Hydrocodone Detox

What Is Hydrocodone Detox?

Detox is usually the first step in most substance abuse treatment, especially when dealing with addiction to a drug like hydrocodone.

When your body becomes used to having a steady flow of hydrocodone, you are likely to develop a physical dependence on the drug. That’s why quitting can cause opioid withdrawal symptoms.

The body naturally goes through a detox process as it eliminates hydrocodone from its system. However, medical detox is an official type of treatment in which patients can receive medical care and support while their bodies adjust to the lack of hydrocodone.

Treatment for hydrocodone detox will be very similar to detoxing from other prescription opioids (i.e., codeine, oxycodone, fentanyl, etc.) and can include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Monitoring of vitals
• Tapering
• Therapy or counseling

However, most people don’t realize that hydrocodone detox varies based on an individual’s needs.

Many people can undergo a medical hydrocodone detox at home after receiving specific guidance from their doctor.

What to Expect During Detox for Hydrocodone

When undergoing medical detox for hydrocodone, healthcare professionals may administer medication to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and side effects.

The length of detox can vary based on factors such as:

• Age
• Genetics
• Body weight
• Overall physical health
• Mental health (i.e., any underlying mental disorders)
• Metabolism
• The severity of the addiction
• Length of time hydrocodone was taken
• Amount of hydrocodone taken

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms may appear within the first 30 hours after the last dose of hydrocodone. As a result, the initial detoxification stage is usually the most severe.

Drug cravings can be intense during the first stage of detox, which sometimes leads people to return to drug use.

While hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms aren’t typically life-threatening, a person who gives in to cravings during detox is at a significantly higher risk for a deadly overdose than a regular opiate user.

Common hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Runny nose
• Mood swings
• Intense cravings
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle aches
• Dilated pupils
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Changes in appetite
• Body aches
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Suicidal thoughts

The duration and intensity of acute withdrawal symptoms can vary but typically persist for up to two weeks.

However, psychological symptoms linked to hydrocodone withdrawal can last much longer, sometimes persisting for weeks or even months after physical symptoms have subsided.

Working with a medical team or healthcare provider as you detox can significantly alleviate your systems during the withdrawal process—even for long-term symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

During detoxification, doctors may recommend prescription medications to alleviate the symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal and reduce drug cravings. The FDA approves these medications to help with opiate withdrawal.

Some common medication-assisted treatments include:

• Clonidine, to treat high blood pressure
• Benzodiazepines to address symptoms of anxiety and insomnia
• Methadone for cravings
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone) for cravings and other opioid withdrawal symptoms
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol) for cravings and other withdrawal symptoms
• Naloxone to counteract the effects of opioids
• Over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen)

Is Hydrocodone Detox Safe?

The principal dangers of detox are the result of attempting to quit entirely on your own without any medical support or advice.

During detoxification, one risk is the possibility of severe dehydration and hypernatremia (i.e., elevated blood sodium levels). These conditions may result in heart failure, which can be life-threatening.

Additionally, as mentioned above, cravings usually intensify during the detox process.

However, since your body has begun to eliminate hydrocodone from your system, returning to hydrocodone abuse can easily result in a deadly overdose even if you use your “regular amount.”

Post-Detox Hydrocodone Treatment

Following the successful completion of hydrocodone detoxification, the subsequent step in the addiction treatment process is to participate in a treatment program.

Typical treatment programs for hydrocodone addiction include:

• Inpatient rehab
• Outpatient rehab
  • Partial Hospitalization
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs
• Therapy and counseling
  • Individual therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Support groups and 12-step programs
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • SMART Recovery

Therapy is a common approach for people struggling with hydrocodone addiction. Therapy sessions can help you address the impact of substance use disorder and learn to avoid future relapse.

Signs You May Need Detox for Hydrocodone Addiction

Anyone facing a hydrocodone addiction or other opioid dependence may need to undergo detox and seek addiction treatment. Drug addiction, like hydrocodone addiction, typically comes with many signs.

Physical symptoms of opioid addiction include:

• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mood swings
• Diarrhea
• Paranoia
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Spasms
• Slowed movement
• Insomnia
• Muscle or bone weakness and pain
• Overdose

In addition to these physical symptoms, you may also notice changes in the behavior of someone facing a hydrocodone addiction.

Some behavioral signs of hydrocodone addiction include:

• Hiding pill bottles or drug paraphernalia
• Going “doctor shopping” (going to multiple doctors to get hydrocodone prescriptions written)
• Lying about their hydrocodone use
• Struggling at work or school
• Ignoring responsibilities
• Noticeable changes in personal hygiene
• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Getting into financial trouble as a result of buying hydrocodone
• Taking hydrocodone in potentially dangerous situations
• Changes in social groups
• Relationship struggles
• Legal problems

Get Help for Hydrocodone Addiction

While detox is the crucial first step in the addiction recovery process, it is still only part of the journey. Fortunately, you have many options available for opioid addiction treatment.

Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit their online program locator to find hydrocodone addiction treatment options in your area.