Those who misuse hydrocodone can potentially experience a worsening of mood disorders that have already existed, even if they were originally using the drug as a coping mechanism. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now if you are suffering from hydrocodone abuse and/or any other comorbid illnesses.
Comorbidity and Addiction
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, comorbidity means two or more disorders occurring in the same individual. Unfortunately, this is a widespread and serious problem among the drug abusing population. People who are addicted to drugs are twice as likely as those who are not to suffer from a mood disorder with the reverse also being true.
One of the reasons why this is so common is because many individuals already suffering from mood disorders use drug abuse as a dangerous coping mechanism. For example, you may know someone with depression or an anxiety disorder who deals with their symptoms by abusing a drug like hydrocodone that can cause euphoria when taken in large doses. Over time, though, this type of behavior only leads to more severe psychological issues as well as other serious side effects.
Hydrocodone Misuse and Worsening Mood Disorders
Hydrocodone abuse can worsen preexisting depression or anxiety disorders.
One of the potential side effects of hydrocodone abuse is developing depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety. These issues are just as real and detrimental to the life of the patient as those associated with independently developing mood disorders like major depression and PTSD. And when someone who is already suffering from one of these disorders starts abusing opioid drugs like hydrocodone, it will only worsen the effects of the disorders themselves over time.
Doctors ask that patients reveal any history with depression or other mental illnesses before taking hydrocodone, even in recommended amounts, according to the National Library of Medicine. But those who abuse the drug are even more likely to experience these severe effects. You may think hydrocodone is helping you cope with your mood disorder’s symptoms now, but abusing the drug will only aggravate the situation.
Overcoming the Psychological Downfall of Opiate Addiction: How Rehab Can Help
Recognizing a Worsening Mood Disorder and Getting Help
If you have been abusing an opioid drug and have suffered or are struggling with a mood disorder, you will begin to notice it gets harder and harder for you to handle the effects of your psychological symptoms. You may also notice that issues you have not experienced for a long time are returning. Especially if you go through opioid withdrawal symptoms as a result of your hydrocodone abuse, you may feel overwhelmed by the severe depressive and/or anxious feelings you are experiencing.
If this is the case, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you can. It can help to talk to your doctor, but you will probably also need rehab treatment in a professional facility. This is especially true because you are dealing with two different illnesses and will likely need more intensive care.
Do You Need Help Finding Treatment?
Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now for help finding the right rehab program for your needs so you can put an end to your opioid abuse and be treated for your mood disorder simultaneously.
