Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment and Rehab
Where to Get Help for Hydrocodone Addiction/Substance Abuse
Hydrocodone has gained notoriety as a drug of abuse in the United States. It is an opiate, which means it causes depression of the central nervous system and hijacks vital neurotransmitters. This causes the brain to be flooded with endorphins and gives the user a feeling of intense well-being and euphoria. The drug is often produced as a combination pill with other non-opioid painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. (1)
Hydrocodone is only available by prescription in the United Kingdom, and very few doctors are willing to prescribe it, even in the treatment of cancer pain. Therefore, all use of the medication without a prescription is considered substance abuse. Anyone who has been regularly using this drug should seek medical detoxification immediately and consider drug rehabilitation and therapy if this has been an ongoing problem for more than a couple of months.
Importance of treating hydrocodone addiction & when to seek treatment
There are growing concerns that access to prescription drugs online is deepening what has been dubbed the opioid crisis in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has been found that people can order hundreds of opiate tablets to one address through online pharmacies. (2) People can also gain access to any illicit substance through the encrypted dark web. While prescriptions for these types of medication are falling, overdoses are rising and the Internet is now the main source. (3)
Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opiate, like oxycodone. This means the drug has been chemically synthesised from naturally occurring opiates. It can be difficult for people to perceive a pill in the form of a medication as a dangerous Class A drug, but that is exactly what hydrocodone is. Addiction to opiates can cause devastation to an individual and every aspect of their life. If someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from stopping hydrocodone, they must seek help immediately.
Understanding hydrocodone addiction treatment and rehab options
There are a range of options available to those who are going through an addiction to a harmful substance. Opiates are considered one of the most harmful drugs when abused due to their impact on the brain and body. The type of treatment required will depend predominantly on the severity of the addiction. Anyone who experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug should seek medical detoxification, as it is a risky process.
If the individual has been using the drugs for a couple of weeks, they should be able to see their GP and be given medication to taper off the drug. (4) Any more than that and it is advisable that the person seeks a facility than can offer them detoxification. During this process, the service user is often given medication that helps to ease withdrawal symptoms and psychiatric intervention is given to help determine the cause and prevent reoccurrence.
- Charities
- NHS Options
- Private Rehab
- Residential Care
Private rehab vs free treatment options for hydrocodone addiction
All residential drug rehabilitation centres in the United Kingdom are private. Some people with severe addiction may be able to get funding from the NHS for inpatient rehab, but it is rare. Although the institution is well-meaning, the waiting lists on the public health service can be lengthy. (5) The time it takes to get into a residential treatment programme is often enough time to allow the addiction to take a stronger hold on the person.
Residential treatment is almost always advisable for opiate addiction because it provides the service user with an entirely removed clinical environment. Sometimes problems at home can be triggers for drug use or people get into habits that can be related to their home life. Choosing a private clinic for themselves enables the client to be more in control of their recovery. As soon as the individual has chosen the centre that suits them, they can be admitted for treatment.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Executive/luxury rehab programmes for hydrocodone addiction
Recovering from a substance dependence on a drug such as hydrocodone can be difficult and sometimes painful. Home comforts and luxurious touches can help some individuals to feel more motivated to change. These types of environment often have chef-prepared meals, en-suite facilities, plush surroundings and gym equipment. There is a misconception that residential rehabilitation centres are all clinical and sparse; executive rehab breaks these stereotypes.
What Happens in Hydrocodone Rehab?
Addiction affects everyone differently, and there is no checklist — if an individual is worried that they or a loved one has a problem, it is most likely worth addressing. Rehab can be seen as intimidating, and some people still make outdated associations of these types of facilities based on cinematic depictions from the 1970s and before. In reality, it is a nurturing place where people suffering from addiction are given every possible resource to help them overcome their substance dependence.
The service user is usually treated by a large team of clinical professionals who offer support, advice and treatment based on their assessments. Medication that helps to ease painful withdrawal symptoms is safely administered. The residents partake in group or individual therapy, exercise and activities, and each day is carefully planned to promote structure and routine.
