Medications Used in Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment
Opiate analgesic medications -such as hydrocodone- can be quite effective in managing painful ailments. However, the drug can also be quite addictive if not used properly. Taking it more often than directed, or taking large amounts is considered prescription drug abuse, and can easily lead to an addiction. If you or someone you care about has developed dependence to this drug due to abuse, then professional hydrocodone addiction treatmentmay be necessary.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the consequences of this abuse have been steadily worsening, reflected in increased treatment admissions, emergency room visits, and overdose deaths. Also, according to NIH, even a single large dose can cause severe respiratory depression and death.
What are Some Medications Used in Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment?
Treatment options for an addiction to hydrocodone may vary according to the needs of the addicted individual. For most, a severe addiction may require the use of certain medicines as part of the treatment process. Some of the most common medicines used in treatment may include:
Naloxone is used in hydrocodone addiction and overdose treatment.
- Methadone: A common medication used to treat addictions related to opioid type drug addictions. It has been proven effective in helping reduce or eliminate the negative symptoms of withdrawal
- Buprenorphine: Another medication used in treatment of addiction to hydrocodone and other narcotic pain killers. Shown to be quite effective in relieving the pain associated with withdrawal
- Naltrexone: This medication is an opioid antagonist and can help block the cravings commonly felt during withdrawal. It can help an individual stop taking hydrocodone when used as directed, and as part of a hydrocodone addiction treatment program.
- Naloxone: Another opioid antagonist medicine that helps reverse the effects of hydrocodone. Used mostly in events where large amounts of an opioid type drug -like hydrocodone- was taken and resulted in an overdose.
Other medications may be available to treat addiction that are not listed here. Detoxification of hydrocodone in the system is important to remove all toxins left behind, and as part of the treatment process to enter into a recovery program for addiction. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the treatment options offered may differ from one individual to another. Other treatment methods can be offered to prevent relapse after treatment.
What Options are Available to Help an Individual Avoid Relapse?
Apart from medications that can be used to treat an addiction to hydrocodone, additional services can be provided to help a user avoid the temptation to use the drug again. Some of these options may be part of the treatment process, or offered after being treated with medications, and undergoing detox. These therapy services may include:
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Group counseling
- One-on-one counseling
- Sober living resources
- Support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous
- Family therapy
Other resources are available for those wanting to stay off of hydrocodone, and other similar drugs. The type of medicine a user will receive in their addiction treatment program can depend on several factors including past drug use, age of user, amount used, and how long they have been taking hydrocodone.
Seeking Treatment for Hydrocodone Addiction
If you or a loved one need help in overcoming an addiction to this drug, then contacting an addiction specialist is the best choice to make. They can discuss with you the medications used in hydrocodone addiction treatment, and any other options available.