As one of the top alcohol and drug rehabs in Kansas City, our team at Gold Bridge knows it’s essential to be familiar with the differences between hydrocodone and oxycodone. These are common prescriptions approved by doctors and sound very similar, so it’s easy to get the two confused. Both hydrocodone and oxycodone can be dangerous if not taken properly and can produce different side effects.
At Gold Bridge Treatment Center, one of the top alcohol rehab facilities in Kansas City, we want to help you on your sobriety journey. This includes making sure you take prescriptions like hydrocodone and oxycodone as prescribed. This will help ensure that you are not putting yourself at risk.
We’ve compiled some information on the differences between hydrocodone and oxycodone to help keep you safe.
What is Hydrocodone?
According to one of the top addiction treatment centers in Kansas City, hydrocodone (otherwise knowns as Vicodin) is an opioid painkiller. Doctors commonly prescribe it for instances of severe discomfort. It’s intended for short-term pain relief, like surgery recovery.
Hydrocodone can become highly addictive if not taken correctly or for too long. It can also cause severe damage to your body, such as chest pain, uncontrollable shaking, and difficulty breathing.
What is Oxycodone?
Drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Kansas City know that oxycodone can also be called OxyContin and is an opioid that is commonly prescribed to help manage pain. This is one of the most common pain killers and, like hydrocodone, is used for short-term pain relief.
Oxycodone can become highly addictive if it is abused. You should only take it if prescribed by a medical professional and ensure that you are following the directions on the bottle. Oxycodone can also cause significant damage to your body, including seizures, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing.
What Are the Differences Between the Two?
As a leading drug rehab in Kansas City, we know that many people get the two painkillers confused; their names are very similar and prescribed for similar issues. The most significant difference is that oxycodone is available as both a time-released and instant relief painkiller, making it better for long-term pain. Hydrocodone is only available as an instant-relief painkiller.
Signs You Have an Opioid Addiction
Opioid-based pain killers, like hydrocodone and oxycodone, can become highly addictive if not taken correctly. They are both considered high-risk drugs and are some of the most commonly abused substances.
Common signs of opioid addiction include:
- A dependence on the substance to make it through the day
- Severe pain after you stop taking it
- Your current dosage is no longer managing your pain
It’s important to see a medical professional immediately if you believe you have an oxycodone or hydrocodone addiction.
Visit our Drug Rehab in Kansas City for Help with Prescription Drug Addiction
If you or someone you love needs alcohol or drug treatment in Kansas City, please reach out to our Gold Bridge Treatment Center staff. We are one of the top drug and alcohol rehab facilities in Kansas City and want to help you begin your journey to sobriety.
We are experts in alcohol and drug addiction help and specialize in helping individuals make changes for a happier, healthier life. We also offer group counseling, and individual counseling to give each person the help they need. We also offer inpatient treatment services.
If you need help, give us a call at 913-675-2898 or contact us online for more information.