Hydrocodone Detox
Hydrocodone Detox Program in Orange County, CA
Hydrocodone is an opioid drug that is the primary active ingredient in various different prescription pain relievers, including Vicodin and Norco. These painkillers are widely prescribed in the US, despite the fact that they are highly addictive. They are considered controlled Schedule II drugs, by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Hydrocodone, like other opioid medications, affects the levels of dopamine in the brain. When you take hydrocodone regularly over time, you will likely develop a tolerance to the medication. That means that you will require more and more of the drug to achieve the same level of pain relief or other effects. Once that happens, you are physically dependent on the drug, with addiction following close behind.
Many people develop an addiction to hydrocodone as a result of a legitimate injury, illness, or surgical procedure. They find themselves needing more of the drug to stay pain-free and before long, they are addicted. The first step to breaking the cycle of hydrocodone addiction is a medically supervised detoxification program.
At True Life Recovery, we have a professional caring staff to help you through the detox process safely and as comfortably as possible.
Key Facts
New Cases per Year
3,000
People at Risk
1.6 Million
Most Common
80 - 90%
Median Age
34
01. What is Hydrocodone?
What Is Hydrocodone Abuse and Detoxification?
Hydrocodone addiction has reached record levels. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic (painkiller) drug. Brand names including Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco (which all contain hydrocodone). Taking larger doses than prescribed for longer periods of time means you are abusing hydrocodone.
02. Effects of Using hYDROCODONE
The Effects Of Hydrocodone Abuse On The Body
Hydrocodone slows down your body’s normal rate of functioning. If you cannot stop using hydrocodone you need to seek assistance to overcome your addiction. Detox that is closely monitored is the safest means of detoxing from hydrocodone.
Overdose symptoms include muscle weakness, slowed heartbeat and breathing, profound sleepiness, loss of consciousness, coma and may result in death. Contact 911 if you or a loved one shows signs of overdosing.
Major side effects of Hydrocodone addiction are:
- breathing problems
- bowel obstruction
- slowed heartbeat
- severe rash, hives
- itching and swelling
- trouble urinating
- vomiting
What Are the Symptoms of Hydrocodone Detox?
It is often due to the withdrawal symptoms that people addicted to hydrocodone or other opioids have a hard time getting or staying clean. The symptoms are usually not life-threatening, but they are severe enough that many people relapse to alleviate feeling sick. The withdrawal timeline for hydrocodone is usually described in three phases: early, late, and post-acute withdrawal.
03. Side Effects of Detox
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Hydrocodone Detox?
When someone develops a physical dependence on barbiturates, they will usually exhibit obvious side effects and if the drug is discontinued, they will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms. This is because the body has become accustomed to having the drug in its system. Individuals may experience detox symptoms differently, but they typically follow a fairly common timeline.
Early Hydrocodone Withdrawal
The early phase of hydrocodone withdrawal usually starts within 6-12 hours after the last use and lasts for about three days. Many people describe this phase as having the worst flu you can ever imagine and feeling like it will never end. The symptoms that are commonly present during this phase are:
- Muscle and body aches
- Watery eyes and runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Excessive yawning
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Restlessness and agitation
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Cravings
Late Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Two or three days after the early phase, withdrawal symptoms can intensify and include:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Increased heart rate
Post-acute Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Early and late withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a week to more than a month. Once they have subsided, the worst part of the symptoms is over – at least physically. However, the emotional and mental symptoms can last much longer. Depression and anxiety may be ongoing, and individuals may feel fatigued for weeks. They will also likely still be experiencing cravings, insomnia, and may have an increased pain sensitivity.
04. How Long Does Detox Take to Finish
How Long Will It Take to Detox from Hydrocodone?
Most hydrocodone products (including Vicodin and Norco) are immediate release medications that have a duration of effects that last about four to six hours. Though there are a few varieties of hydrocodone that are extended release that last for up to 12 hours, which might extend the beginning of withdrawal.
Typically, with the immediate release hydrocodone, withdrawal symptoms will start within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose is taken. Symptoms usually peak around the 72-hour mark and can last from a week to over a month. Cravings for hydrocodone and some psychological and symptoms can last even longer.
There are various factors that can affect the duration of detoxing from hydrocodone. How long it was used, in what amounts, and how it was taken, all impact the length and severity of withdrawal symptoms. The overall physical and mental health of the individual can also affect the duration.
