Hydrocodone Rehab Treatment: What to Expect?

Find out what awaits you during a hydrocodone rehab stay. Details here.

6
minute read

Addiction Can Be Treated

Once it has developed, hydrocodone addiction requires medical assistance and help. But the process of moving from drug use to sobriety can be difficult. Sometimes people and their loved ones even self-sabotage…leading to more suffering.

The aim of this article is to increase your knowledge and understanding about what actually happens in rehab. We’ll briefly discuss the main processes and stages of treatment. Plus we’ll give you some advice about things you need to keep in mind when visiting your loved one in rehab.

Then, we invite your questions about your personal experience with hydrocodone rehab at the end. In fact, we try to respond to all real life questions with a personal and prompt reply.
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What Hydrocodone Can Do to You

Hydrocodone is the most commonly prescribed opioid painkiller in the United States. It is commonly mixed with acetaminophen, a weaker painkiller, in pill form. While some people get hooked on hydrocodone after legitimate prescription use, others take it just to get high. In fact, hydrocodone can be an effective alternative for heroin.

To date, abuse and misuse of hydrocodone is quite common. Taking hydrocodone to get high can lead to addiction. Individuals who are addicted to painkillers like hydrocodone find it very difficult to quit taking the drug, and may resort to several underhanded methods – such as doctor shopping and theft – in order to obtain it.

Hydrocodone Rehab Basics

Hydrocodone is a strong pain killer. Since it is an opiate, an addiction to hydrocodone can be very tough to overcome. Many individuals who find themselves in this position will often need hydrocodone rehab treatment.

How can you treat hydrocodone addiction?

Admitting that you have an addiction to these painkillers is the first step down the road to recovery. Entering a hydrocodone rehab program, though, is often much easier said than done, especially if a person has never been in a rehab program before. The following list can give you some idea of what to expect during hydrocodone rehab treatment, in regards to services and treatment methods.

STAGE 1: Screening and Assessment

Anyone entering a hydrocodone rehab treatment program will be screened for addiction and mental health problems. You should expect a physical exam, drug testing, and an interview segment as the basis for your initial assessment. Doctors need to establish your personal level of dependence and recommend best treatment options.  From this assessment, an addiction specialist can create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

STAGE 2: Medical detox

Withdrawal from hydrocodone can be quite uncomfortable, and symptoms can include sweating, agitation, runny nose, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and general pain. Medical detox may be necessary for some people to safely and comfortably go through hydrocodone withdrawal before treatment. Medications can be described and symptoms can be addressed as they occur.

STAGE 3: Main Treatments

A variety of psychological treatments are usually used during hydrocodone rehab treatment. Individual behavior therapy is most common, but group therapy is usually recommended as is family counseling. Most people will usually be required to attend several education sessions while in hydrocodone rehab treatment. These sessions are meant to help them understand their disease better and learn new ways to overcome it.

ONGOING Supportive Services

Reputable rehab centers typically offer several different supportive services to recovering addicts who need them. Some people, for instance, may need help with obtaining medical insurance or employment, and others may need referrals to pain management services.

Hydrocodone Aftercare Treatment

Once hydrocodone rehab treatment is complete, many rehab graduates are somewhat prepared to go back out into society. Addiction specialists will create an exit plan for youwhich is a written document that lists goals and plans for the future. An exit plan can include goals such as managing pain without the help of opiate drugs and continuing treatment on an outpatient basis.

Generally, hydrocodone aftercare consists of several weeks or months of daily or weekly outpatient therapy sessions. You can decide with your therapist when you are ready to end these sessions, usually after a year, or so. An addiction aftercare plan will also usually include self-help group therapy sessions and family therapy, as well.

Some people may also need to participate in periodic drug testing after hydrocodone rehab treatment. This is usually true if they have been ordered by the court to complete treatment and remain drug-free, or if they are addicted medical professionals.

Visiting a Hydrocodone Rehab

Once a person has settled into the routine of a rehab program, they will sometimes be allowed to have visitors. This usually depends on the particular facility as well as the progress that the person has made in treatment.

RULE #1: Visitation days usually fall on weekends.
RULE #2: Most visits are kept short, usually no more than a few hours.
RULE #3: During your visit, you may be asked to refrain from physical contact. You will also most likely be asked to not bring certain items, such as medications, into the facility.
RULE #4: You will be able to chat with your loved one during your visit, but you may also be asked to participate in family counseling sessions as well. These sessions can help you and your loved ones reconnect and work through problems that arose while they were addicted.
RULE #5: Education sessions for loved ones are also usually available during visits. Participating in these sessions can help you understand the different aspects of addiction and learn how to cope with your loved one’s addiction.

Can I Leave Hydrocodone Rehab Early?

Leaving treatment early is NOT recommended. Still, addiction treatment is completely voluntary. This means that you can leave rehab before completion if you want to.

The length of your rehab treatment program is based on your individual needs. When you do not complete the full course of treatment, you will not learn all of the coping mechanisms you may need to completely overcome your addiction. This could result in a relapse shortly after you quit treatment.

The strong possibility of relapse is not the only reason to complete your hydrocodone rehab treatment. Completing rehab will help you to:

Learn to cope with pain without relying on opiates.
Live a healthier lifestyle.
Save money in the long-term.
Become more independent and self-sufficient.

Why Complete Hydrocodone Rehab?

1. You are not 100% recovered. The idea to walk away in the middle of treatment is primarily driven by the false believed that people are cured, when in fact, those who leave rehab early are nowhere near cured.

2. You’ll disappoint the faith your friends and family put in you when you entered treatment. The decision to receive medical help for hydrocodone addiction is something your loved one viewed as their last hope to help you get back your life. Quitting treatment in the middle of recovery may leave your loved ones feeling tricked or deceived. While it takes a lifetime to gain someone’s trust, this quality can be lost within seconds.

3. Leaving rehab early might mean you’re breaking the law. People enter treatment because of various reasons and one of them can be a legal issue. Be aware that leaving rehab early and not completing courts order can affect, or even increase your punishment.

4. Wasted money and increased expenses. Bouncing away from treatment means that you are going to need to start the process over. This will require twice as much energy, commitment and financial resources to help yourself gain footing on your hydrocodone abuse.
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Do not bail out early on your rehab!
In case of crises call 1-877-901-4220.
Our compassionate admission specialists are 24/7 available.
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Hydrocodone Rehab Expectations

It can be intimidating to enter any addiction treatment program. But you can expect to overcome the physical addiction and learn how to manage pain without medication. You can do it!

If you’re ready to take the first steps toward a drug-free lifestyle, it’s natural to have concerns. You can leave any questions you may have in the comments section below. We strive to help all of our readers determine their best course of action when trying to beat addiction.

Reference Sources: CT: Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen
NIH: Opiate and opioid withdrawal
Clinical Trials: Tramadol to Reduce Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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