Norco is a prescription painkiller that contains both hydrocodone (which is an opioid) and acetaminophen. This drug is prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain, and is a safe and effective addition to the healing process when taken correctly. However, due to its ability to produce a powerful high, Norco has become a popular substance of abuse and can lead to a lasting addiction.

Understanding Norco Addiction

Learn about Norco addiction and abuse

If you take Norco outside of the guidelines recommended by your doctor, or for recreational purposes, you put yourself at risk for developing an addiction. And because of the way Norco interacts with pleasure sensors in the brain, quitting your Norco use without professional support is difficult.

If you or someone you care about has developed an addiction to Norco, know that there is hope. With help from the specialized programming at Duffy’s, you can rid your life of Norco abuse, and regain control of your future.

Statistics

Norco addiction statistics

A 2017 report by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlighted the following statistics:

As many as 1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids long-term for noncancerous pain in primary care settings struggle with addiction.
Every day, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.
Each day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 140 Americans die from drug overdoses, 91 specifically due to opioids.
In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for Norco addiction

Your risk for Norco abuse and addiction can be influenced by several factors, including the following:

Family history of addiction or mental illness
Personal history of addiction or mental illness
Suffering an injury that was treated with Norco
Easy access to Norco
Early exposure to drug and/or alcohol abuse
Being surrounded by peers who use Norco or other substances

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of Norco addiction

The following signs and symptoms of Norco abuse may indicate that a person has a problem with this drug:

Behavioral symptoms:

Using Norco even when it is clearly dangerous to do so, such as prior to operating a vehicle
Trying but being incapable of ending one’s Norco abuse
Attempting to borrow or steal Norco that has been prescribed to someone else
Withdrawing from family and friends
Lying, secrecy, or deception regarding actions and whereabouts

Physical symptoms:

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Poor coordination
Disrupted sleep patterns
Change in appetite
Constricted pupils

Mental symptoms:

Problems with concentration or focus
Impaired memory
Poor judgment

Effects

Effects of Norco addiction

The side effects of Norco abuse can include the following:

Strained family relationships
Sexual dysfunction
Memory impairment
Heart problems
Onset or worsening of mental health problems
Problems at work or school
Legal problems, including arrest and incarceration
Social withdrawal and isolation
Suicidal thoughts and actions

Dual Diagnosis

Norco addiction and dual diagnosis

Dual diagnosis is a clinical term that describes the presence of more than one mental or behavioral health disorder. If you struggle with Norco abuse, you may also have a heightened risk for developing certain other disorders, such as the following:

Depression
Anxiety
Other substance use disorders

Many people who can benefit from dual diagnosis programming don’t realize they’re struggling with more than one disorder. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to get care for Norco abuse at a center that can identify and address the full scope of your needs. Getting appropriate care for dual diagnosis can be an essential step toward successful long-term recovery.

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Norco withdrawal and overdose

Effects of withdrawal: If you become dependent upon Norco, you will experience various uncomfortable symptoms if you try to limit or stop your Norco use. Common Norco withdrawal symptoms include: