Hydrocodone can be quit in two ways:
- By gradually tapering off the amounts
- By going cold turkey or quitting the drug all at once
Although, going cold turkey is a quicker method to give up the drug but it is generally not safe. Tapering off the drug over a period of weeks may be time taking but it is much less painful. Withdrawal symptoms in case of going cold turkey are very severe that in some cases, can even cause death. Even though the process of detoxification can be carried out at home, it is not recommended by the professionals. The patient should be monitored throughout the process to ensure a speedy and less painful recovery. Medically assisted detox programs show a much higher recovery rate.
During detox, the patients may lose large amounts of water and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea. Excess water intake and use of supplements to replenish these depleted resources should be maintained throughout the process.
Hydrocodone addiction is a serious condition but it is highly treatable. If a loved one is fighting with hydrocodone addiction, it is important to get them the treatment they need. The treatment does not only comprise of withdrawal and detoxification but it is followed by highly professional treatment programs such as inpatient and outpatient treatment depending upon the patient’s needs.