Hydrocodone Detox with Suboxone
Hydrocodone is an opiate used as an active ingredient in a number of prescription medications including cough suppressants and pain relievers. It produces many of the same effects as codeine and morphine. Hydrocodone is not intended for long term use. Those who take it for extended periods of time develop a tolerance as well as dependency on the drug. The highly addictive nature of hydrocodone often leads to abuse where users may inject, chew, crush, or snort it. This leads to uncontrolled doses of the drug being administered which may cause overdose and death. As a tolerance is developed, the user must continue to take more of the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Hydrocodone can build up in the body. Those who stop taking it abruptly may experience the following:
• Seizures
• Convulsions
• Delirium
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hot Flashes
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Tremors
Hydrocodone has also been found to cause other adverse effects in those who abuse the drug including:
• Respiratory depression
• Cardiac arrest
• Circulatory depression
• Shock
• Allergic reactions such as skin rashes
• Genitourinary system complications
• Nervous system disorders including hallucinations, visual disturbance, uncoordinated muscle movements and agitation
How to Detox from Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone detox largely depends on the severity of the addiction. The detox phase averages about a month. Detox facilities can provide treatment in a controlled environment. The patient remains under observation for potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms while undergoing detox. Medications such as Suboxone are frequently used to help manage withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone has two main ingredients; buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it produces many of the same effects as full opioid agonists such as heroin or morphine but without the euphoria. Buprenorphine attaches to opiate receptors to inhibit cravings. Since it doesn’t produce the same euphoria as full opioid agonists, the potential for abuse is much less. Naloxone is another ingredient in Suboxone. It discourages intravenous use or dissolving the tablets by producing withdrawal symptoms. Subutex is another drug used to treat withdrawal symptoms. It is similar to Suboxone but does not contain naloxone. Both drugs were approved by the FDA in 2002 for treatment of opiate addictions.
Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment
In addition to Suboxone or other drugs used to treat withdrawal symptoms, additional medications may be prescribed to treat coexisting disorders resulting from hydrocodone use, such as mood disorders. Counseling is also an integral part of the addiction treatment. Patients participate in one on one therapy and/or group counseling sessions. It helps patients identify the underlying cause of the drug abuse and teaches them more effective coping mechanisms.
Northbound offers both inpatient and outpatient treatment options. Patients who have responsibilities that prevent them from being away from home or their families may not have time for an inpatient program. However, inpatient and residential treatment have been proven to yield better results in terms of the person’s chances of staying sober than outpatient treatment options. While we utilize suboxone treatment in the detoxification phase, our clients are required to taper off and discontinue the medication prior to entering treatment at Northbound. Our staff have over 25 years of experience making sure the detox and withdrawal phases for opiate addiction are as comfortable as possible so that the person can focus on the next phase of his or her recovery.
At Northbound, we help individuals overcome hydrocodone addiction and develop coping mechanisms to help manage stress. They provide counseling to help patients understand the underlying cause of their drug use as well as behavioral therapy to develop better responses to stressors. Northbound has its own sub-acute detoxification facility so that clients can begin to develop relationship with staff and peers immediately upon entering treatment without having to switch facilities from detox to treatment. We believe that every individual is unique, which is why we design individualized treatment plans specifically suited to each client’s needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction to hydrocodone or other drugs, contact Northbound today.