Hydrocodone rehab admission process
If an individual decides that residential rehab is the best course of action for them, the process of seeking admission for a private treatment programme is quick and simple. First, they can choose a location based on what suits them best. If privacy is their priority, they can select a facility in a different town or county. If family therapy is a priority, they can make sure they are closer to home.
Before entry, they fill out a pre-assessment to establish the pattern and quantity of use. Once admitted, they undergo a full medical examination in order to give the clinical team the information required to devise an individual treatment plan based on the person’s unique needs.
Hydrocodone addiction assessment
A medical assessment is carried out immediately upon checking in to a rehab facility. During this process, the doctor finds out about the person’s medical history, asks them questions and has them fill out questionnaires about their mental health. They also carry out a physical exam to determine the impact the addiction is having on the body. Medication may be given immediately, as anyone who is admitted to a residential rehab must not bring substances with them under any circumstances.
Acceptance of the problem
Acceptance is seen by many as the first step towards recovery. It can be incredibly difficult for someone who does not see their drug use as a problem or is under the illusion that they are enjoying their lifestyle. More often than not, drug users are embroiled in loneliness and a sense of alienation that causes them to self-medicate. (6) The feelings brought about from using can mimic the sensations people get from more positive pursuits and end up replacing them.
Medically assisted/controlled detoxification
Medically assisted detoxification can be the best form of treatment for people suffering from alcoholism or opioid addictions. These substances affect the brain in a physical way by producing neurotransmitters. After a fairly short period of time, the brain becomes dependent on the substances to produce these neural effects instead of producing them itself. This is experienced as extreme cravings and withdrawal symptoms if an individual stops using the substance.
Medication given to people during rehab does not produce feelings of euphoria or the high associated with drug abuse. Instead, it gives the body just enough of the substance that the service user doesn’t feel negative symptoms so strongly. These doses are gradually decreased and, along with psychological intervention, the individual is taught to cope without the substance.
Rehabilitation
Once the person who enters rehab has gone through their medical assessment, the next stage is detoxification. The methods used during this stage are tailored to the individual but usually involve a mixture of medically assisted treatment to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings and psychosocial treatment in the form of group and/or individual therapy.
During detox and rehab, the service user follows a strict routine given to them at the beginning of their treatment. This usually involves waking up early, partaking in activities, helping with the upkeep of their environment and structured communal meals. People usually have their own private room but often find that they spend any spare time socialising with peers and forming friendships. This is an essential part of the recovery process and should not be underestimated.
Recovery
For some, recovery may be a lifelong process. It certainly doesn’t end as soon as the service user leaves the facility. Rehab is not a cure for addiction; it gives the individual abundant resources, therapy and all the medical assistance necessary to become abstinent. The process of recovery requires a lot of effort from an individual suffering from a substance abuse disorder. Attending follow-up care in the form of group meetings or therapy is strongly advised.
What Is an Inpatient Rehab Programme?
Inpatient programmes are usually administered in residential rehab centres, although in extreme cases they may be offered in a hospital setting. During these programmes, the service user in the care of medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is widely accepted that this kind of treatment is most effective for people suffering from an addiction that has negatively impacted most areas of their life.
People in rehab have their contact with the outside world strictly monitored, and gaining access to substances is almost impossible. At home, there may be triggers that prove too difficult to ignore before treatment is complete. It can also be easier to gain access to substances from home, and people may be more inclined to do so when they are not under medical supervision.
Types of therapy offered to patients
One of the main benefits of inpatient rehab is that the clinical staff and the client often develop a stronger bond than they would in a non-residential setting. This type of setting necessitates trust and mutual understanding which can be an important foundation for therapy. Most forms of therapy are dependent on a strong bond between the therapist and the client. The more relaxed and open the person in recovery is, the more they can get out of therapy.
Most residential rehab centres utilise a range of types of therapy. What works well for one person may not work at all from another, even if their symptoms manifest themselves almost identically. Addiction is a complex illness born from myriad reasons that vary in each person. Opiate addiction is severe and particularly complicated; therefore, different approaches will be required for different people.
What Is Outpatient Rehab?
