Hydrocodone is a powerful painkiller that is used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. The drug is most commonly prescribed in conjunction with acetaminophen in the form of brand names such as Lortab, Norco or Loricet. Taken for a short period of time, Hydrocodone is generally not dangerous, but use of the drug in large doses or for a prolonged period of time can lead to addiction that requires inpatient rehab to treat.

If you or a loved one is addicted to hydrocodone, supervised treatment in a residential rehab center is the ideal first step in your recovery process. We can help you find an inpatient rehab center that will offer you a safe, medically monitored environment where you can overcome addiction and begin the healing journey to recovery. Call 1-888-605-7779 to speak with a treatment specialist today about the recovery options that are available to you.

Who’s At Risk of Hydrocodone Addiction?

Many find themselves addicted to hydrocodone following a time period in which they have taken it as a result of being prescribed the medication to treat pain. Sadly, we believe that a doctor would not prescribe a medication that would cause addiction, but this is untrue. Doctors DO prescribe addictive drugs and, if you’re not aware of the risks or if you are not careful, you could become addicted from a medication that is provided to you by a doctor.

Certain lifestyle factors place you at a greater risk than others when it comes to becoming addicted to hydrocodone.

These factors include:

  • Whether or not you have been addicted to drugs or alcohol in the past.
  • Whether or not you are currently addicted to another substance.
  • Whether you suffer from mental illness.
  • Whether you have a family history of mental illness or addiction.
  • Whether you have been prescribed hydrocodone in the past.

If you’re taking hydrocodone for any reason other than prescribed, or if you are taking hydrocodone that is NOT prescribed to you, your risk of addiction is increased greatly.

What is Inpatient Hydrocodone Rehab?

Inpatient rehab is generally the first major step in the recovery process. It may include a time spent in detox first or it may come immediately following time spent in a medical detox setting. During inpatient rehab you will:

  • Be monitored around-the-clock to ensure you remain clean, sober and safe.
  • Receive medications to help curb cravings—this may include methadone, naltrexone or buprenorphine.
  • Receive support through individual and group programs such as NA or other 12-step groups.
  • Interact with others in recovery to learn how you can avoid relapse and live drug free.
  • Receive counseling that helps to get to the root of the addiction and ensures that the situations which led to your substance abuse are treated.

Inpatient rehab for hydrocodone addiction provides you with all the tools necessary for a successful recovery. From early withdrawal through the stage of psychological and emotional healing required for long-term recovery, inpatient rehab helps you to tackle addiction head on while you receive support and care from compassionate treatment providers.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

You may be addicted to hydrocodone if you’ve been using the drug frequently. Even if you are prescribed hydrocodone for pain you could be addicted to the drug. Long-term, frequent use of any opiate can result in addiction.

The following signs of hydrocodone addiction may be spotted either by the user or possibly by a caring friend or family member:

  • Using hydrocodone more frequently than it has been prescribed.
  • Using hydrocodone that is not prescribed.
  • Taking hydrocodone to cope with emotional struggles or other problems.
  • Taking hydrocodone with other drugs or alcohol.
  • Using hydrocodone despite known health consequences or other serious problems such as legal troubles, financial troubles or relationship problems.
  • Promising friends or family that you will quit, or promising yourself that you will quit, and failing to follow through with your promise.

Even if you’re addicted to hydrocodone, recovery is possible. Call 1-888-605-7779 and we’ll connect you with an inpatient rehab center that can help you overcome addiction.

Medication for Hydrocodone Withdrawal and Detox

During detox you may be offered a wide range of medications to help offset the symptoms of withdrawal. Hydrocodone withdrawal, like any form of opiate withdrawal, can be challenging to cope with physically and psychologically, but it is generally not deadly.  Be aware that any medications you are given could have their own set of potential risks which you should carefully consider prior to taking them.

Some of the medications used to treat hydrocodone withdrawal include:

  • Methadone
  • Suboxone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Subutex
  • Individual medications for the treatment of nausea or vomiting
  • Medications used to treat pain
  • Medications used to treat anxiety

The exact types of medications that are provided to you during detox will depend on your own individual needs. Be open and honest with your treatment provider to ensure that you receive the adequate dose and type of medication for comfort and healing.

How Long is Hydrocodone Rehab?

Inpatient rehab programs offer varied treatment options to suit the unique needs of each patient. Most inpatient rehab centers begin with 28-30 days of treatment to get patients started on the road to recovery and healing. If 30-days of rehab is not sufficient, longer term programs, such as 60, 90, or 120-day rehab programs are provided to add a continuum of care that is ideal for that patient.

Determining how long you will be in rehab for an addiction to hydrocodone or any opiate really depends on your own situation. Each case of addiction, and recovery, is different. A few factors may contribute to a need for longer treatment. These factors include:

  • A past history of relapse.
  • A history of long-term hydrocodone abuse.
  • A history of mental illness.
  • Age – individuals that are older often require more treatment.
  • Health – if you are struggling with underlying health problems or pain you may need additional treatment.
  • Addiction to other drugs.
  • Dual diagnosis in which you are struggling with mental or physical health problems or other substance abuse problems in conjunction with your addiction to hydrocodone.

Whether you need 30 days of rehab or 120 days of rehab, the most important fact to remember is that there IS help available. We’ll connect you with a rehab center that can lead you to recovery. Just call our helpline toll-free at 1-888-605-7779 today.