Hydrocodone withdrawal can be just as severe as withdrawing from heroin, with side effects that are both physical and mental in nature. Because Hydrocodone is an opiate, it is at a greater risk of being abused and the user runs a higher risk of being dependent on it. Once the user is hooked, getting off of the drug requires special medical attention, to deal with the potentially deadly physical effects, as well as intense emotional attention, to ease the mind and cope with the root of the addiction.  Watching for the signs of opiate addiction can be a real heads up for people who might be headed for a nasty opiate withdrawal.

Once a person decides that they want to get off of Hydrocodone, after prolonged use, their first step is often going to be checking into a detox center. These centers are located at either a local hospital or in a rehab facility. Once there, the patient will undergo a seventy-two hour program, where they will be weaned off of the drug. This period will include the patient experiencing some symptoms, such as sweating or vomiting, that will be eased by medical supervision and counter-active medications.

After the patient has successfully detoxed, they may chose to enter a thirty day substance abuse rehabilitation facility. Here the patient will continue to receive treatment for the physical withdrawals of Hydrocodone, like muscle cramps and loss of appetite. This treatment can include medications, such as non-narcotic pain killers, that can help with Hydrocodone withdrawal. At the end of the thirty days, the patient should, in theory, be completely free of having to use Hydrocodone. The patient will also be treated for the mental and emotional aspects of withdrawal and addiction, such as the cravings or irritability. This can include Narcotics Anonymous meetings, counseling sessions, and even being prescribed an anti-depressant. Both treatments are aimed at stopping the patient from using now, to eliminate the severe withdrawals, and in the future. After the thirty days are up, the patient may be referred to attend outpatient treatment, such as regular group therapy, in order to continue to stay drug free.

Please note that drug addiction, of any form, can be extremely serious. The advice given in this article is for informational purposes; if you, or somebody you know, is experiencing a drug dependency, nothing can replace the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.

AbundantArticles.com cannot take responsibility for any negative consequences that may arise from using the information on this site. With this in mind, it’s advisable to always consult with a doctor regarding issues of this nature.

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Last Modified : January 14th, 2010 Filed under : Health Navigate : Previous post / Next post