Hydrocodone Withdrawal & Detox in Ohio

Hydrocodone is one of the most common prescription opioids in the United States. Although it does have medical benefits for pain treatment, it also has the potential for abuse and addiction. Ohio is a state that has witnessed the dangers of opioids firsthand, as more than three-quarters of Ohio overdoses involve these drugs. 

Opioids like hydrocodone can also cause dependence to develop. When this happens, the body begins relying on the drug in order to function normally. If someone with a hydrocodone addiction stops taking the drug, they’ll experience uncomfortable or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur because the body is readjusting to the sudden absence of the medication.

Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to cope with alone; some people continue opioid use simply because they are afraid of facing the inevitable withdrawal. However, medical detox programs like the one found at The Recovery Village Columbus can help relieve symptoms and keep you safe and comfortable throughout the withdrawal process. 

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of hydrocodone are similar to those of other opioids, including legal prescription medications like oxycodone or illegal street drugs like heroin.

Some of the most common hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms include:

• Muscle aches
• Insomnia 
• Increased tear production 
• Sweating 
• Runny nose 
• Yawning 
• Enlarged pupils 
• Abdominal cramps 
• Goosebumps 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Agitation 
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline

The duration and severity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on many different factors, such as length of use, frequency of use and amount of use. These can all affect how long hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms last and how severe they may be.

For most people, the hydrocodone withdrawal process typically follows a general timeline:

• Day one: On the first day of hydrocodone withdrawal, symptoms can begin around eight hours following the last dose of the drug. When this happens, the person will start to have relatively mild symptoms that will usually include general muscle aches and pain.
• Day two: A person will continue to experience aches and pains throughout day two. Symptoms may also become more uncomfortable and severe. Diarrhea, sleep problems and appetite loss are all symptoms that can occur. Some people will also have psychological symptoms, such as panic attacks or anxiety. People may also experience cold or flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose.
• Days three to ten: Generally, the worst of the symptoms will have subsided between days three and five. However, some symptoms may linger for up to ten days. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting will begin to dissipate, and a normal appetite may be regained.
• Weeks to months after the last dose: After day 10, most people start to feel like they are getting back to some kind of normal. For several weeks or months, however, they may continue to have some psychological symptoms. These can include anxiety, depression, fatigue, irritability and trouble sleeping.

Hydrocodone Detox at Home

In some cases, a person may want to try detoxing from hydrocodone at home. Experts agree that this can be possible in some cases as long as the person is under a doctor’s care. A person should not try to detox on their own without a doctor’s help or try to quit hydrocodone cold turkey. Home remedies like exercise, diet, mediation and yoga should be discussed with your doctor before relying on them during home detox.

However, treatment options for withdrawal symptoms are more limited during an at-home detox — even when it takes place with a doctor’s guidance. Further, complications like fluid loss from diarrhea or vomiting can be more difficult to identify and treat. For this reason, people with health problems, mental health symptoms or other substance abuse concerns may be better candidates for a medically supervised inpatient detox than an at-home detox.

After a person has gotten through the detox process, it’s important that they begin a rehab treatment program to address the emotional, psychological and mental aspects of addiction. One of the reasons it is so helpful to detox at a professional treatment facility like The Recovery Village Columbus is because we coordinate the treatment you need after your detox is over.

Hydrocodone Detox Center in Ohio

Detoxing on your own without medical help is not recommended, especially if you have mental health problems, physical health problems or other drug addictions. It’s safer and more effective to enter into a medically supervised detox program, where you will have around-the-clock monitoring from medical professionals. For example, people detoxing from opioids like hydrocodone tend to lose fluids and become dehydrated due to diarrhea and nausea. The clinical team in a medically supervised detox program can ensure that you stay hydrated.

There may be certain medications provided to make the detox process easier. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and your treatment team will be able to help you determine the best course of action for your situation and recovery needs.

The important thing to keep in mind is that it’s possible to successfully detox from hydrocodone and enter hydrocodone addiction treatment that will help you to overcome your addiction. If you or someone you love is ready to begin the path to a healthier, drug-free life, The Recovery Village Columbus is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about detox and other valuable treatment options that can work well for your situation.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Jessica Pyhtila, PharmD

Dr. Jessica Pyhtila is a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland with practice sites in inpatient palliative care and outpatient primary care at the Department of Veteran Affairs. Read more