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Hydrocodone Withdrawal Info?
Hydrocodone is a narcotic drug that produces a calm or euphoric state similar to that of heroin or morphine. It is primarily prescribed to treat moderate to severe or chronic pain. Hydrocodone is in a class of drugs considered to be opiate analgesics and is a Schedule II narcotic.
This means the potential for abuse and addiction to this drug is very high. Individuals who use this drug in high doses over long periods of time will develop a tolerance to the drug. This means they will have to take more and more of it to achieve the same effect. They may also develop a psychological dependence to the drug as well.
If a regular Hydrocodone abuser stops taking the drug, he or she will experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will usually occur within six to twelve hours of discontinued use and can last up to two weeks long. Withdrawal symptoms of Hydrocodone are not usually life threatening, but may differ depending on the severity of the abusers addiction. They may also vary with each person’s individual use of the drug because some addicts may combine this drug with alcohol and/or other drugs which will increase the severity of withdrawal. Mixing Hydrocodone with other illicit drugs is extremely dangerous and may result in a possible fatal overdose.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms
Over time, a person’s body will become used to the effects of Hydrocodone. When the use of this drug is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms will occur. Hydrocodone withdrawal may occur in both chronic abusers of this drug as well as with the short term use of Hydrocodone by a legitimately prescribed patient. Some of the signs of Hydrocodone withdrawal include an intense craving for the drug after discontinued use or lessening of the dose. Major physical symptoms of withdrawal include:
- Flu-Like Symptoms
- Excessive Yawning
- Sweating
- Chills
- Runny Nose
- Watery Eyes
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Muscular Aches
- Back Pain
There will also be some psychological withdrawal symptoms as well. This includes anxiety and excessive irritability, depression, extreme cravings and insomnia or other sleep disorders. A person may also feel like they can’t think about anything else but taking the drug; this presents a problem causing lack of concentration and loss of focus. Commonly, these feelings add to the anxiety of being off of the drug.
Over time, Hydrocodone can affect the body in many harmful ways. At first, the abuser may experience problems with constipation, nausea and dizziness. Then the severity of misuse of this drug may lead to irregularity in heart function and respiratory depression. As the abuse of Hydrocodone progresses, the user may also experience hallucinations, vision problems and constant confusion. In some cases, Hydrocodone effects show up in the form of skin problems including hives, skin rashes and swelling in the face. All of these effects occur because the body is trying to rid itself of the innumerable toxins that are being put into it each day. Hydrocodone addiction and abuse is very dangerous and treatment should be sought as soon as possible because the misuse of this drug may lead to coma and even death.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options
The treatment of Hydrocodone addiction is done in a combination of several steps. First and foremost, the substance is cleared from the patients system. This should be done safely at a detoxification center usually at an inpatient rehabilitation facility. There the detoxification process will be monitored by a medical staff 24/7.
Detoxification may be aided by the use of certain prescription medications to allow for a more comfortable withdrawal. This medication may include anti-depressants which can help induce a positive attitude in the person seeking treatment and help to produce a much more successful recovery. In rehabilitation, a person with an addiction to Hydrocodone will be taught skills to maintain abstinence form this drug.
This is done by behavioral health therapy. Therapy for patients includes one on one or group counseling by a certified psychologist specifically trained in this area. Residential rehab is known to be the most successful way to treat patients addicted to Hydrocodone. There the addict will have continued medical support and will be able to express his or her feeling about their addiction in a nonjudgmental setting.
