Hydrocodone Rehab: Where to Look & What to Expect

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment

Addiction to hydrocodone is described clinically as opioid use disorder. Opioid use disorder is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that’s incurable but treatable. Addictions are characterized by compulsive substance use regardless of adverse outcomes, leading to problems in all areas of life.

The most effective hydrocodone addiction treatment is personalized, with the duration and intensity of treatment contingent on the severity and duration of the addiction, co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal variables. That said, most hydrocodone rehab centers use a similar framework for treatment.

Supervised medical detox

Treatment usually begins with supervised hydrocodone detoxification. Opioid withdrawal involves the presentation of symptoms like fever, sweating, muscle aches, and intense urges to use opioids. Medical detox provides a structured and safer alternative to abrupt discontinuation, often integrating MAT (medication-assisted treatment) to reduce withdrawal discomfort and cravings.

MAT (medication-assisted treatment)

MAT can also be beneficial during ongoing treatment for hydrocodone addiction. FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can help mitigate cravings and block euphoria from opioid use, so promoting ongoing abstinence from hydrocodone. MAT is always most effective when combined with talk therapies and counseling.

Talk therapies

Common talk therapies used to treat hydrocodone addiction include:

• CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy): CBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people identify and modify negative thought patterns, and also to create healthier coping mechanisms.
• DBT (dialectical behavior therapy): DBT is a sub-type of CBT that was originally developed to treat BPD (borderline personality disorder) but is now used to treat mental health conditions and addictions. DBT helps people improve distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and mindfulness.