What are you taking? Knowing the difference between oxycodone vs hydrocodone can be an important step. If you are not using them as prescribed, though, it may be best to seek out drug treatment programs that can help you break this habit. At The Right Step, we offer the comprehensive support you need to achieve these goals.
Breaking It Down: Oxycodone vs Hydrocodone
Oxycodone, which is sold as the brand name OxyContin is different from hydrocodone, which is sold as the brand name Vicodin. Both are similar in terms of their chemical makeup. They also work a bit differently from each other. However, they are both drugs that can create a high risk of addiction in those who do not use them properly or use them for a long time.
Both of these drugs are often accessible as prescription drug painkillers. Though in recent years, there has been less use of these opioid-based drugs to treat pain, they are still some of the most common types of drugs on the market for this need. In some cases, these semi-synthetic medications are used to provide short-term pain relief, such as after a medical procedure. However, they can also be prescribed as a long-term pain reliever as well as a way to help those with chronic pain to maintain help. These drugs are commonly used after surgeries, for people with intense coughs, and as a way to manage pain brought on by cancer.
What is the difference between oxycodone vs hydrocodone, then? Though they are very frequently used interchangeably, they have slightly different makeups. Oxycodone is often used with other types of pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. There are some situations where a doctor may prescribe it alongside the use of Oxycet or Percocet as well.
Hydrocodone is sometimes combined with these over-the-counter pain relieves as well. In addition, it can also be used with antihistamines. In this way, it can become a syrup used to treat chronic coughing and respiratory ailments.
Do You Have an Addiction?
When it comes to oxycodone vs hydrocodone from an addiction standpoint, both are very worrisome, high-risk drugs. Both of them can create addiction even if they are used according to the recommendations provided by a doctor. More so, they are very commonly abused. If you have a prescription pain killer addiction, you need treatment even if your doctor has prescribed the medications for you. Some signs that you struggle with addiction include:
- You cannot stop using the drug
- You have intense pain if you stop using
- Your current dosage is no longer enough
- You often want your next dose before it is due
- You run out of the drug before you can refill the prescription
The key factor here is that these drugs can create tolerance, where the body becomes used to the drug, making it necessary to use more of it to get the same relief. It also changes the makeup of the brain, leading to addictive qualities and dependence.
If you have an addiction to these drugs, you may need to enter into a medical drug detox program to allow them to be safely removed from your body. In addition to this, most people need inpatient drug treatment to break dependency and addiction long-term. Our team at The Right Step can offer this type of drug treatment program to help you.
Get the Treatment You Need at The Right Step
When you compare oxycodone vs hydrocodone, one thing is clear. In either case, you may need drug addiction treatment for what you are facing. Our team at The Right Step can offer the care necessary. Do not put off getting the help you need. Call our offices at 17135283709 to learn more.
