Hydrocodone is an opioid drug used for managing pain and suppressing coughs. A well-known, brand-name prescription opioid is Vicodin, which contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid because it’s a chemically manipulated form of the natural opiate codeine. A German pharmaceutical company developed hydrocodone in the 1920s in an effort to find an alternative to codeine that had less risk of toxicity. Later that decade, American scientists were also experimenting with hydrocodone as a replacement for highly addictive cough medicines that contained opioids. Hydrocodone was identified as the best alternative because it reduced pain and managing coughing. Thirty years later, in 1961, the first reports on the likelihood of hydrocodone’s addictive properties were published. Despite the warnings, however, hydrocodone has continued to grow in popularity.

What does hydrocodone look like?

Hydrocodone is available in a tablet form and a drinkable liquid form. The drug is most commonly prescribed as a small, white, oval-shaped tablet. Each pill is inscribed with the number of milligrams of hydrocodone in the pill. Hydrocodone tablets can vary in dosage from 5 mg to 120 mg per pill. Two major pharmaceutical companies manufacture liquid hydrocodone: Pharmaceutical Associates Inc. and Par Pharmaceuticals. The medications are yellow and red, respectively.

What are some other names for hydrocodone?

Several pharmaceutical companies sell brand-name versions of hydrocodone. Examples of brand-name drugs that contain hydrocodone and acetaminophen include: Vicodin Norco Xodol Lortab Zolvit Lorcet Panacet Additionally, another opioid-containing drug is Vicoprofen, which is hydrocodone with ibuprofen. Hydrocodone is also referred to by street names or slang terms, including: Hydros Tabs Watsons Vics Vicos Vikes 357s Lorris/Loris Nirco

What is hydrocodone prescribed for?

Doctors prescribe hydrocodone to manage severe pain or suppress coughs. Patients who receive hydrocodone often have a persistent cough, chronic pain or may have recently undergone surgery. The drug has such a high potential for dependence that people who start with a medical need for the drug often become dependent on and addicted to it. As a result, to fuel addictions and avoid withdrawal symptoms, many prescriptions are continued longer than necessary.

Does insurance cover hydrocodone addiction treatment?

We believe recovery should be available to anyone in need of care, so we work directly with your insurance provider to find the best program for you. Many insurance policies will offer coverage options for drug rehab, and many insurance plans are accepted at The Recovery Village. We are more than happy to accept insurance to pay for hydrocodone addiction treatment, and our intake coordinators can help you determine what your insurance will and won’t cover. Speak to one of our representatives today to confirm the benefits your insurance offers for hydrocodone treatment. If you’d rather not call an intake coordinator, you can verify your benefits online in just minutes.

I don't have insurance, are there alternative payment options?

If your insurance does not cover the cost of rehab, or you do not have health insurance, most treatment centers accept private pay to cover the expense of hydrocodone addiction treatment. Please contact our admissions office for more information on the cost of addiction treatment and detailed payment plans. To learn more about insurance coverage, paying for rehab and more, The Recovery Village has several helpful guides, including: How Much Does Rehab Cost With Insurance? 6 Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider About Paying for Rehab A Detailed Guide to Drug Rehab Costs Without Insurance

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