which excessive use and misuse occur.
Recognizing Lortab Abuse
Early detection of a problem is key to reducing the lifelong impact of addiction. Unfortunately, the early signs of Lortab abuse are often overlooked. This is especially true for cases in which the drug is legitimately prescribed and the patient is gradually slipping into an abusive nature. In such situations, the individual may begin taking more medication than prescribed or taking it more frequently than prescribed, often times not even realizing that this is considered abuse and that a subsequent risk of addiction is underlying.
Taking more Lortab than prescribed is a telltale sign of abuse.
You may notice the following signs of Lortab abuse in yourself or in someone you love:
- Taking Lortab that is not prescribed.
- Taking the medication more often than prescribed.
- Taking the medication in larger doses than prescribed.
- Developing a tolerance to the medication in which it no longer “works” like it used to.
- Persistent thoughts about Lortab.
- Taking Lortab for reasons other than prescribed.
- Mixing Lortab with other substances such as alcohol or drugs.
- Taking Lortab for pleasure.
These are just some of the potential signs that the drug is being abused. Unfortunately, early abuse often goes undetected and allows for addiction to settle in.
Lortab Addiction
An addict will go through hoops and bounds to get Lortab. They will lie, they will doctor shop, they will purchase drugs on the streets, they will do whatever it takes to get the medication when they want it. The addiction plagues the user by hindering their ability to think or function without the drug, and with the drug they generally wind up so intoxicated that they can’t function properly at that time either. It’s a losing battle until treatment and recovery steps are taken.
Signs of Lortab addiction include:
- Outbursts when Lortab is not available.
- Acting cranky or otherwise upset if there is no Lortab.
- Failure to perform well in work, home or school.
- Using Lortab excessively and in situations when such should not be done.
- Feeling sick or suffering from withdrawal when Lortab is not taken.
- Active erratic or otherwise out of control while using Lortab.
- Telling lies or stealing Lortab from others.
- Doctor shopping to get more prescriptions.
- Taking Lortab despite consequences already endured.
If you or someone you love is addicted to Lortab, call our helpline toll free for assistance in finding and choosing a recovery center that will assist you. Treatment options are available and include:
- Residential care
- Outpatient care
- Support groups such as NA
- Counseling and therapy for individuals
- Counseling and therapy for families
- Long term treatment
- Aftercare