Outpatient treatment is usually what the NHS can offer people. Treatment courses are fairly similar, with a mixture of group and individual therapy, medication and structured days. The main difference is that someone in outpatient rehab goes home to sleep. In less intensive courses, they may even be able to continue with school or work.
Outpatient treatment is recommended for people who have realised they are suffering from addiction during its early stages. At this point, the person’s whole life may not have been affected.
Those who are not able to maintain themselves in everyday life are usually advised to seek inpatient treatment. Inpatient treatment negates some of the obstacles to successful recovery such as triggers in home life, access to drug dealers and access to 24-hour medical supervision.
Day programmes
Day programmes are usually used by those who are in school or education. Sometimes they are offered during the evenings in order to allow the service users to continue with their responsibilities. If someone is still able to continue with their day-to-day life, this should be prioritised and maintained alongside treatment.
Intensive outpatient programs
Intensive outpatient programmes are almost identical to inpatient programmes in terms of the services on offer. People usually attend this type of treatment at least five days a week and are there for the duration of the day. While it doesn’t leave time to continue with work or school, the clients can sleep in their own bed and spend time with their families.
Ongoing care
The severity of opiate addiction means that aftercare in long-term recovery is a necessity. People should not go into rehab expecting that they will come out completely cured. There is a lot of personal responsibility involved in getting better after a serious addiction, and therapy can help people to face this. People who continue to attend therapy after their programme are far more likely to remain abstinent. (7)
How Is Medication Used to Treat Hydrocodone Addiction?
As an opioid, hydrocodone is one of the most mentally and physically addictive substances available on the illegal or legal market. As a result, medication is often required to ensure detoxification is as painless and comfortable for the service user as possible. Some drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, are difficult to provide medical treatment for. Due to their prolific use in medicine and easing pain, opiates have been more widely studied and medicines to treat the addiction.
Medications used in addiction treatment & rehab
Some medications used to treat opiate addictions are weak opiate agonists. Doses are given in doses high enough to diminish withdrawal symptoms but not enough to cause euphoria or feelings of highness. Some medications, such as buprenorphine/naloxone, provide an opioid agonist and an antagonist in order to balance the effects in the brain. (8) There are also non-opioid medications available to treat hydrocodone addiction that may be better for some people.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Buprenorphine (Buprenex)
- Methadone
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Modafinil (Provigil)
- Desipramine (Norpramin)
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Bupropion (Buproban)
- Gabapentin (Fanatrex)
- Vigabatrin (Sabril)
- Baclofen (Kemstro)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
Psychotherapy for Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment
Concurrent psychotherapy and medically assisted treatment are widely accepted to be the best way to treat opiate addiction. Detoxification alone is ineffective as it simply deals with the physical problem and doesn’t address the psychological implications associated with substance abuse. There are many different types of therapy. The clinical staff at rehab decide which is most suitable through assessments and working with the client to find the treatment best suited to their needs,
Coping-focused psychotherapy
Coping-focused therapy has its roots in developing strategies to help people learn to manage difficult feelings in other ways than substance abuse. Traditional approaches to psychotherapy delve into the past and explore issues or trauma that occurred during childhood. Coping therapy applies developmental theory to the therapy process. The therapist teaches the client healthy ways to deal with difficult situations. (9)
Social skills/interpersonal/growth psychotherapy
Interpersonal therapy theory postulates that there is an intrinsic connection between psychological well-being and interpersonal functioning. During treatment, the service user is asked to focus on one aspect of the four interpersonal problem areas it has identified: interpersonal sensitivity, grief, interpersonal conflicts and role transitions. The latter aspect of this type of therapy can be highly useful in helping people to make the transition from a lifestyle that prioritises substance use to one that makes the most out of sober life. (10)
Exploratory psychotherapy
This is a more traditional approach to psychotherapy which some people find can be highly useful. It is also used as the basis for most modern forms of therapy. By exploring the past in-depth with a qualified psychotherapist, the service user can identify ways to avoid repeating behaviour that has led them to begin abusing substances. The main priority in this type of therapy is transference between the therapist and client. (11)
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Types of psychotherapy used in hydrocodone addiction treatment
There is no single method of treatment that cures addiction. It is usually a mixture of medical assistance, therapy and increased social activity that helps someone overcome an addiction. For some people, spirituality plays an enormous role in the recovery process. During the assessment process, a group of medical staff make a decision about which course of therapy will be best for each individual.
