Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid that is typically prescribed after surgeries or injuries to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe pain. While it is effective in managing pain, it is not recommended for long-term use because of the risk of addiction.
If you get addicted to hydrocodone, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal if you abruptly stop taking it. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe but are usually not life-threatening. Withdrawal is uncomfortable though, so many people fail to complete detoxification because they end up relapsing for relief. How long hydrocodone withdrawal lasts and how severe your symptoms will depend on your extent of opioid use and other factors.
For most people, hydrocodone withdrawal lasts 6-7 days.
What are the Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal?
When you are addicted to hydrocodone, your brain and body both become accustomed to the presence of the substance. If you abruptly quit taking the drug, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal occurs because your brain believes it is missing a chemical it needs to function properly.
The symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal include:[2]
- Headaches
- Teary eyes
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Excessive sweating
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Yawning
- Insomnia
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
- Agitation
- Irritability and restlessness
- Depression
- Stomach cramping
- Flu-like symptoms
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cravings for hydrocodone
Hydrocodone withdrawal is typically not life-threatening. However, without professional treatment, the symptoms could become so severe that you relapse to feel better.
The Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline
How long hydrocodone withdrawal lasts can vary from person to person depending on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include:
- How long you’ve been abusing hydrocodone
- The dose you take
- How frequently do you take hydrocodone
- Whether you abuse other substances
- Your age, weight, and overall health
- The rate of your metabolism
- The health of your liver and kidneys
Most people follow a general timeline when it comes to hydrocodone withdrawal. The symptoms can arise fairly quickly, affecting some individuals within 6 hours after their last dose.
6 to 12 Hours
Hydrocodone is a short-acting opioid that only lasts for a maximum of 6 hours, so symptoms may begin 6-12 hours after your last dose. Typically, the initial withdrawal symptoms of hydrocodone are mild, often including body aches, nausea, stomach cramps, and excessive sweating.
3 to 5 Days
Sometime between the third and fifth day of withdrawal, your symptoms will peak. This means they will be at their most severe, requiring extensive medical treatment in some cases. During this stage of hydrocodone withdrawal, you might experience severe body aches, flu-like symptoms, shaking, vomiting, and uncontrollable urges to abuse the substance.
6+ Days
Hydrocodone withdrawal typically only lasts six to seven days, but some psychological symptoms will persist after a week. You might experience severe mood swings, depression, and even suicidal ideation.
What Can You Expect During Hydrocodone Detox?
The best way to detox from hydrocodone is to attend a drug and alcohol detox program. Opioid detox centers can prescribe FDA-approved medications to lessen the symptoms and cravings you experience. Medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) or methadone can make the detox process more manageable.
In addition to medication, you will have 24/7 access to emotional and psychological support. This is especially important during withdrawal because you are so susceptible to relapse. Mental health experts will be on staff at all hours, ensuring that you receive the care you need exactly when you require it.
After you complete the detox process, you will transition into an inpatient or outpatient rehab program.
Find Help for Hydrocodone Addiction
If you or a loved one suffer from a hydrocodone addiction, detox is the first step in recovery and is vital to keeping you safe, healthy, and focused on sobriety.
At Arise Treatment Center, our highly-specialized medical staff provides you with 24-hour support and supervision so you can detox from drugs and alcohol safely. With a team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse, Arise Treatment Center’s main goal is to provide exceptional long-term wellness to our clients as well as their families.
To learn more about our hydrocodone detox program, contact Arise Treatment Center today.
References:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Prescription Opioid Overdose Death Maps, Retrieved June 2023 From https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/deaths/prescription/maps.html
- Medline Plus: Opiate and Opioid Withdrawal, Retrieved June 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm