Please explain the mechanisms of withdrawal after ceasing the consumption of hydrocodone over many (10) years. What can help stimulate the production of brain chemicals such as Seratonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Endorphins? A shortage of these causes depression, and the potential for making effective medicines exists. Meanwhile, what can I do to smooth the transition after I cease taking the drug? One medico said I d be on this the antidepressant (venlafaxine) the rest of my life. Another said the same about my blood pressure medicine. They re paranoid as hell about getting people on addictive drugs but seem to have no problem with putting people on other chemicals for life. What s the difference? YYYY@YYYY ) I was taking hydrocodone for a well established multiple disk injury in my lower back. I don t mind being off the strong and toxic painkiller. but pain is no fun either, especially chronic pain. So now what? I m off the hydro and back to learning to live with excessive pain. I m thinking western medicine may have a few things to learn...