Some of these forms of therapy are focused on developing new patterns of behaviour, while some are more focused on helping the client to become more self-aware. There is no right or wrong type of therapy, and what works for one person may not work for another. Openness and honesty are the best ways to get the most out of therapy. People who avoid difficult topics or don’t tell the truth usually struggle to find treatment effective.
- ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy)
- Art therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy
- Counselling
- Dialectical behaviour therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Family therapy
- Fitness therapy
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Individual therapy
- Meditation
- Music therapy
- Psychodynamic therapy
The Recovery Process
For many people, recovery is a lifelong process. Addiction is a complex, chronic disorder, and those who suffer from it are highly prone to relapse. The key factors in maintaining long-term recovery are social support, community support, 12-step programmes and negative consequences of substance abuse. The latter can be highly influential in the long term; however, these consequences can usually only be fully understood once realised.
The intention of rehab and therapy is to catch the person suffering from addiction before the negative consequences are actualised. People who are in the throes of addiction can often lose sight of their rational thought about long-term goals. It is integral to get the individual back in touch with long-term goals and understanding that the rewards from these are far superior to those obtained from short-term rewards such as those delivered by substance abuse.
Elements of recovery
One of the principles of recovering from addiction is the notion that people need to rebuild their psyche. This is why so much therapy is focused on the past and childhood experiences of the service user. Explaining to the individual how the brain has developed unhealthy responses to emotional stimulus is the first step to explaining how they can learn to respond in a constructive way to negative (and positive) situations.
- Developing hope
- Secure base
- Sense of self
- Supportive relationships
- Empowerment
- Social inclusion
- Coping skills
- Giving meaning
How Long Are Hydrocodone Rehab Programmes?
The duration of rehab programmes varies based on the type of addiction, the length of time the person has been abusing the substance and the service provider. Most inpatient programmes begin with a detox that lasts for 10-14 days. During this time, the person is given medication to help with the worst withdrawal symptoms and offered around-the-clock support from medical staff. Psychological assessments and treatment also take place during this time.
Once they have completed this phase of recovery, the client enters the rehabilitation stage. The clinical staff will have developed a firm understanding of the needs of the service user and will devise a rehabilitation plan that is best suited to their requirements. Socialisation between residents is strongly encouraged, and group activities offer a healthy social environment that is conducive to recovery.
Depending on the severity of the addiction and if there are any concurrent mental illnesses, rehab can last from anywhere between two and 12 weeks. There is the option of sober living houses available to those who feel they are more vulnerable to relapse or need a sober environment in which to continue recovery. These can be extremely helpful to people as they offer a structured, supportive living environment that acts as a transition between rehab and everyday life. (12)
What Does Hydrocodone Rehab Cost in the UK?
The cost of rehabilitation can vary drastically and depends on the staffing level of the facility, the level of luxury, quality of meals and overall quality of the facility. A highly regarded, accredited rehabilitation treatment programme for hydrocodone addiction usually costs between £4,000-£6,000 per month. It is important to ensure that the type of clinic chosen is the most suitable for the person’s individual needs.
There are free treatment options available on the NHS, but these are usually outpatient programmes, and the waiting lists can be long. For those who have identified their addiction problem within the first few weeks of onset, this type of treatment is usually sufficient. If the body has had time to adapt to the regular use of opiates in the system, outpatient treatment may be risky. The cravings and withdrawal symptoms become stronger as the addiction progresses.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Hydrocodone Addiction Recovery and Aftercare
Rehab can be a life-changing event, and people often leave the facility feeling as if they have undergone a transformation. It is so important to understand that this transformative experience is the result of consistent hard work from both the medical staff and the service user. This doesn’t continue on its own but must be maintained, usually through continued outpatient treatment including therapy, community support and sometimes medication.