How to Recognize if Hydrocodone Detox May Be Right for You
If you are abusing or addicted to hydrocodone, you may experience some of the following behaviors:
- Taking higher doses of hydrocodone than are prescribed
- Taking the medication more often than it is prescribed
- Craving hydrocodone when not taking it
- Requiring hydrocodone to simply feel “normal”
- Going to different doctors to obtain various prescriptions for hydrocodone
- Faking symptoms or lying to doctors to get hydrocodone
- Isolating from friends and family
- Not being able to stop using hydrocodone despite attempts to quit
05. Detox by Drug Type
What Are the Different Types of Detox?
At True Life Recovery, we have a caring and dedicated staff available to clients around-the-clock for support and medical intervention. During the detox process all clients are monitored regularly, checking vital signs and their overall medical condition. We offer detox from various substances, including:
We offer detox for drugs and alcohol including:
06. Getting Help
Getting Help
In most situations, the withdrawal symptoms you suffer from in hydrocodone detox are not dangerous or life-threatening. However, there are withdrawal symptoms that are seriously uncomfortable, even painful to get through. As a result, it’s recommended that detox from hydrocodone be done in a medically supervised detox center. This allows for consistent monitoring and medical care during detox. Patients are kept as comfortable as possible, sometimes with the help of medication, and they remain safe should there be any medical events related to withdrawal.
A detox program’s goal is to stabilize the individual physically, alleviating some of the most uncomfortable parts of withdrawal. Physical hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms typically last for at least a week, which is a long time to suffer on your own, which is why many people cannot get sober on their own. They end up returning to the drug to stop feeling the withdrawal symptoms. Detox is likely to be smoother and go faster if all physical elements are attended to so that the psychological side effects of withdrawal and addiction can be managed as well.
True Life Recovery is a residential detox center in Orange County with a qualified and compassionate staff that will guide you through the detox process. Our center is safe, quiet, and comfortable, the perfect setting for getting clean and beginning your new life in recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complicated, irrational and multi-faceted disease. Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain that is persisting, recurring and difficult to stop. Addiction is not a moral failing or a lack of will power. Nobody chooses to be an addict. Experimenting with drugs and alcohol may lead to addiction in certain people. People basically use drugs or alcohol to relax, escape or reward themselves. A potential addiction occurs and is more likely in people who have an addictive personality caused by biology, environment or socially or are predisposed through heredity. These people don’t just feel good after using they feel so good they chase the feeling and the substance.
Signs of Addiction:
- Increased Tolerance & Intense Urges
- Physical or Emotional Withdrawal Symptoms
- Negative Consequences
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
- Too Much Time Spent Seeking Next High
- Addiction without the proper professional help can be terminal.
If you cannot control or stop using alcohol or drugs and your use is affecting your life adversely regarding health, self-esteem, family, employment, friends even law enforcement it’s probably time to consider a recovery program for yourself.
The first step after deciding to take control of your life back is to detox. Detoxing from an addiction is the first step in changing your life.
A “cold turkey” approach is not recommended because of the physical problems that may arise. In our experience people who try going cold turkey usually disappoint themselves and relapse. Detox should never be attempted at home or without medical supervision at a licensed detox treatment facility.
At True Life Recovery, we medically manage your detox stay and provide you with as pain-free and safe experience as possible. We manage the physical effects of withdrawal, give you a safe comfortable supportive environment with proper food and emotional support.
When an individual determines to live life clean and sober the first step is detox.
The next phase is adjusting to abstinence. Lasting recovery means behavioral changes that support your journey. Talking it out in a private or public support system will assist in recovery.
Active involvement in support groups such as AA or NA are recommended.
There are many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers also available to assist individuals to learn new coping skills and focus on their recovery. As well, your religious organization may be of great support.
Addiction is a chronic disease, therefore the goal is a long-term successful management of the disease.
Detoxification from drugs or alcohol varies depending on the type, the level of abuse, and the individual client’s health.
In general, detox will take 3 to 10 days.
When you speak with one of our True Life Recovery representatives they will begin to assess your dependency and will give you a good idea of what timeline to expect to stay.
Costs include 24-hour supervision and monitoring, room and board in a private or shared room, intake evaluation, counseling and therapy sessions as well as nutritious food freshly prepared daily.
For anyone worried that the wrong person will find out that you are going through a detox program – don’t be. Deciding to become clean and sober is a very personal issue and we highly respect individual rights. We do not give out personal information, have and maintain a very strict confidentiality policy.
