As a form of prescription pain reliever, hydrocodone is used to manage severe pains, aches, and discomfort. However, being readily available and having a tempting euphoric effect has contributed to an increase in the number of people currently grappling with the dire consequences of being dependent on opioid use.
Unfortunately, it’s highly addictive, which has led to an alarming upsurge in cases of hydrocodone abuse and addiction. The drug’s intricate combination of physical, social, and psychological factors makes treating this type of addiction a real challenge.
By understanding the nature of this addiction, healthcare professionals can offer individuals the right type of treatment plan that best suits their unique situation and provide the support needed to overcome this crippling condition.
Are you or a loved one suffering from hydrocodone addiction? Then this article is for you.
Table of Contents
Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction
Before discussing the different kinds of hydrocodone treatment programs available at Allure Detox, let’s first understand what hydrocodone is and how it affects the body.
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What Is Hydrocodone and How Does It Work?
Hydrocodone is a powerful semi-synthetic prescription opioid made primarily from codeine. It’s prescribed as a painkiller and as a cough suppressant.
The way this medication works is that it binds to opioid receptors in the spinal cord and the brain. Then, it modifies how the body perceives pain signals, as well as the user’s sensation of pain and discomfort is vastly reduced.
The drug’s fast-acting and long-lasting effects make it an effective choice for managing pain resulting from chronic conditions, serious injuries, and surgery.
At the same time, it’s for these same reasons that have increased hydrocodone’s potential for substance abuse. Generally speaking, codeine use induces a sense of relaxation and euphoria. And when consumed in higher doses or for prolonged periods than prescribed, it can be highly addictive.
Over time, users begin to experience tolerance, which means they need higher doses to achieve the same effect. Ultimately, as the body adapts to the presence of the drug in its system, it becomes fully dependent on it even to manage simple daily tasks.
Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
People who are struggling with the use of hydrocodone are likely to manifest physical, psychological, and behavioral changes. Understanding these changes can help family, friends, and healthcare professionals offer the right kind of support the individual needs at the right time.
The most prevalent sign of this type of substance use disorder is the escalating drug use beyond the prescribed duration and dosage. Being in constant pursuit of codeine’s euphoric effects forces the individual to be constantly preoccupied with obtaining and using the drug.
This often leads them to lose sight of their personal and professional obligations and shirk from social activities. In many cases, people spend money they don’t have to obtain more of the drug because they feel compelled to use it regularly and increasingly to achieve the desired result.
Then, when they try to stop using, they’re overwhelmed with severe withdrawal symptoms. So, they feel they have no choice but to continue using it even though it’s wreaking havoc on their lives.
Other side effects of hydrocodone abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Constricted pupils
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Reduced memory capacity
- Anxiety and depression
- Confusion and poor attention
- Gastrointestinal complications
Withdrawal Symptoms
As soon as the individual becomes dependent on hydrocodone, it can be challenging to try and quit using it on their own. It’s true that the majority of short-term hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, but they can be incredibly uncomfortable.
At Allure Detox, healthcare providers will start to gradually decrease the dose in an effort to minimize the risk of these symptoms. Depending on the individual, withdrawal can begin anywhere between 6–12 hours after the final dose and continue for up to a week.
Each symptom’s duration and severity varies based on the user, and typically includes the following:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches and pains
- Running nose
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options in West Palm Beach
While detox is the most crucial step in battling hydrocodone addiction, the Allure Detox treatment center also offers diverse treatment modalities to help individuals overcome their dependency. They tailor each treatment plan for both inpatient and outpatient clients to achieve maximum results and ensure long-term success in their recovery.
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Opiate Detox in West Palm Beach
The first line of defense against opioid addiction, including hydrocodone, is detoxification. Due to the severity of its withdrawal, medical supervision is of the utmost importance during this phase of treatment.
With opiate detox, healthcare workers are likely to administer medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, to help curb cravings and other withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, anxiety, and muscle aches. They also work to minimize the risk of relapse.
During this time, physicians will devise a plan to taper the individual’s hydrocodone dosage, based on their personal needs and unique circumstances. This allows for the gradual reduction of the drug in the body, thus reducing the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms and ensuring that the individual is safe and as comfortable as can be in the given situation.
Another aspect of medical detox is that it makes it easier to identify and manage any likely complications that may arise. This allows for a more seamless transition from the acute withdrawal phase to further treatment plans.
When addressing the physical aspects of withdrawal from hydrocodone, detox paves the way for individuals to address any likely underlying factors that may have contributed to their drug addiction in the first place. That’s why people suffering from hydrocodone addiction are encouraged to continue with supplementary therapeutic approaches, including behavioral therapies, counseling, and support networks.
Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy plays a critical role in helping individuals recognize harmful behaviors and thought patterns and modify them accordingly. They feel empowered, which fosters personal growth and allows them to be more resilient in the face of triggers and develop effective coping strategies.
Behavioral therapy typically includes modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). When applied in tandem with other treatment plans, they help individuals establish a supportive network and develop valuable skills.
Counseling and Support Groups
Support groups, counseling, and peer recovery programs provide individuals with a structured community where they feel heard, understood, and validated. This communal support fosters encouragement and a sense of belonging.
It also provides personalized support and guidance, promotes self-awareness, and diminishes feelings of isolation and stigma. By sharing experiences, individuals gain valuable insight, encourage accountability, and gain a sense of hope for sustained sobriety.
Holistic Treatment
Allure Detox offers a holistic approach to hydrocodone addiction that addresses each individual’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Integrating nutrition, meditation, and physical fitness is essential to ensuring sustained recovery and preventing relapse to achieve long-term sobriety.
An important factor of the holistic treatments provided at Allure Detox is that they’re “person-centered.” In other words, each treatment plan is designed specifically based on the individual’s preferences and needs.
One of the most engaging features of holistic therapy is that it allows the individual to choose from a range of treatment options. Allowing them to determine what works best for them, makes them feel accountable, and also acts as a great motivator.
Conclusion
Defeating opioid addiction may be challenging, but with the right treatment plan combined with the support and care of your family, friends, and healthcare professionals, anyone can do it.
Combining detox with therapy, counseling, and medication, can help reduce the discomfort and acuteness of the withdrawal process. Working together, they also provide individuals with valuable life skills necessary for a successful recovery.
The treatment plan for this type of addiction requires a multifaceted approach. Luckily, the staff at Allure Detox is more than capable of offering the support and care each person needs to help them move forward and live a drug-free life.
