Hydrocodone is one of the most prescribed opiate pain relievers in the country. This is not a bad thing by itself, but when you consider that this drug can be addicting - a problem arises. It seems like every time I turn on the news there is a story about the drug be it doctors writing bad prescriptions, pharmacy robberies related to the drug (and oxy), or the illegal sale of the drug on the streets and I have got to admit it is pretty concerning.

So what is it about this drug that gets people so hooked? I am guessing it does different things to different people but most people who have used the drug would describe it to me a very relaxing experience. There is a certain warmth that is also associated with taking Hydrocodone - and I mean that physically - it can make you feel warmer. Of course the reduction of pain is the main reason it is taken but this varies depending on the person who is using the drug.

So what is all the fuss and why all the trouble for little white pills? They can be serious money makers for drug dealers. If a patient is to get addicted to the drug under a doctors care and are abruptly cut off from it, the patient in some instances has no choice but to find other means to get this need fulfilled. where would they go to get this drug filled without a pharmacy or a doctor? A drug dealer - which is really just a doctor without a license. Drug dealers can get the drug very cheaply from sources around them or can even have a prescription themselves which costs - even without insurance (depending on region of course) less than $15 for a bottle of around 20 - 30 (or less with insurance). they can then sell these pills that cost them around 50 cents, at a major profit - sometimes $5 - $10 per pill. This may sound like a lot of money for a little white pill, but when people are desperate they will pay it.

The solution? In my opinion these drugs need to be more regulated and only used in cases of severe pain or emergencies instead of being given out for tooth aches and other minor ailments. This could stop the chain of events that leads to addiction and other problems and could help us find new, interesting, and more effective ways to manage pain.