Lortab Detox Centers
Lortab, a prescription medication containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is often prescribed by doctors to treat moderate to severe pain. Those who abuse this drug put themselves in danger of addiction and other issues because it contains the opioid hydrocodone. Still, even those who use the drug correctly can experience a painful withdrawal syndrome after becoming dependent, one that will often require detox treatment.
If you are struggling with Lortab withdrawal, call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now to find a safe, reliable rehab center where your symptoms can be minimized and treated effectively.
How Lortab Detox Works
As stated by the National Library of Medicine, doctors urge their patients not to stop using Lortab suddenly. Instead, detox treatment is recommended to minimize the issue of withdrawal.
Lortab detox works by using medications and behavioral therapies to reduce the symptoms caused by withdrawal. Slowly, the individual is weaned off the drug they are using in order to eventually end their dependence on opioids altogether. In addition, many individuals need help transitioning from detox to addiction treatment, which should also be part of the program when necessary.
Lortab Withdrawal
The withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids are, according to the NLM, “very uncomfortable” but “not life-threatening.” The most commonly experienced symptoms include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Increased tearing
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goose bumps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In addition, individuals going through opioid withdrawal are also in danger of experiencing depressive symptoms and need to be screened for this issue. All of these symptoms become more likely to occur––and intensify––when someone is abusing the drug, and Lortab abuse especially can lead to liver toxicity because of the presence of acetaminophen in the drug (US Department of Justice).
Opioid withdrawal is often described as feeling like a very bad case of the flu, and while it is not usually deadly like other withdrawal syndromes can be, it does require safe, effective treatment in a detox center.
Symptoms of Lortab Withdrawal Treated in Lortab Detox
The symptoms are treated with the use of medications, counseling, and support. Most detox centers offer patients one of three medications as a treatment option for their painful withdrawal symptoms. These three include:
- Clonidine, an antihypertensive that helps patients go through withdrawal quickly but cannot treat nausea, vomiting, or cravings
- Methadone, an opioid agonist that minimizes all withdrawal symptoms, including cravings, because it occupies the same receptors as hydrocodone and other opioids
- Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that creates similar effects to methadone but is safer from abuse because of its ceiling effect and the fact that it is often prescribed along with naloxone
Clonidine is often the best choice for those who have not been abusing their medication and merely need help going through a quick detox process. However, methadone and buprenorphine are better choices for detox treatment in those who have abused the drug, with methadone being particularly helpful in treating those with severe dependencies (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
Depression and anxiety can also be treated with counseling, and this option is effective for helping patients transition into addiction treatment after they detox. Other holistic options, like yoga and massage therapy, can also be used to minimize Lortab’s withdrawal symptoms.
Is It Safe to Detox at Home?
It can be safe to detox from opioid dependence at home, but it is still important to attend a professional detox program such as an outpatient center. However, if you
- Are suffering from depression or another co-occurring disorder
- Do not have a stable home environment in which to recover
- Have issues with chronic pain that needs to be managed 24/7
- Do not have a strong social support system at home
outpatient detox likely isn’t the best choice for your needs.
How Long Will Lortab Detox Take?
Detox from long-acting opioids usually takes at least a week or two, but if you choose to be maintained on a medication, it may take longer. Without consulting a doctor, though, it can be difficult to determine exactly how long your detox program will take.
Help Me Find a Lortab Detox Center
Detox is a necessary step for recovery from Lortab addiction, but even those who become dependent on the drug after being treated by a doctor often need help during this time. Call 800-315-1376 (Who Answers?) now to find a detox center that will cater to your needs and help you make the safest recovery from hydrocodone dependence possible.