Hydrocodone Addiction Intervention Treatment in Pennsylvania

Hydrocodone addiction intervention treatment in Pennsylvania are family intervention services, drug detox programs, inpatient drug rehabilitation, and outpatient drug rehabilitation programs. Hydrocodone is a commonly prescribed pain medication in the United States. Unfortunately, the drug is responsible for countless drug addictions. Treating opioid addiction involves different steps, yet there is a general process involved. The first part of drug rehabilitation is a drug detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and alleviate cravings. The best approach is medical detox programs in Pennsylvania, however, every addict is different. In addition, it is essential to consider more than one treatment option and have an addiction assessment done to ensure the proper drug rehabilitation is received.

Hydrocodone and Its Uses

Hydrocodone is a prescription medication prescribed for its pain relief and cough suppressant qualities. However, the long-term use of hydrocodone causes physical and psychological dependence leading to drug addiction. Hydrocodone is commonly prescribed in tablet form and is typically taken once every 12 hours or as directed daily.  When the drug is abused, the addict will crush, chew or dissolve the capsules to achieve the immediate effects. In addition, the drug is commonly abused with other drugs and alcohol. Hydrocodone was the most prescribed drug in the United States. The drug is available in an immediate-release form and most in combination with acetaminophen.

The Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Hydrocodone Addiction

Hydrocodone, like other pain medication, alters an individual’s sense of pain attaching to the opioid receptors in the body. However, there are significant short-term and long-term effects. Common effects include anxiety, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, muscle weakness, and insomnia. Short-term effects also include bowel obstruction, breathing problems, slowed or irregular heartbeat, and vomiting.

The long-term use of hydrocodone changes the way the brain functions and has lasting effects on the individual’s mood and thoughts. Hydrocodone abuse is more likely to cause insomnia, liver or kidney disease, depression, and anxiety. In addition, long-term abuse leads to dependence, tolerance, and drug addiction. Medical detox programs in Pennsylvania provide the best treatment options to help addicts overcome withdrawal symptoms.  

The Process of Hydrocodone Drug Addiction

Hydrocodone binds to the pain receptors in the brain, increasing dopamine and relieving the sensation of pain. However, the body and mind become dependent on the drug and build a tolerance for the drug, requiring more of the drug to sustain its function. Hydrocodone also creates a euphoric effect that becomes addictive. When hydrocodone is abused, such as crushing and snorting the tablet or chewing the table, the euphoric effects are more immediate and intense.

Long-term hydrocodone use leads to dependence and addiction as the body develops a tolerance for the drug. After that, tolerance is developed; to feel those same effects, individuals need to take a higher dose, often more frequently leading to drug addiction. The signs of hydrocodone addiction include taking more than intended and prioritizing drug use over responsibilities. Drug rehabilitation centers in Pennsylvania include inpatient and outpatient programs. Depending on the severity of drug addiction, both options should be considered.   

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment and Detox in Pennsylvania

Hydrocodone addiction treatment and detox in Pennsylvania include medical detox programs, residential drug rehab, outpatient substance abuse treatment, and recovery programs. Treating hydrocodone addiction begins with a medically supervised drug detox to alleviate painful withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can appear within a few hours of the last dose of hydrocodone. Common withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches, runny nose, excessive tearing, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms include sweating, chills, goosebumps, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, irregular heart rate, and anxiety. Patients will also experience irritability, headaches, restlessness, mood swings, depression, agitation, high blood pressure, drug cravings, and thoughts of suicide.

After completing a medically supervised drug detox in Pennsylvania, the next phase of drug rehabilitation involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab program in Pennsylvania. The length of time needed in treatment depends on the severity of the individual’s drug addiction. Long-term drug rehabilitation can last three to six months. In contrast, short-term drug rehab can last three to six weeks. The counseling and therapy methodologies include traditional and non-traditional approaches. Traditional therapy includes behavioral therapies, 12-step facilitation, family-based therapy, and individual counseling. Non-traditional therapies include holistic treatment, faith-based treatment, and experiential therapy.

Additionally, recovering hydrocodone addicts should also consider aftercare support or a recovery program. Overcoming opioid addiction is not easy, and it does take support from other people. Standard aftercare programs include sober living homes, peer support groups, and 12-step meetings. Peer support aims to help the individual remain connected to sober people while they are in recovery. In addition, it helps with establishing a healthy routine and creates structure and stability.

Hydrocodone Addiction Intervention in Pennsylvania

Hydrocodone addiction intervention in Pennsylvania helps a family regain control, set clear boundaries, and convince the addict to attend drug rehab. A family intervention involves bringing family and friends together to confront the addict about the consequences of their drug addiction. The intervention team demonstrates how their drug addiction has impacted their life and the lives of their family. The best way to plan and organize a family intervention in Pennsylvania is by hiring a professional interventionist.

Certified interventionists help the family address problems with enabling and co-dependency and help plan and organize the family intervention. It is difficult to watch a loved one struggle with drug addiction and spiral out of control. Most people addicted to drugs are unwilling to accept help or admit they have an addiction. Families should never delay organizing an intervention because drug addiction becomes progressively worse without help. An interventionist will also help the family locate the best possible drug rehabilitation program and escort the addict to treatment.

Sources

https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/hydrocodone-prescribing-and-quotas

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts#prescription-opioids