Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic that is utilized in the formulation of many narcotic prescription drugs. Most often a prescription for these medications is a means to control moderate to severe pain. As an opiate drug, hydrocodone is in the same category as well known and potent drugs like morphine and oxycodone. As with most opioid substances, it has a high potential to lead to dependency, abuse and even addiction. Due to these risks, hydrocodone is considered a Schedule II Drug by the DEA.

Depending on the different medication, hydrocodone can be available in the form of:

• Syrups
• Tablets
• Capsules

Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) that raises the pain threshold, meaning greater stimulation is required for the nerves to feel pain. It also impacts a fever by acting on the part of the brain responsible for temperature regulation.

Hydrocodone / Vicodin Abuse Factors

This semi-synthetic narcotic produces a calming effect while providing a state of euphoria. Because hydrocodone affects dopamine in the brain, after extended use the brain will develop a tolerance to the amounts taken and need higher doses to continue to feel the effects. This gradually escalation consistently increases the brain’s dependency, which creates addiction. Many medical experts believe that an addiction to hydrocodone can form within 1 to 4 weeks if a higher dosage is consumed on regular basis.

Hydrocodone causes a change in chemistry and normal functioning of the brain, thus it becomes very difficult for the people to stop using it once they have become addicted to it.

Because most forms of hydrocodone, such as Lortab or Vicodin, are immediate release they are generally inactive in approximately 4 to 6 hours. Some formulas are developed for extended release that last up to 12 hours per dose. Depending on the half-life of the dose, withdrawal symptoms can start sooner or later, so most who have become dependent on hydrocodone will start to experience withdrawals between 6 and 12 hours after the last dose.

Suddenly discontinuing hydrocodone or other opiates “cold turkey” without medical assistance is not the recommended method of detoxing. If someone develops a dependence on hydrocodone then a medical detox is the most safe and effective method of removing the drug from the body while dealing with any withdrawal symptoms.

With a medical detox program a professional medical staff should always closely monitor the individual’s progress. Because of the severe health risks presented by long-term hydrocodone abuse, or the discomfort and dangers associated with hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms, it is important to provide a stable environment where any adverse effects can be treated while the individual begins their healing process.

Sometimes medications can be utilized in order to ease the transition from active use. There are pharmaceutical options used during medical detox from hydrocodone that reduce withdrawal symptoms and help to prevent relapse in part by lowering the amount and intensity of drug cravings.

Medical detox is the optimal choice to minimize hydrocodone withdrawal and ensure safety and comfort through an otherwise painfully difficult period. A professional hydrocodone detox program will monitor vital signs around the clock and use necessary methods of support to keep patients comfortable and stabilized. The peak of withdrawal during the detox period is around 5-7 days in most cases. It is possible the medical detox process can actually shorten the length of time. The duration of the withdrawal period will also depend on the individual, severity of hydrocodone addiction, and length of time the drug was abused.

In the end there are several factors to hydrocodone detox, which is why having a comprehensive evaluation can be a huge help to establishing a personalized recovery plan.