bronx 12 news: STDs and Hydrocodone Addiction

Many prescription painkillers feature a narcotic compound called hydrocodone, which comes from the same plant as heroin. Despite being a common painkiller, hydrocodone is still a highly addictive drug. When taken in excess or with other substances, the drug leaves users highly intoxicated and willing to engage in risky behaviors, like unprotected and unhealthy sex. This can lead to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but rehab can address these problems as well as drug abuse.

Statistics of STDs

According to a 2011 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 million people contract a new STD every year, and people aged 15 to 24 are involved in nearly half the cases. There are several types of STDs, including the following examples:

Herpes
HIV/AIDS
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Syphilis

Chlamydia was the most common bacterial STD for 2011 with nearly 500 infections per 100,000 citizens. Certain acts dramatically increase the risk of an STD infection, including the following ones:

Sex with numerous partners
Sex with unknown partners
Sex without a condom

People may think they lack an STD because they show no symptoms, but some STDs can take years to produce symptoms. In that time, an infected individual can pass the disease to many partners. Likewise, there is a common misconception that STDs cannot be transmitted through oral sex, but they can.

Pain Medication and Sex

According to the New York State Department of Health website, risky sexual behavior is dangerous, since an estimated 1 in 5 individuals has an STD. While hydrocodone abuse does not cause STDs, it can motivate risky sexual behavior through any of the following effects:

Inhibiting sound judgment
Causing memory lapses, especially when combined with alcohol
Reducing a user?s concern with health risks

Some people take hydrocodone before intercourse for any of the following reasons:

Reduce physical sensation for men who want to prolong intercourse
Suppress discomfort during intercourse that stems from an STD
Self-medicate anxiety or tension that arises during intimacy

By extending intercourse, hydrocodone also increases the likelihood of passing an infection from one partner to another.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Hydrocodone causes even more problems than increasing the risk of STDs, but rehab can treat painkiller addiction and its consequences with the following methods:

Tapered detox that gradually weans toxins from a user?s body while minimizing withdrawal symptoms
Screenings for STDs, mood disorders and other problems like sex addiction
Integrated care for any co-occurring physical or mental health issues
Behavioral therapy to improve thought patterns and emotional responses
Counseling to identify situations that trigger substance abuse
Holistic options like acupuncture, massage and nutrition
Group therapy to discuss addiction and develop support structures

Treatment centers also provide aftercare counseling and referrals for local support groups.

Help for Hydrocodone Abuse and STDs

If you or a loved one struggles with hydrocodone addiction, call our toll-free, 24 hour helpline to discuss rehab facilities, treatment options and staging an intervention. We can answer whatever questions you have, and if you have health insurance we can check your policy for benefits. We know how to help, so please call now for instant support.