Understanding Norco Use, Abuse, Addiction & Recovery

Facts About Norco

  • Norco is a prescription drug that is prescribed to patients in need of a strong pain reliever
  • It’s a narcotic pain reliever made up of acetaminophen and hydrocodone
  • Norco is taken by mouth as a pill
  • It can be habit-forming, even at small, regular doses
  • In large amounts, Norco can stop your breathing, leading to coma or death2

Many people use Norco as prescribed to help them relieve moderate to severe pain, but many times people end up abusing it. Many of those who becomes addicted to Norco do not realize what’s happening until it’s too late.  As tolerance builds, users take “extra” doses in order to increase the euphoric effects it gives them. People who abuse the drug and increase their intake to acheive the same effects are at high risk for overdose. Hydrocodone is the main ingredient of Norco, and this substance goes by many different names in the drug markets –  the most popular of which is Vicodin. Norco is considered to be a highly addictive drug. Some people who abuse Norco may snort it or dissolve it in a drink to consume t quickly.

Other prescriptions formulated similarly to Norco are Vicodin and Lortab. There are nearly 100 variations of drugs with hydrocodone as an ingredient in the U.S. alone.

Norco/Hydrocodone is Also Called

  • Vics
  • Hydros
  • Lorris
  • Tabs
  • Watsons
  • Vicos

Symptoms/Signs of Norco Abuse

People who abuse Norco will have symptoms in common with many opioid users. People intoxicated by Norco have shallow breathing and are prone to fall asleep (i.e. “nod off”). Sometimes opiate abusers will fall asleep  in an awkward position that makes their body look like a rag doll. A person high on opioids may slur their words, seem “out of it” and have slow reaction times.

There may be evidence of Norco abuse around the house, such as ground up pills or pills split in half. Someone who is abusing Norco will often have more than one stash of pills as well. A Norco user who is abusing the drug may ask for increasing dosages from their doctor.

Dangers of Long-Term Norco Abuse

Norco is a dangerous and addictive opioid drug that carries a high risk of overdose for people who abuse it. A Norco overdose can leave a person with permanent brain damage or liver failure. Like all opioids, overdose often ends in death or a coma. Chronic abuse of Norco can also cause mental health symptoms such as depression that is only alleviated by taking more of the drug.

Long-term Norco abusers can experience respiratory problems such as infections or pneumonia.1 They may also experience hearing loss, urinary problems, and cardiovascular disease. Others experience constant itching or skin rashes that can lead to staph infections and infections such as MSRA.

Signs and Symptoms of Norco Dependency/Addiction

Like other opioids, Norco is an addictive drug that causes users to build a tolerance, requiring more of the drug to get high. When users increase the quantity of their intake, it becomes easier to overdose. A person who is dependent or addicted to Norco will experience overwhelming cravings for the drug, as well as extremely uncomfortable withdrawal effects when they can’t have it.

When a person becomes addicted to an opioid like Norco, they will exhibit drug-seeking behavior in an attempt to procure more of the drug. They may visit multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions, or buy more of the drug off the street or through an illicit online market. They may stockpile pills or ration them by cutting them in half.

Some addicts may commit crimes such as stealing or fraud to help them keep up with their growing habit. They may suffer financial losses, loss of assets, and even the loss of close relationships as their addiction isolates them from the things they once held dear.

Because of the uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects associated with detoxing or tapering from Norco, addiction professionals recommend a supervised detox where a person can be monitored for any complications.

How to Get Help for a Norco Addiction

If you think that you may be addicted to Norco or another drug, you may have many questions about where to start. We want you to know that you’re not alone. We’ve helped many addicted individuals reclaim their lives and find hope in a new way of life. You can reclaim your life and leave behind the pain of your addictions. You have options. Please give us a call to learn more about them. All calls are 100% confidential and we’ll be happy to hear from you.

References
1.NORCO- hydrocodone bitatrate and acetaminophen tablet, available here.
2.Hydrocodone, available here.