Committed to Safety: Latest information on COVID-19 PrecautionsLearn More
269-280-4673 Skywood Recovery Skywood Recovery
  • About
  • Treatment
  • Mental Health
  • Programs
  • Resources
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Referrals
  • Admissions
  • Bill Pay
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • About
    • What Makes Us Different
    • Your Experience at Skywood
    • Our Culinary Experience
    • Staff
    • Photos
  • Programs
    • Our Approach to Recovery
    • Sample Weekly Schedule
    • Skywood Outpatient at Royal Oak
  • Resources
    • Hall of Fame Health
  • Referrals
  • Mental Health
    • Understanding Depression
    • Understanding Anxiety
    • Understanding Bipolar Disorder
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    • Understanding Trauma
    • Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Understanding Mood Disorder
    • Understanding ADD/ADHD
  • Treatment
    • The Basics of Drug and Alcohol Detox
    • Basics of Residential Rehab
    • Basics of Outpatient Rehab
  • Substance Abuse
    • Drug Rehab in Michigan
    • Understanding Alcohol
    • Benzodiazepines
    • Understanding Heroin Addiction
    • Understanding Methamphetamine Addiction
    • Understanding Opiate Addiction
    • Understanding Oxycodone
    • Understanding Hydrocodone Misuse and Abuse
    • Cocaine
    • Marijuana
    • Klonopin
    • Understanding Alprazolam Addiction
    • Prescription Drugs
  • Admissions
    • Insurance Coverage
    • Cost of Treatment
    • What To Bring
    • FAQs
  • Michigan Rehab
  • Careers
  • Contact
    • Online Bill Pay
    • Chat
  • Search
Search
  • 269-280-4673
  • Contact
  • Email

Effects of Hydrocodone Abuse on the Immune System

Hydrocodone is a narcotic painkiller that contains synthetic opium. It is sold under the names Vicodin, Lorcet and Lortab. Hydrocodone affects dopamine levels in the brain, changing how the central nervous system (CNS) reacts to pain. Although it can be a lifesaver for people who need help managing pain, it can be deadly for people who abuse it to get high.

Recognizing Drug Abuse and Addiction

Prescription drug abuse is defined by the following behaviors:

  • Taking medication prescribed for someone else
  • Taking your own medication at a dosage or in a way other than how it was prescribed
  • Taking a medication for the feeling it induces1

At high doses, hydrocodone creates a sense of euphoria. People who take it in excess amounts can become addicted within one to four weeks, depending on individual tolerance.

Signs of physical addiction include:

  • Anxiety
  • Constricted pupils
  • Lethargy and drowsiness
  • Euphoria
  • Inability to concentrate
Symptoms of psychological dependence include the following:

  • Mood swings
  • Continued use despite negative consequences
  • Preoccupation with finding and using drugs
  • Depression or anxiety when not able to take drugs
  • Loss of motivation
  • Inability to handle typical pressures
  • Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed2

Overcoming hydrocodone addiction takes courage and commitment. With professional help, it is possible to break the habit and live a drug-free life.

>>> READ THIS NEXT: How to Address a Loved One’s Substance Abuse Problem

 

Negative Effects of Hydrocodone on the Immune System

Another sign of painkiller addiction is frequent illness. Both short and long-term use of painkillers results in poor health because drugs such as hydrocodone weaken the immune system.3 They depress the function of every cell and block its ability to attack viral and bacterial invaders. That leaves addicted individuals with little defense against sickness. Narcotics also compromise the immune system in the following ways:

  • Suppress the activity of natural killer cells that fight cellular toxins
  • Enhance the growth of implanted tumors
  • Trigger spleen atrophy
  • Trigger thymus gland atrophy
  • Decrease levels of interferon, a protein produced by cells in response to virus infection that inhibits viral replication
  • Increase susceptibility to infections
  • Decrease helpful T-Lymphocyte numbers
  • Decrease T-cell function
  • Inhibit B-cell activity

Individuals who become addicted to painkillers after sustaining an injury or having surgery may do even more damage to their bodies than recreational users. In addition to increasing their susceptibility to illness and infection, they prevent their bodies from recovering from the original trauma. Without an intact immune system, the body’s ability to heal structural weakness and damage is compromised.

Building Immunity and Fighting Addiction

New research is now showing that a strong immune system can actually help individuals fighting opioid addiction. So whereas opioid abuse can weaken immunity, protecting your immune system can help you recovery from addiction.4 Recovery from hydrocodone abuse is not easy, but it is possible. With professional treatment, many individuals fully recover and learn healthful ways to manage pain.

Recovery from Hydrocodone Addiction

If you or someone you love struggles with hydrocodone abuse, you are not alone. Admissions coordinators at our toll-free, 24-hour helpline can answer all your questions about treatment and pursuing a healthy life. You never have to go back to a life of addiction. Please call 269-280-4673 today to start your recovery.


Save on Pinterest
Share on Facebook
Tweet This
Share on LinkedIn


Sources

1 “Misuse of Prescription Drugs.” National Institute on Drug Abuse. 28 January 2018.

2 “Warning Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction.” Indian Health Services. Accessed 28 October 2018.

3 “What Are the Side Effects of Pain Medication?” WebMD.com. 23 January 2018.

4 Hall, H, “Immune system emerges as partner in opioid cravings fight.” Vanderbilt.edu, September 5, 2018.

Related To This

The Dangers of Alcohol Use on College Spring Break
The gift of attending university is one of the most rewarding and challenging life adventures a person can experience. For many families, the college years are a rite of passage, and families that celebrate the first family member to ever attend college experience incredible pride. University life and young adulthood are also times of new...
Read more »
Alcohol Abuse on College Campuses
College life in America is often synonymous with weekend parties and alcohol. Many college students find it difficult to abstain from alcohol during social events when friends are also drinking. The college years can be even more challenging for those who have grown dependent on alcohol. On average, 10.8 million individuals between 12 and 20...
Read more »
Family Therapy and Involvement During Rehab
Family therapy is a type of mental health counseling that helps families gain communication skills, heal old arguments and traumas, and find recovery together. Family therapists understand how each person in the family unit is affected by other members in the family group, and have special education and experience in helping each individual heal and...
Read more »

Call us now at 269-280-4673

Or find us at

Foundations Recovery Network Skywood Recovery (855) 339-9838

10499 North 48th Street

Augusta, MI 49012

  • About
  • Programs
  • Photos
  • Mental Health
  • Treatment
  • Admissions
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Contact
  • Careers

Skywood Recovery is dedicated to providing the highest level of quality care to our patients. The Joint Commission’s gold seal of approval on our website shows that we have demonstrated compliance to the most stringent standards of performance, and we take pride in our accreditation. The Joint Commission standards deal with organization quality, safety-of-care issues and the safety of the environment in which care is provided. If you have concerns about your care, we would like to hear from you. Please contact us at 678-251-3100. If you do not feel that your concerns have been addressed adequately, you may contact The Joint Commission at: Division of Accreditation Operations, Office of Quality Monitoring, The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, Telephone: 800-994-6610

Physicians are on the medical staff of Skywood Recovery, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Skywood Recovery. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. TRICARE is a registered trademark of the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2022 Foundations Recovery Network | Privacy Policy | No Surprises Act