Less contact with clinical staff is required than what is necessary during the acute stages of treatment for addiction. (13) The user may attend therapy once a week, once a month or sometimes less frequently, and this can be in a group or individual setting. Listening to the recommendations about the frequency of aftercare required can be the difference between long- and short-term recovery.
Extended rehabilitation services may be required for some individuals who do not have a sober environment to return to. This type of facility can also be useful for those who believe they need continued support to remain abstinent.
Recovery and community
Sober living requires the individual to rebuild their identity from that of a substance user to that of a healthy, functioning member of society. Long-term recovery also helps the sufferer to become less burdensome on their loved ones. A study found that 39% of families with active drug or alcohol problems reported incidents of domestic violence, while only 7% reported this type of behaviour in people in long-term recovery.
Often, substance dependence forms as a result of real or perceived alienation from peers. Human beings are social creatures who have evolved into such complicated beings because we are interdependent on each other. Places like school, workplaces, gymnasiums, shops, the Internet and many more enable us to exist in the manner which we do, and all are entirely dependent on other people.
By helping the service user to get back in touch with the importance of being a valued member of the community, therapy and continued recovery can be achieved long term.
Support groups
Support groups are widely accepted as one of the most effective aspects of treatment for someone suffering from addiction. These types of environment help the individual to empathise and listen to other people during a time when their entire modus operandi is centred around the self. Listening to the experiences of other people can help to put someone’s own experiences into perspective and sometimes help them to understand themselves more as a result.
12-step
The 12-step programme was first written in 1939 and introduced as an alternative method to prison for helping alcoholics get sober. Its ethos revolves around group meetings, during which the attendees share and listen to each other’s stories. It encourages the community to surrender to a power higher than themselves and accept that they are powerless in the face of their addiction.
Ready to Start Rehab?
Some people have said that making the phone call to the rehabilitation centre is one of the most difficult parts of the recovery process. However, by accepting that there is a problem, the person has made the first step of their journey to recovery. If someone is suffering from withdrawal symptoms, prioritises hydrocodone above everything else, is losing touch with their social circle and not functioning at work or school — it is time to seek treatment.
The idea of going to rehab is often scarier than the reality, and many people make connections for life while going through a positive transformation. Rehab gives service users the support and resources necessary to change their lives for the better, for good.
Addiction is a cyclical disease in which the sufferer gets stuck in a pattern on behaviour that they are no longer in control of. It can be hugely challenging for a person to admit that they are no longer in control of their actions but this is the first step towards long-term health. Treatment at a UKAT centre can be the difference between simply existing and thriving.
Call our admissions line 24 hours a day to get help.
Take control of your life — get started on the road to recovery
UKAT’s addiction treatment facilities are among the most highly regarded in the United Kingdom. They focus on compassionate, nurturing care and offer clients the most up-to-date facilities and therapies available. Call now to find out how they can help.
Sources
- (1) https://uknow.uky.edu/research/biomedical/uk-expert-advises-fda-hydrocodone-policy
- (2) https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jul/25/online-pharmacies-fail-spot-multiple-opiate-orders-addiction
- (3) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dark-web-drugs-opioids-prescription-painkillers-hydrocodone-a8397801.html
- (4) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prescription-drug-abuse/in-depth/tapering-off-opioids-when-and-how/art-20386036
- (5) https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/rehabilitation-comms-guid-16-17.pdf
- (6) https://europepmc.org/abstract/med/11019561
- (7) https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/nida-notes/2015/11/long-term-follow-up-medication-assisted-treatment-addiction-to-pain-relievers-yields-cause-optimism
- (8) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3202507/
- (9) https://www.verywellmind.com/cognitive-behavioural-coping-strategies-2797612
- (10) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3711642/
- (11) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5844159/
- (12) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057870/
- (13) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976118/
- (14) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dark-web-drugs-opioids-prescription-painkillers-hydrocodone-a8397801.html
No matter where you live, there is a drug rehab center that can help you overcome your addiction. We'll help you find it.
Select a County