Hydrocodone has the potential for addiction, but if you are taking it as directed, are not experiencing cravings for it, and have no prior substance abuse issues, I wouldn't worry about it. Chronic pain patients with no previous addiction history rarely become addicted.

Hydrocodone is dependence-producing, and that is very different than addiction. Many medications other than narcotics/pain medications produce dependence; it's the body becoming accustomed to having a chemical present, and when that chemical is withdrawn, the body experiences that withdrawal. If you expect to be in pain, or on certain medications for an indeterminate/indefinite time, I agree with Susanne that you probably shouldn't be worried.

You can find accepted medical definitions of these terms here:
http://www.asam.org/advocacy/find-a-...nsus-statement

IMO, whether a medication is the best one for a particular condition isn't the right question. The question should be, is it the best medication for you? As with any medications, it always comes down to a question of benefit vs. risk. Is it working? Are the side effects, if any, tolerable? If the answers to both questions are "Yes", then it may be an acceptable medication for you.

Hydrocodone is only available in combination with other ingredients, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, both of which can be harsh on the liver. Depending on your dosage, medical history, and other factors, your doctor may want to monitor (via periodic blood tests) your liver function. If a problem arises, he may then want to change you to a different pain medication.

If any of this concerns you, by all means, discuss it with your doctor.

Doc