In 2015, 12.5 million Americans used hydrocodone in the past year; 2 million were addicted to prescription painkillers. Zohydro was the first purely hydrocodone medication approved by the FDA in 2013. The agency approved the medication against the advice of its scientific advisory board, which voted 11-2 to deny Zohydro’s approval. The addition of acetaminophen is thought to lower hydrocodone’s risk of abuse, causing many to question the FDA’s decision to approve Zohydro. Though the side effects of Vicodin withdrawal are uncomfortable, they are not lethal. Symptoms can be reduced or prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time (a process known as tapering),3 or by using medication-assisted treatment (discussed in more detail below).

Hydrocodone Addiction And Abuse

Call to speak to a treatment support specialist, who can help you locate a rehab center that’s best for your needs. The symptoms will depend on your physical and psychological makeup, the length of time you’ve been using, the dosage you were taking, and other individual factors. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. This drug activates the same receptors in the brain as Vicodin, releasing dopamine and relieving withdrawals. The production of prescription painkillers increased substantially from 2000 to 2010.

Treatment for Vicodin Addiciton: Therapy and Rehab

Quitting Vicodin improves your physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing; helps you gain control of your life; and fosters a sense of self-efficacy. While we are unable to respond to your feedback directly, we’ll use this information to improve our online help. The more you know about hydrocodone, the better your chances are of avoiding addiction. Prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.Call or text 988. The best way to help your loved one recognize the need for treatment is to share your concerns in a compassionate, non-judgmental way.

• Because most people with a hydrocodone addiction begin by misusing a prescription given to them by their doctor, it can be difficult to see the signs of addiction.
• Some signs of hydrocodone addiction include taking more than intending to and prioritizing drug use over personal or professional responsibilities.
• If you think you can’t quit on your own, there are many programs available to help you.
• These drugs can help a person avoid some of the uncomfortable symptoms and cravings that can lead to relapse.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Options

• A long-term addiction that involves high doses of hydrocodone may involve a longer recovery period than addiction from short-term use.
• Vicodin withdrawal occurs when a person stops using it after they have developed a physiological dependence upon it.4 You do not have to be addicted to Vicodin to experience withdrawal symptoms.
• If you’re struggling with opioid addiction or dependency, you’re not alone.
• Some of these drugs are themselves prone to abuse and diversion, and they should only be used under the supervision of a physician.

Users must spend time analyzing why they abused the drug and working to change how they view the world as part of the recovery process. Getting involved in a professional treatment vicodin addiction program is often the best way to do this. People who develop severe substance use disorders to opioids find that withdrawal makes it difficult for them to stop using the drug on their own. Many people who abuse hydrocodone develop tolerance and dependence, which results in withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. These symptoms can make it very difficult to stop using without professional help.

They will then be stabilized and the dose tapered off as part of a detoxification process. If they remain abstinent for two months, they will complete the study. If they relapse and begin abusing prescription opiates again, they may be eligible to go back on the medication for three more months, taper off during a fourth month, and followed for two months. A recovery support representative can help you find a program that meets your financial and personal needs. MAT is most effective when paired with some form of behavioral therapy and should be only be administered by a medical professional. Here’s more background about our medication-assisted treatment program for opioid use disorder.

Naloxone DrugFacts

Because addiction is a brain disease, many people cannot quit on their own. Effective treatment programs typically offer a variety of strategies to address each patient’s unique needs. Contact us today at to learn about hydrocodone addiction treatment options, the cost of treatment, and how to use insurance to help pay for treatment. We are available 24/7 via our confidential helpline so you can start on the road to recovery today. Some treatment programs will use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people detox from opioids such as hydrocodone. A physician will administer an opioid replacement medication and gradually reduce the do’se over time.