While some people who have an addiction to hydrocodone start out by misusing a medication prescribed to them by a physician, it’s easy to miss the signs of hydrocodone abuse. Most prescription drug abuse is just beginning, with people often using the drugs in larger quantities than prescribed. Eventually, many hydrocodone abusers find themselves using the medications in much greater amounts than prescribed. Eventually, the abuse becomes more than an occasional use, and it becomes a routine, with many abusers abusing the medications to the point where it is almost impossible to function without them. It’s possible to develop a dependency on hydrocodone, but the best signs of hydrocodone dependency are usually the ones that occur gradually over time, often after years of not abusing them. Many addicts, especially those who are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, will experience a sudden and overwhelming sense of euphoria upon stopping their prescription medications. Unfortunately, hydrocodones are not the only drug that can cause addiction. Many other drugs, both illegal and prescribed, can create a drug dependency. Heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and oxycodone are all regularly abused. The biggest problem associated with the abuse of these substances, however, is the fact that they are usually physically addictive, meaning they are harder to stop than other drugs. For this reason, many people who use drugs frequently still develop physical dependence on them. People who try to quit often have trouble doing so, because physical dependence is much stronger than emotional dependency, and often, a patient is unable to kick the habit simply because they have developed a strong emotional attachment to the drug. Some drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, can also have severe side effects, making recovery from them even more difficult than hydrocodone. Hydrocodone and other addictive prescription medications can easily be misused without ever developing a drug dependency on them. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a problem with prescription drugs, you should contact your physician to discuss your symptoms and explore your options. The sooner that you can begin treatment, the easier it will be for you to overcome your addiction.