An estimated 10% of adults in the United States use prescription pain relievers to manage pain. Many prescription painkillers contain opioids. One of the most common opioid pain relievers is a drug called hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone is a highly addictive drug. People who take it may develop signs of addiction, including tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. People who develop opioid addiction typically require intensive treatment and ongoing support to maintain abstinence.

This article will explore hydrocodone withdrawal.

If you or someone you love struggles with hydrocodone abuse or addiction, you are not alone. If you need support while withdrawing from hydrocodone, contact the Alamo Behavioral Health team. Learn about our programs, verify your insurance, or schedule an appointment by contacting our intake team now.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid drug. It is an active ingredient in several prescription painkillers, including Vicodin.

Like other opioids, hydrocodone is highly addictive. This drug works by binding to opioid receptors in areas of the brain related to pain control, pleasure, and emotional regulation. People may experience unintended, pleasurable side effects, including relaxation and euphoria while taking Vicodin. This can increase the likelihood of abuse.

Hydrocodone abuse includes:

• Taking a larger dose than prescribed
• Taking it more often than prescribed
• Using it longer than prescribed
• Ingesting it differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting the pills
• Taking hydrocodone recreationally (without a prescription)

Doctors may prescribe hydrocodone to help people manage chronic pain or pain after a medical procedure. They typically prescribe opioids for short-term use to reduce the risk of dependence. However, people who use these drugs under medical supervision may still develop dependence.

It is important to seek treatment as soon as you recognize a problem. Some signs of hydrocodone abuse include:

• Depressed breathing
• Depression
• Slow heart rate
• Increased feelings of fear or anxiety
• Experiencing opioid drug cravings

People with opioid dependence may feel anxious about running out of their prescription meds. They may buy or steal opioids or use illicit drugs like heroin.

People may become dependent on hydrocodone or other opioids, even without a history of substance use disorder (SUD). It is essential to be aware of the risk of addiction and seek treatment as quickly as possible if you recognize a problem.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone with hydrocodone dependence suddenly stops taking this drug, they may develop withdrawal symptoms. Common hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Goosebumps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia
• Flu-like symptoms, including chills and body aches
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Excessive sweating
• Agitation
• Depression
• Poor concentration

Some people also experience more severe or life-threatening symptoms. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Suicidal thoughts

Many factors can affect the psychological and physical symptoms people experience. Their dosage, other substances used, general health, and other factors can impact the duration and severity of a person’s symptoms.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Understanding the Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline

Long-term recovery from opioid addiction often begins with a detox treatment program. Detoxing from hydrocodone can be very challenging, but knowing what to expect may help you prepare for what will come next.

While the duration of symptoms can vary depending on several factors, symptoms typically follow a timeline. Here is an overview of this timeline.

6-12 hours

Most medications containing hydrocodone are short-acting, with effects lasting around 4-6 hours. The onset of withdrawal symptoms typically begins within 6-12 hours of a person’s last dose of hydrocodone.

12-72 hours

Withdrawal symptoms may intensify over the first three days of detox. Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Mood swings

These and other symptoms can make people feel very uncomfortable. The risk of relapse is high. Comprehensive support and addiction treatment during this period can help people avoid relapse.

7 days

Toward the end of the first week of detox, many people begin to notice improvements in their physical symptoms. However, emotional symptoms like irritability and depression may remain. A treatment center can provide critical treatment and emotional support to help people manage their symptoms.

30 days

Many people experience a significant improvement in their symptoms during the second week of detox and beyond. However, some people experience lingering symptoms, including cravings, depression, and insomnia, for a month or longer.

Long-lasting withdrawal symptoms are more common among people who took large doses of hydrocodone or took it for a longer period.

Treatment During Hydrocodone Detox

Having support during detox can help people manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. There are many detox treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient programs.

A hydrocodone treatment plan may include:

• Medications (buprenorphine, methadone, suboxone) to reduce the risk of relapse
• Emotional support, including counseling and support groups, when appropriate
• Holistic therapies, including acupuncture, nutrition support, mindfulness, and others
• A secure environment
• Continuous, reliable access to treatment and support throughout detox

People typically spend 5 to 7 days in a hydrocodone detox program. However, providers may adjust treatment plans to meet each person’s unique needs.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggle with hydrocodone abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our holistic treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Prevalence of Prescription Pain Medication Use Among Adults: United States, 2015–2018
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Hydrocodone
3. NIH: Opioid Withdrawal