People often wonder if there is a difference between oxycodone vs. hydrocodone. In truth, both drugs are similar in a number of ways. They provide pain relief and are highly addictive. However, there are some differences between these two drugs that people may want to know. It is important to understand how to differentiate the two drugs if you are concerned about a loved one’s drug use. Reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston for more information.
Oxycodone vs. Hydrocodone
In the comparison between oxycodone vs. hydrocodone, these drugs are similar yet have varied effects. First, both drugs are popular pain management medications. They are also generic names for popular commercially sold prescriptions.
However, most people just want to know which one is stronger. Everyone has a different opinion. Experts say that both of these drugs are about equal in terms of pain-relieving strength. Consumer studies, though, point toward oxycodone as being the stronger.
Experts also point out that constipation is higher in people who take hydrocodone. Despite this higher rate, as opiates, both medications have the potential to cause constipation. The biggest drawback to oxycodone vs. hydrocodone is that oxycodone has a higher rate of abuse. Although, both drugs have the potential for opioid addiction.
How Much of Each Do People Need to Take?
While most drugs require different doses, oxycodone vs. hydrocodone doses are about the same. Doctors say that 5 milligrams of hydrocodone is just as effective as 5 milligrams of oxycodone. In either case, doctors may give larger doses to people who need it. For example, people who have cancer typically get higher doses.
Dangers of Taking Either Drug
People can debate all day about which drug is more effective. In the end, both drugs are equally dangerous. People across the United States suffer from addiction as a result of taking these drugs. In most cases, they first came across them with legitimate prescriptions from their doctors.
Sometimes people develop addictions to these drugs over the course of one prescription. As they continue with prescription drug abuse, their tolerance increases. Then they have to start taking more or higher doses. The more they take, the higher the risk for overdose.
Once people develop an addiction to opioids, they have no choice but to seek professional help. The first logical step is to visit a detox center. Opioid withdrawal symptoms are extreme and very uncomfortable. Detox centers can help make these withdrawal side effects more bearable.
Those who visit a detox center are less likely to relapse than those who do not. When they do not get professional help, the withdrawal symptoms are sometimes too much to bear. They end up using again to stop the withdrawal side effects.
These drugs cause a number of physical and mental problems too. People who abuse opioids suffer a change in brain chemistry. The change can lead to the development of other mental disorders beyond addiction. For example, people are likely to develop other problems such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Seek Detox Help Today
If you struggle with addiction to either one of these opioids, you should seek help today. The first step is to detox safely at a detox center. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we provide quality and caring detox services, including:
- Women’s detox program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
- Men’s detox program
- Chiropractic care
Do not attempt to start rehab without first setting a good foundation for recovery with professional detox. Let our trained experts help you overcome opioids safely. Reach out to the caring staff at Serenity House Detox & Recovery today at 866.516.8356 for more information about how we can help. Get the help that you need today.
