Last Updated: October 28, 2022

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 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.

Detoxing From Hydrocodone 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, meditation and yoga should be discussed with your doctor before relying on them during home detox.

However, there are downsides to doing a home detox from hydrocodone. These include:

• Limited treatment options during an at-home detox: This includes even when it takes place with a doctor’s guidance. Completing your detox at an inpatient medical detox facility means that any withdrawal symptoms can be treated immediately. In contrast, detoxing at home means you will not have around-the-clock medical care to treat your symptoms as they occur. This can include treatment with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with methadone or buprenorphine products as medically appropriate.
• Harder to identify and treat complications: Medical complications can arise when detoxing and undergoing withdrawal symptoms. In an inpatient medical detox, complications can be identified and immediately addressed. However, during a home detox, complications can be more difficult to identify and treat. 
• Not appropriate for everyone: Experts believe that 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 that we coordinate the treatment you need after your detox is over.

Hydrocodone Detox 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 like the one offered at The Recovery Village Columbus.

Our facility offers many treatment advantages, including 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. Our clinical team in our medically supervised detox program can ensure that you stay hydrated and may prescribe MAT as clinically appropriate.

Our detox center is conveniently located in Columbus, Ohio, and offers amenities including:

• Two fully equipped gyms
• Art studio
• Volleyball court
• Pickleball court
• Computer lab
• Pool table
• Outdoor fire pit
• Yoga

In addition, we are able to offer a comprehensive addiction recovery program, seamlessly transitioning you from our detox program to our inpatient and outpatient rehab programs as well as aftercare.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 suitable for your situation.