Hydrocodone Detox Symptoms

Hydrocodone is an opiate medication that is prescribed by doctors to control pain. Hydrocodone is often used to treat pain after surgical procedures, injuries, sprains and broken limbs. Its use varies widely. It is an effective pain reliever when used as directed. According to NIDA “Some people experience a euphoric response to opioid medications” which may lead to abuse of the drugs.

When people abuse hydrocodone or use it in excess they can develop a tolerance to it, which leads to increased use of the drug. People who abuse hydrocodone can also develop a dependence on the drug and will become very ill when they stop using it on their own commonly referred to as detox.

Hydrocodone Detox Symptoms

Detox is the process of ridding the body of the drug it has become dependent on. When someone quits using drugs like hydrocodone after an extended period of time they may not even realize they are having withdrawal symptoms which can resemble signs of the flu. They may be achy and sore and feel overly tired. Hydrocodone detox causes symptoms of nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. It causes clamminess of the skin and profuse sweating. It can cause painful cramping, headaches, back pain and an overall sick feeling.

Some even suffer from disturbing psychological withdrawal symptoms and might become confused and disoriented or paranoid and anxious. They might become depressed or suffer from dark thoughts or even talk about or attempt suicide. It can be frightening.

Detox from opiate drugs like hydrocodone also causes cravings and intense desires to use the drug again. Once the person has associated the sickness to the lack of opiates they will crave it insatiably because they know it will stop the unpleasant side effects.

Medical Hydrocodone Detox

When you detox from hydrocodone you will experience withdrawal for about a week.

In a drug treatment program a person can be medically detoxed. This means that they are given medications to control or eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal while the person detoxes. Drugs like suboxone and naltrexone have changed the way people are treated for addictions to opiate drugs and now allow for most to seek therapy in an outpatient setting.

While this makes the person more comfortable during detox it does not guarantee successful recovery. Medical detox alone is not enough. Long term treatment in an outpatient drug treatment program for at least six months has been shown to be the most effective method for successful recovery from an opiate addiction.

When used as directed most people do not become addicted to their prescribed pain medication. However with repeated exposure over long periods of time an addiction can occur to drugs like hydrocodone. Always use your medication as it is intended by your doctor. Prevention really is the only cure when it comes to addiction, so always use your medication as it is intended by your doctor. If you feel that you might have a problem and are unable to stop using hydrocodone on your own you should contact your doctor immediately and discuss possible treatment options. The first step is realizing that you cannot control your addiction alone and reaching out for help.