Using hydrocodone as prescribed by a doctor can be beneficial in relieving pain, but many people abuse the opioid for nonmedical reasons, such as to get high. Chronic abuse of hydrocodone can lead to addiction.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opioid in the U.S 1. Like many prescription opioid painkillers, hydrocodone is used for its ability to treat moderate-to-severe pain 1,2. The medication is available alone (i.e., monotherapy), but hydrocodone is most commonly found in combination with other pain relievers like acetaminophen 1. Examples of brand name hydrocodone products include 1,2,3:
Though effective when used as prescribed, hydrocodone, like other opioid drugs, is problematic due to its abuse potential. The DEA currently lists all hydrocodone products as Schedule II controlled substances 1. Adults and teens regularly abuse hydrocodone. The DEA reports 1:
Hydrocodone abuse often leads to addiction and dependence 1,3. People seeking to quit using hydrocodone should be cautious, since a series of uncomfortable and distressing effects can arise when use stops or is reduced drastically 3. Known as hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms, these challenging and erratic signs add discomfort and stress and, furthermore, can complicate recovery.
Hydrocodone Addiction
Although hydrocodone is safe when taken at therapeutic doses, it can cause harmful effects when abused or misused. The longer someone abuses hydrocodone the higher their risk is of experiencing psychological and physical complications related to use. Some include 5:
Someone who uses hydrocodone intravenously may experience the following unique consequences 5:
A person who abuses hydrocodone intranasally may experience the following effects 5:
It may not be clear whether you or a loved one has an addiction to hydrocodone or not. Thankfully, there are many signs and symptoms that can indicate that a person may benefit from entering a professional detox program that can provide them with support and care during this trying time. If you have experienced at least 2 of the following symptoms within the past year, hydrocodone detox may be an appropriate option 5:
It can be challenging to quit using hydrocodone on your own due to the emergence of painful withdrawal symptoms. You may want to consider seeking a hydrocodone detox program that can ensure your comfort and safety throughout the process.
A person that quits abusing hydrocodone will likely experience unpleasant or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. The specific symptoms and their intensities will depend on various individual factors, but the most common symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal are 5,6,7:
Detoxification (detox) refers to the body’s natural ability to process and remove unwanted substances. Detox can also refer to professional interventions used to promote comfort and safety during withdrawal. Any drug detox experience will be tremendously variable based on the interaction of several influences, such as 6:
With hydrocodone detox, withdrawal symptoms may begin anywhere from 6 to 12 hours after last use 5,6. The acute detox period for opioids like hydrocodone can last between 4 and 10 days 7. The acute withdrawal symptoms are commonly followed by several protracted withdrawal symptoms 8. Sometimes referred to as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), extended withdrawal can last for 6 months displaying symptoms like 7,8:
More than 82,000 emergency room visits were linked to hydrocodone abuse and overdose in 2011. In most situations, hydrocodone withdrawal is not life-threatening, but it can lead to many unwanted physical health and mental health effects 6,7.
The significant health complications associated with acute hydrocodone withdrawal include 6,7:
Cravings are another dangerous complication of hydrocodone detox because they can increase the danger of relapse and hydrocodone overdose. According to the DEA, more than 82,000 emergency room visits were linked to hydrocodone abuse and overdose in 2011 1.
Recovery from hydrocodone dependence and addiction may be facilitated with medically-assisted or medically-supervised detox. Detox treatment will focus on gradually reducing the dose and frequency of hydrocodone or administering specific medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drugs (e.g., Suboxone) to manage withdrawal and treat cravings 6,9.
Hydrocodone detox is conducted at different locations based on the needs and supports of the individual 6. Detox options include 6,9:
Detox can help people take the first step, but lasting recovery from hydrocodone addiction usually requires a long-term commitment to addiction treatment 9. Seeking substance abuse treatment following detox is valuable, since people who engage in a comprehensive recovery program tend to be more successful in their abstinence 9.