Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment in Tampa Bay

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment at Tampa Bay Recovery: Get Help to Reclaim Your Life

If you began using hydrocodone to manage severe pain and found yourself dependent on it, you’re not alone. Many people face the same struggle due to the addictive nature of this drug. At Tampa Bay Recovery, our experienced staff specializes in helping individuals overcome hydrocodone addiction using evidence-based therapies. Our hydrocodone addiction treatment program is designed to teach people how to live without relying on pain medications and to achieve lasting recovery.

What is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid pain medication used to treat severe, long-term pain. It’s typically prescribed to individuals who need continuous pain management, as weaker pain medications may not be effective for them. Hydrocodone is available under brand names such as Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet-HD, Hycodan, and Vicoprofen. As an opiate analgesic, it works by altering how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. Unfortunately, like other opioids, hydrocodone has a high potential for addiction, which often requires professional treatment to overcome.

Is Hydrocodone Addictive?

Hydrocodone is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a “high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.” While many individuals start taking hydrocodone under a doctor’s supervision, the risk of developing a dependency is significant. Addiction can develop whether the drug is taken as prescribed or obtained illegally to manage pain or achieve a euphoric high. In either case, overcoming a hydrocodone addiction requires professional help.

Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone is often prescribed after surgeries, dental procedures, or other medical events, making it seem like just another medication. However, this opioid can quickly become habit-forming. After only a week of use, a person’s risk of developing an addiction increases. The body may start relying on hydrocodone to feel pain-free, making it difficult to stop using the drug, even after short-term use. For this reason, it’s crucial for doctors and patients to discuss the appropriate dosage and length of use.

Ready to Escape Addiction? Let’s Get Started

At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we are leaders in addiction treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, contact us today at (813) 733-8774. Our admissions specialists can help you start your journey to recovery.

Hydrocodone vs. Oxycodone

Both hydrocodone and oxycodone (sold under the brand name OxyContin) are Schedule II opioids prescribed for pain relief. While both drugs carry a high risk of addiction, oxycodone is more potent at the same dosage. Additionally, hydrocodone is more likely to cause side effects like constipation and gastrointestinal issues. However, both drugs are dangerous when misused and require professional addiction treatment to overcome.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Addiction

If you or someone you love is struggling with hydrocodone addiction, you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Physical symptoms:
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Blurry vision
  • Itchy skin
  • A constant feeling of being high
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Nodding off and on
  • Slurred speech
  • Slowed heart rate and breathing
  • Seizures
• Psychological symptoms:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mood swings

If these signs are present, it’s crucial to seek professional hydrocodone addiction treatment to prevent further harm.

How Does Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment Work?

Recovering from hydrocodone addiction may seem overwhelming, but treatment provides the structure needed to reclaim control. The process begins with detox, where individuals receive medical and psychological support to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. At Tampa Bay Recovery, we offer two primary treatment paths after detox:

• Residential treatment: Involves living at a facility for 30 days or more to receive intensive, round-the-clock care.
• Outpatient treatment: Allows individuals to live at home or in a sober living facility while attending therapy sessions at the treatment center.

Each level of care provides access to therapies designed to help individuals understand the causes of their addiction and develop strategies to prevent relapse. We also offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which uses FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and support long-term recovery.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone addiction can cause serious long-term health effects, including:

• Liver damage
• Allergic skin reactions
• Bowel obstruction due to chronic constipation
• Slowed heart rate and breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Overdose
• Hallucinations
• Depression and anxiety

These risks increase if the person also consumes alcohol or other substances while taking hydrocodone.

Signs and Symptoms of Hydrocodone Overdose

Taking more hydrocodone than prescribed or losing track of dosages can lead to a dangerous overdose. Signs of a hydrocodone overdose include:

• Slow heart rate
• Narrow or widened pupils
• Weakness
• Extreme fatigue or unconsciousness
• Cold, clammy skin

The risk of overdose is higher for individuals who combine hydrocodone with alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs. If you suspect an overdose, it’s critical to seek emergency medical help immediately.

Begin Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction Today

While hydrocodone can provide effective pain relief, it carries the risk of addiction, which can happen to anyone. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming a hydrocodone addiction, Tampa Bay Recovery is here for you. Our hydrocodone addiction treatment program combines expert care with multiple therapeutic approaches to help individuals leave their addiction behind. We offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure a smoother recovery process.

Ready to get started on the path to recovery? Visit our admissions page or call (813) 733-8774 to speak with a staff member today. We’re here to help you take the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free life.

How Does Outpatient Detox in Tampa Work?

Our outpatient detox in Tampa allows the person to come to us for treatment during the day and then go back home while attending other outpatient programs. This helps the person to achieve a balance between getting the important help they need and still being able to meet the responsibilities of their personal lives.

Our medical team monitors each person regularly for withdrawal symptoms. We can provide medical and psychological support to help ease them. This includes any necessary FDA-approved medications that ease the withdrawal process including medication-assisted treatment.

What To Expect During Detox?

Detox is the process of ridding the body of drugs and/or alcohol, which can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Depending on the substance, withdrawal can be life threatening. For those looking to attend outpatient detox, patients must qualify.

If a client does not qualify for our outpatient detox in Tampa, we will refer them to a local detox in the area before coming to us.

When a person first arrives to detox, a thorough assessment will be performed. This allows the medical staff to understand the individual’s unique needs and design a program suited to meet them. Factors include the substances being abused, the typical dosage, and how long the addiction has gone on. Other things the treatment team will consider are the person’s physical and mental health, dual diagnosis disorders, and any previous attempts at detox.

All of these factors influence your withdrawal symptoms as well as how long detox will last.

Once the person completes the detox process, we will provide a recommendation for the next step in treatment. We offer several levels of follow-up outpatient rehab that complement what the person accomplishes in detox.