Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from codeine. Widely known for its addictive properties, the painkiller prescription drug has become a huge issue for users in the UK and United States. Placed as a Class A substance in the UK under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, hydrocodone is no longer permitted for medicinal purposes in the UK as a result of its addictive nature.

The opiate causes respiratory depression and drug dependence. Upon use of hydrocodone, the user’s brain is flooded with endorphins which creates an overwhelming sense of euphoria which ultimately leads to addiction over long term use. Ocean Recovery Centre offers a comprehensive 28-day residential rehabilitation programme for clients who are suffering from hydrocodone addiction and need detoxification.

Signs of hydrocodone addiction

Substance abuse of hydrocodone medication can become apparent if the user has built a tolerance to the effects of the drug over a long period of use and needs or seeks a larger quantity to feel the same euphoric sensation. Addiction to the opiate can cause devastating physical and psychological effects on the user, create a huge impact on their everyday life and can also be difficult for the user to accept that there is an addiction at all. If a person using hydrocodone becomes dependent on the sensation that hydrocodone provides, this is considered to be a substance addiction.

The use of hydrocodone can also be a telling sign of an addiction problem. Typically prescribed in tablet form, addicts may crush the tablets to turn the opiate pill into a powder form which can be either ingested or injected directly into the person’s system to create a stronger and faster sensation of euphoria. Ordering hydrocodone tablets through online pharmacies or via the dark web is another telling sign of addiction. Access to the pills over the internet is causing an increasing substance abuse problem for users who seek the high that hydrocodone provides.

The main sign of hydrocodone addiction is the experience of withdrawal symptoms. If symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, abdominal pain and insomnia are experienced when hydrocodone use is stopped for a period of time, it is extremely likely that the user has a substance abuse problem. It is important to seek medical help if any of these signs are experienced, and Ocean Recovery Centre provides a rehab programme for help.

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Admissions to rehab

For people seeking treatment for a hydrocodone addiction, Ocean Recovery Centre will undertake an initial assessment of the user. The assessment takes place entirely over the phone and after an initial discussion the patient will then receive a date to enter Ocean Recovery in person.

Upon arrival at the rehab centre the patient will receive a full physical and psychological medical examination by a qualified staff member to determine the treatment plan and needs of the person suffering from addiction. The clinical team at Ocean Recovery will then create a personalised treatment plan which is designed to meet the likely challenges that clients may face during their rehabilitation.

What happens at hydrocodone rehab at Ocean Recovery?

The first stage of hydrocodone rehabilitation is detox. The patient will be treated by the team at Ocean Recovery for their withdrawal symptoms and will receive 24/7 medical attention throughout this period. Patients may be prescribed medications designed to reduce the withdrawal symptoms such as Subutex to make the transition as comfortable as possible for the patient.

As rehab at Ocean Recovery is residential, clients have meals and cleaning provided by the centre’s support staff, enabling the full attention of each patient to be solely on recovery and wellbeing. The needs of each individual are monitored, and treatment is personalised to ensure patients find their detoxification transition as comfortable as possible.

Hydrocodone detox process

The withdrawal period is necessary to flush out the toxins from a hydrocodone user’s system and can be difficult to manage without professional medical support. Particularly during the acute withdrawal phase of detox, symptoms can be hard to manage. The staff are available 24/7 to provide medical attention to patients during this period and are able to prescribe medications to ease the detox.

Psychological withdrawal symptoms due to hydrocodone detox include:

  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Lethargy

Physical withdrawal symptoms occurring during hydrocodone detox include:

  • Acute abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Drowsiness
  • Diarrhoea

How is medication used to treat hydrocodone addiction?

Opiates cause painful and hard to manage withdrawal symptoms which can often stop users from becoming sober outside of a monitored rehab facility. As a result of the large amount of information known about hydrocodone as an opioid, the withdrawal symptoms are easily managed with other non-addictive medications which can ease the pain of detoxification.

Certain medications known as opioid agonists and antagonists are able to balance the effect of opioids in the brain. These types of medications are prescribed by medical professionals to make the detox process more comfortable for patients and increase the likelihood of managing sobriety.

Therapy for hydrocodone addiction

The detox period of hydrocodone is typically between five to ten days depending on the severity of the addiction. Once the detox has concluded, clients are encouraged to attend therapy and counselling services to address the psychological effects of hydrocodone addiction.

Due to the complexity of hydrocodone addiction and the mental impact opiate addiction causes users, therapy will be tailored to patients differently dependent of their individual needs. Ocean Recovery employs an in-house team of therapists who aim to treat the mental aspect of hydrocodone addiction.

The therapy offered at the rehab facility provides clients with coping mechanisms and ways to fight relapse following the completion of rehab. It is an important aspect of the recovery process and is necessary to provide patients with the tools needed to stay sober.

Contacting Ocean Recovery Centre

Call Ocean Recovery today to find out more about rehab services. Call on 01253 847 553 for more information.

Alternatively, complete the enquiry form and a member of the team will respond shortly.

We maintain clinics across the United Kingdom.

John Gillen - Director at Ocean Recovery

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: December 22, 2023

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.

Dr Adel Ghaly

Dr Adel Ghaly - Clinical Reviewer - Last reviewed: December 22, 2023

MB BCh, Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) from 2002

Dr Adel Ghaly is a registered Doctor who is a specialist psychiatrist. Dr Ghaly gained an MB BCh in 1982 from Assiut University and has since become a substance misuse specialist and psychiatrist. After gaining his qualification in Psychological Medicine (Substance Misuse Psychiatry) in 2002, Dr Ghaly has worked in hospitals and as a specialist trainer recognised by the GMC.