Treating a hydrocodone addiction can be done through a detox process; however, for some patients this can be a difficult approach because hydrocodone is an opiate drug, which causes long-term physical and mental addictions.
Hydrocodone detox is performed via a medical procedure done under sedation. The result of the method is that the process of withdrawal is faster. This allows the withdrawal process to occur while the patient is sedated. More than 75 percent of hydrocodone addicts have successfully avoided having to deal with the withdrawal symptoms by using this type of detox method.
- Hydrocodone addictions form rapidly.
- By the time addicts realize they are addicted to a substance, it is too late for an easy solution.
- More than 80 percent of people who are addicted to hydrocodone will have to go through the detox process to begin their recovery.
- The physical addictions to the drug will cause many people to relapse and not successfully complete their treatment. Fewer than 10 percent of addicts will have detox success rates after the first year.
Dependency
When a person becomes dependent on hydrocodone, they will begin to use more of the drug to achieve desired effects.
The effects of hydrocodone addiction when taken will last between six to eight hours. This means that 90 percent of addicts will use the drug between three to four times a day to maintain the high that is achieved. Since the drug is prescribed to manage moderate pain, 75 percent of hydrocodone addicts never intended to become addicted or dependent on the substance. Dependency will progress the more the addict uses the drug. The progression of dependency is due to different factors, including:
- The ability of the drug to alleviate pain
- The euphoria that is experienced when taking the drug
- The anesthetic and psychological impact of the chemicals in hydrocodone
Withdrawal Symptoms
When an addict suddenly stops using the drug, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms within six to 10 hours. The symptoms will be in full swing within 48 to 72 hours. The withdrawal symptoms that are experienced will vary with each addict and not every person will experience the same symptoms or severity of symptoms. There are many withdrawal symptoms that addicts will risk experiencing. Hydrocodone dependencies are very difficult to overcome. When addicts try to stop using the drug without the support and supervision of professionals, the withdrawal symptoms can pose serious risks, including death.
The common withdrawal symptoms hydrocodone addicts will face are:
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Cold sweats
- Increased anxiety
- Vomiting
- Unbearable pain
- Distress
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Aching limbs
- Cascading bodily reactions
Benefits of Detox
When patients go into a medically managed hydrocodone detox facility, more than 70 percent will receive effective treatment that will help them manage the severe withdrawal symptoms that could be experienced. Getting opiate addiction help can be very tough and painful.
There are some main benefits that will be received when the detox is managed by medical professionals:
- Pain can be managed by using other prescribed medications that are not addictive.
- All addicts will be monitored for their safety during the detox process.
- A health care team is always available for support.
- Everyday tasks will not be a concern because qualified professionals are available to offer help and assistance.
- Health will be closely monitored through the process.
- Medically managed detox is 80 percent more effective, and reliable and recovery is more successful.
Finding the Right Detox
Since each addict will experience different symptoms when they go through withdrawal, drug addiction detox programs will vary to suit the needs of each individual. There are some important questions that should be asked before selecting a detox rehab treatment center. These questions can provide answers that will determine if the detox is the right choice. The following questions can help addicts and their families find the right detox program that will increase the chances of successfully overcoming the addiction to hydrocodone.
- How long will the detox program last?
- What other services are provided during and following detox?
- Are there therapy, medication and other treatments available at the same facility?
- What is the facility like in regards to comfort?
- How is the treatment paid for?
- If insurance does not cover the treatment, are there payment plans available?
Statistics have shown that more than 60 percent of addicts who enter detox will successfully overcome their physical addiction to the drug. Further treatment is available to help addicts deal with mental addictions, including group and individual therapy and support groups.
