Hydrocodone Detox & Withdrawal Symptoms

What Is Hydrocodone Withdrawal Like?

While hydrocodone withdrawal is rarely fatal, it can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous in some cases.You should never attempt to quit any type of opioid without medically supervised detox. Not only can you experience extreme physical and psychological discomfort, you’re also at great risk for relapse because the urge to use hydrocodone to stop withdrawal symptoms can feel overwhelming.

The severity and duration of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on factors like:

How long you’ve been using hydrocodone
If you’re using other substances like alcohol or benzos
Your physical make up
How much hydrocodone you take
If you have co-occurring medical conditions

Detox from opioids is different for everyone, but common hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Alternating feelings of hot and cold
Diarrhea
Constipation
Paranoia
Anxiety and panic
Headache
Runny nose
Muscle aches
Sleep issues
Blurry vision

The hydrocodone withdrawal timeline varies by individual, but mild symptoms may begin within 24 hours of the last dose. The most severe withdrawal symptoms typically peak around day two and three, then begin to taper off. Less severe withdrawal symptoms like stomach upset and anxiety may linger for several weeks.

Why Hydrocodone Abuse Causes Withdrawal

With continued use, opioids change your brain’s chemical output and signaling processes. Hydrocodone tells your brain to release excessive amounts of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. You eventually begin to need opioids to produce dopamine on your own because your system is so used to hydrocodone doing the work. Over time, you’re supply of dopamine becomes depleted and you begin to need opioids just to stop the hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal syndrome is a signal that your central nervous system is trying to rebalance itself and re-learn to function on its own without opioids.

What Is Detox for Hydrocodone Like?

Detoxing without the help of medical professionals can be painful. If you do so, you should be prepared to potentially face the worst symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal. Detoxing in a medical facility or drug rehab center can make the withdrawal process much more comfortable.

Medical detox for drug abuse in an addiction treatment center like Vogue takes place in a home-like environment with nice beds, furnishings, and decor. A physician prescribes a detox protocol based on your individual situation and health. Nurses are with you around the clock regularly monitoring your vital signs and comfort level. As needed, research-backed medications to ease cravings and discomfort are administered. You can hang out in common areas, converse with peers, and begin addiction treatment and behavioral therapy work as you begin feeling better.

What Happens After Hydrocodone Detox?

Drug and alcohol detox is the first step in recovery. You must follow it with professional and peer support for the best chances of long-term sobriety. If you don’t identify and work on the reasons why you’re pulled to use substances, it’s likely you’ll just use them again. You must also learn healthier ways to cope with the challenges that led to drug abuse.

A hydrocodone addiction treatment program typically includes components like:

Behavioral Therapies

You’ll work in individual, group, and family therapy to understand the reasons behind your opioid abuse. These can range from emotional pain and trauma to low self-esteem and relationship issues. You’ll learn about healthier ways of thinking and acquire coping skills. Learning how to deal with stressors and challenges will help you in everyday recovery. Therapy approaches may include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Motivational interviewing
Acceptance and commitment therapy
Psychodynamic therapy
Eye movement reprocessing and desensitization (EMDR)

Mental Health Treatment

Many times people who abuse substances struggle with underlying mental health conditions like trauma, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. A dual diagnosis drug rehab addresses addiction as well as co-occurring disorders. It’s important to tackle both conditions to prevent relapse.

Dual diagnosis treatment includes behavioral therapy and psychiatry appointments. Your treatment team may prescribe medications as appropriate to help you manage mental illness symptoms. You may also take part in therapies that specifically treat trauma like EMDR.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Some people with opioid addictions benefit from medication-assisted treatment. These are opioid medications that work on your opioid receptors in the same way as drugs like hydrocodone, morphine, and heroin. You cannot get high on these medications, but they can ease opioid withdrawal symptoms and strong cravings so that you can focus on treatment and developing relapse-prevention skills.

Aftercare

Recovery work doesn’t end after you leave the treatment center. Staff will connect you with resources like therapists and support groups to help you stay sober without the everyday structure of a professional addiction treatment program.

Looking for Help With Hydrocodone Addiction?

An addiction to opioids is difficult to overcome, but very possible with the right medical and behavioral interventions as well as a desire to get better. At Vogue Recovery Center we offer addiction and dual diagnosis treatment that’s backed by research. You’ll recover in welcoming settings where you’ll begin repairing the physical and emotional damage of substance abuse.

Vogue offers medical detox as well as residential treatment options and outpatient rehab that includes partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs. Our evidence-based treatment provides access to traditional therapies as well as holistic approaches like yoga, meditation, EMDR, and nutrition counseling.

If you’re struggling, don’t wait another day to get the help you need. Call us for a free, confidential consultation.