Hydrocodone Detox Centers

Hydrocodone is a powerful opioid pain reliever prescribed to those who need round-the-clock pain relief for conditions that cannot be treated in any other way. It literally changes the way that the nervous system and the brain respond to pain. It is similar to morphine.

If you are suffering from a hydrocodone addiction, you are not alone. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, it is the most frequently prescribed opioid in America and is literally associated with more diversion and drug abuse than any other opioid, both illicit and licit. Many people have ruined their lives chasing after a hydro high.

If you are ready to end your cycle of abuse and get your life back on track, you know that you need professional drug treatment. But, you may be less familiar with its first stage: detoxification. Before you can focus on behavioral therapy and educational sessions and meditation classes, you need to get the hydrocodone out of your system.

The following discussion will answer some of the major questions people have about hydrocodone detox. You should get a general idea of what happens in detox and should feel prepared to look for a program to attend.

If you are left with questions or concerns, don’t give up. We are happy to discuss any of your concerns and answer any of your questions. Just call us at 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We can explain things as clearly as possible. You don’t need to worry about understanding everything immediately; we can help.

What Is Detox?

IV fluids are often necessary during hydrocodone detox.

Put simply, detox is the progression from actively intoxicated by hydrocodone and/or other drugs to a drug- and alcohol-free state. Because opioids create such extremely uncomfortable and intensely unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal, users are advised to get all the help that they can. Otherwise, they may be tempted to relapse just to stop the pain.

Additionally, it is important that all possible medical complications linked to opioid withdrawal be quickly identified and treated, lest they create obstacles in the development of the detox. For example, you may experience severe vomiting or diarrhea and that can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Oral or IV fluids may be required. You likely wouldn’t respond to this need as quickly if you were working independently on your own detox.

What Should I Expect from Withdrawal?

Hydrocodone has a relatively short half life of just 3.8 hours. This means that it exits your body very quickly. Because of this speed, you will experience withdrawal symptoms quite rapidly after you cease using the drug. Look for them 6-12 hours after you stop using.

Symptoms will increase in severity, becoming more and more uncomfortable until the plateaus after a few days. Although, you may experience discomfort for weeks after you stop using.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration warns readers that opioid withdrawal includes:

• Increased blood pressure
• Increased pulse rate
• Increased body temperature
• Enlarged pupil
• Insomnia
• Unusually heightened reflexes
• Perspiring
• Increased respiratory rate
• Goosebumps
• Tearing
• Runny nose
• Yawning
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Bone and muscle discomfort

How Will Detox Alleviate This Discomfort?

Firstly, it is important that you understand how important it is to practitioners that they be humane. Every attempt will be made to eliminate needless suffering. For this reason, it is extremely rare for opioid detox to proceed without the use of medications like methadone or clonidine.

Both clonidine and methadone relieve most opioid withdrawal symptoms. In addition, you will likely also be given adjunctive medications to address specific symptoms not alleviated by the other medications. Clonidine offers less symptom relief than methadone so people who are given it may require more adjunctive medication than someone given methadone.

When the physical symptoms subside to the point that you can venture out of your bed, you will have the opportunity to join in some other parts of the detox process, including education and therapy. By learning more about hydrocodone abuse and withdrawal, patients have been shown to better weather the detox process.

It is also quite common for patients to have co-occurring disorders when they enter detox and a professional program will create a treatment plan that addresses them as well. One aspect of that treatment may be support group meetings or therapy.

To learn more about what you can expect at a hydrocodone detox program, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?). We are waiting to help you.

Choosing a Hydrocodone Detox Center