Sign Up Now
Get instant access to over 1 million+ study documents
OR
Already registered? click here to login
By creating your account, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and student honor code.
The Benefits and Dangers of Hydrocodone
Today, the United States is suffering from a veritable epidemic of prescription drug abuse, including both legitimate and illicit uses of these otherwise legal drugs including most especially the analgesic hydrocodone. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature to provide a description of the origin of hydrocodone, the effects of the drug on the human body and how it is typically introduced into the body. In addition, a discussion concerning slang references for hydrocodone and its current street costs is followed by current usage statistics, a description of applicable laws and a physical description of hydrocodone. Finally, the paper presents a summary of the literature review and key findings about the research concerning hydrocodone in the conclusion.
Origin of hydrocodone
Although the prescription abuse epidemic that is sweeping the country is relatively recent in origins, the origin of semisynthetic hydrocodone dates back nearly a century to 1920 when Helene Lowenheim and Carl Mannich, two chemists from Germany, first succeeded in synthesizing the drug (The history of hydrocodone, 2018). It was not until 1943, however, during the height of World War II, that the Food and Drug Administration approved hydrocodone for use in the United States and...
It is important to note, however, that hydrocodone can also result in slowed or even stopped breathing, especially during the first 2 to 3 days of use (Hydrocodone overview, 2018). The drug is also highly addictive and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that frequently require clinical management upon cessation (Fiscella & Gibson, 2018).
Method of introduction of hydrocodone into the body
The conventional method of introduction of hydrocodone into the human body is orally; however, some hydrocodone abusers have been known to dissolve several capsules or tablets and inject them directly into the body in order to achieve a greater effect. Clinicians, though, caution that this method of introduction is incredibly dangerous and potentially fatal and the high concentrations of acetaminophen found in many hydrocodone preparations can cause severe liver damage.(Villa, 2018).…
References
Fiscella, K. & Gibson, B. (2018, May/June). Management techniques for opioid-dependent inmates. American Jails, 32(2), 8.
Hydrocodone drug slang/code words. (2018). Clinical Pain Advisor. Retrieved from https://www.clinicalpainadvisor.com/dea-drug-slang-code-words/hydrocodone-drug-slangcode-words/article/678817/.
Hydrocodone overview. (2018). MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus. gov/druginfo/meds/a614045.html,
Hydrocodone reclassification. (2014). American Medical Association Wire. Retrieved from https://wire.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/6-things-you-need-know-about-hydrocodone-reclassification.
Kavilanz, P. (2018, June 1). Prescription drugs worth millions to dealers. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2011/06/01/news/economy/prescription_drug_ abuse/index.htm.
The history of hydrocodone. (2018). Forever Recovery. Retrieved from http://aforever recovery.com/drug-addiction/painkiller/the-history-of-hydrocodone/.
Villa, L. (2018). The serious side effects of shooting hydrocodone. Rehabs. Retrieved from https://luxury.rehabs.com/iv-drug-use/shooting-hydrocodone-lortab-or-vicodin/.
Hydrocodone: An overview of a highly addictive drug If you have ever had a cough and taken over-the-counter medications, you know sometimes Tylenol and gargling with salt water is not enough to alleviate the discomfort and the nagging unpleasantness of a lingering cough. Hydrocodone is often prescribed as a temporary pain remedy for relief in combination with other drugs to reduce pain and coughing. The drug is present in a number
This writer would like to know if Ms. Barr ever felt the need to cut down on drinking or to stop and couldn't. This writer would like to know if Ms. Barr takes any other drugs or medication in order to sleep or make her feel better and if so how much, and how often. Mental Health Symptoms: Mental Status: This writer would like to ask Ms. Barr if she ever
Addictive Nature of Vicodin According to statistics provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated one and one-half million people in the United States started taking prescription painkillers for "non-medical" purposes in 1998, three times as many as in 1990. One of the most heavily abused painkillers is Vicodin. Properly used, Vicodin is one of the most commonly prescribed pain medications, especially for those suffering from lower back
Drug Profile Drug addiction is a human issue that cultivates biological, psychological, and social consequences, among others. The manifestation of addiction itself is characterized by physical dependence, and is defined by the uncontrollable, compulsive urge to seek and use drugs despite harmful repercussions (Fernandez, Rodriguez & Villa, 2011). Philologically, drug use affects the reward center, where dopamine receptors are over-stimulated. Ultimately, the repetition of drug use is encouraged to achieve the
Title: Opioid Epidemic in America Abstract While many people are aware that there is an opioid epidemic in America, they may not understand exactly what that means. While opioids are drugs, the term does not just refer to any type of drug. Instead, it refers specifically to the types of drugs that interact with a specific type of receptor in the brain. This article discusses what opioids are, what the opioid crises
In so doing, the EHR alerts the physician of any potential conflicts thus requiring the physician to prescribe an alternative drug. For drugs that have been recalled due to health risks or other issues, the EHR will also alert the physician of any problems that the drug may cause thus also requiring the physician to prescribe an alternative drug Sidorov, 2006() EHR systems also prevent physicians from overdosing, under-dosing or