Hydrocodone Abuse
What is Hydrocodone?
Hydrocodone is a partially synthetic opioid, unlike natural opiates such as morphine and codeine. It is usually prescribed in response to surgery, or to those suffering chronic pain. Brand name hydrocodone medications such as Vicodin are usually given for things such as extensive dental work. Normally, it is only given in short-term doses and only while under the supervision of a doctor. The substance is so addictive that the body can begin to form a dependence in as little as five days. Even if doses of hydrocodone are taken according to instruction, patients can still quickly develop a dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms from this medication.
Like other opioids, hydrocodone connects to the brain’s opioid receptors to disrupt pain signals. Usually, it is very safe for short term use, but because it can create a feeling of euphoria, people use it for longer than prescribed, causing a dependence.
Hydrocodone Use
Because of it is so highly addictive, just like with other opioids, addiction to doctor prescribed hydrocodone can happen very swiftly. After using for an extended period of time, the body will begin to develop symptoms and side effects as they would with other drugs and substances. It is not easy to spot a victim of abuse, but there are some symptoms. Here are some of the most common side-effects of hydrocodone use:
Side-Effects May Include:
- Muscle Weakness
- Heart Irregularities
- Seizures
- Blurry Vision
- Fear
- Anxiety
At this point, if you have begun to feel any of these symptoms or know a loved one who has been experiencing anything of the above, it may be time to get help. Opiate addiction is a very painful and real disease that affects too many men and women. Detoxing from opiates can be dangerous or even fatal. If you or someone you love is struggling with any form of opiate addiction, it is important to get help as withdrawal is not safe to handle alone.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Because prolonged use of hydrocodone can have such a detrimental impact on the body, associated with kidney and liver disease or even mental and social disorders, it is important to end the cycle as soon as it is recognized. Unfortunately, withdrawal from any opioid is painful and hydrocodone is no exception. Usually, withdrawal can last five to ten days. This could be longer or shorter, and vary in intensity depending on the length of time you used the drug, and of course your age and overall health profile. It’s a fact that the symptoms can lead to severe discomfort and pain, and because of this individuals who do not have medically assisted treatment while detoxing end up relapsing. It is highly recommended that you seek assistance if you need to detox from ANY opiate.
Withdrawal may Include:
- Temperature Fluctuations
- Vomiting, Stomach Pains and Diarrhea
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings
- Body Aches
- Flu-Like Symptoms
To alleviate the pains of withdrawal, medical detox is recommended from a professional and safe environment such as with the caring team here at Royal Life Centers.
Detox Meds
When detoxing from powerful narcotics, such as hydrocodone, relief during the five to ten days of these withdrawal symptoms can be provided through various medications including:
- Clonidine
- Buprenorphine (Subutex or “subs”)
- Buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone or “subs”)
These detox medications aim to ease the physical and emotional discomfort during a very difficult experience. Warm baths, mild exercise, balanced nutrition, and the compassionate support of recovery-sensitive physicians, nurses, and counselors help ease a person through hydrocodone withdrawal. Counselors will help you to transition into the most vital part of hydrocodone rehab, recovery therapy. You will find that entering into these programs the moment you are able to will greatly reduce your overall stress and mental pains.
Hydrocodone detox medicine such as buprenorphine should be discontinued as soon as possible because there is a risk of addiction. Long-term recovery for hydrocodone users is often made difficult by malnutrition and related attention deficit delusions such as: “I don’t need all that therapy. Just detox me and I’ll be on my way.” At Royal Life Centers, we believe any substance abuse or addiction requires comprehensive treatment to overcome. We provide intensive therapies during our medical detox services, as well as throughout our entire range of addiction treatment services.
What happens after medical detox?
After completing medical detox at Royal Life Centers, our guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness. We offer a variety of detox options for treating drug addiction beyond just opiates like hydrocodone. Our program helps to promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate. At Royal Life Detox, we believe that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Our treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit.
Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Detox, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. This is not just our goal, but our mission.
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