Yes, hydrocodone is the better drug. But it sucks in that it always comes in formulas and compounds loaded with other drugs such as APAP, ASA, and ibuprofen.
Even the cough syrups are mixed with other drugs. Man, in Canada their Hycodan comes with ONLY hydrocodone bitartrate 1mg/ml - I've had many a bottle. The Hycodan also comes in 5 mg pill form, meant to be an antitussive for those who can't tolerate the syrup - but also occasionally prescribed for pain for people who can't tolerate APAP, ASA, or ibuprofen.
It's much safer and easier on the body for addicts not to have all that junk that destroys your liver or causes ulcers in your stomach.