Norco Addiction, Abuse and Treatment

Norco is a prescription painkiller that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a potent opioid that helps relieve mild-to-extreme pain. Acetaminophen, an active ingredient in Tylenol, is a less potent pain reliever used in improving hydrocodone’s effects.

Norco is most commonly prescribed in three doses, such as 5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg of hydrocodone paired with 325 mg of acetaminophen. Until the FDA restricted the levels of acetaminophen in medications, Norco had the lowest amount of acetaminophen in any hydrocodone based medications. Currently, Norco holds the highest levels of acetaminophen allowed (325 mg), which is slightly higher than the 300mg present in Vicodin.

Norco is regulated as a Schedule II drug under the US drug classifications, which indicates its potential for abuse and its effectiveness in medical treatment. The use of Norco without a prescription or in a manner that violates the boundaries of a prescription is considered abuse. Continued abuse of Norco can contribute to physical dependence and an opioid use disorder. Prolonged use or abuse of Norco may cause the formation of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal.

Patients who are prescribed Norco may also form an addiction to their medication even when following the guidelines of their prescription. Patients who form a reliance on their daily dosage may find it hard to differentiate between addiction and prescription.

Signs of a Norco addiction may include:

• Mixing Norco with other drugs to enhance its effects and induce a high.
• Spending more time using or getting Norco.
• Doctor shopping to get more of the medication.
• Forgoing relationships and responsibilities in favor of Norco use.
• Requiring higher doses of Norco to achieve the same relief.

• Hydrocodone medications (including Norco) were reported to be the cause of over 100,000 emergency room visits in 2009.
• According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, more than 23 million people above the age of 12 have abused hydrocodone-based medications.
• Almost two million people tried opioids, such as Norco, for the first time in 2012.

Recovery from Norco addiction is challenging, but it is achievable. The best way to recover from Norco addiction is with the support of a qualified care practitioner. The standard Norco rehabilitation process consists of the following steps: