Are you planning to stop using hydrocodone? You may be wondering about what might come next. How long will it take for your body to be clear of hydrocodone, what symptoms might you experience, and how can you move forward?
A professional at Groups can give you more information and help you manage symptoms. We can also provide medication treatment for opioid use disorder, such as Suboxone, to make the transition off of hydrocodone easier. We’re here to help you move toward your goals.
Learn about each factor
Some of the basic factors that affect your body’s response to hydrocodone are your medication’s release time, medical conditions, and metabolism.
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Release time
An immediate-release formula of hydrocodone is metabolized and eliminated quicker than an extended-release formula. Withdrawal symptoms from short-acting opioids may begin within 8–12 hours of the last dose. Long-acting or extended-release forms may lead to withdrawal symptoms within 12–48 hours.
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Medical conditions
Some medical conditions can affect your body’s response to medication. One of these conditions is chronic kidney disease. Hydrocodone is processed mainly in the liver and released by the kidneys. Either liver or kidney disease can slow clearance and increase side-effects or overdose risk. If you have a chronic or acute medical condition, consult a professional about reducing the risks associated with hydrocodone use.
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Metabolism
You might already know that people’s metabolisms vary — one person might need to eat significantly more than another person of the same size, body type, and activity level. However, metabolism isn’t only about calories. Some people are “fast metabolizers” and their bodies respond to opioids like hydrocodone differently than others do. These personal differences in response to medication can affect how quickly medication takes effect, how long its effects last, which doses are safe, and when withdrawal symptoms might appear.
Thinking about your hydrocodone use?
If you’re taking hydrocodone and reconsidering it, you may be in the right place. Groups offers treatment for people who are dealing with dependence or addiction, also called opioid use disorder (OUD). We offer treatment to:
- Reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Foster healthier habits
- Teach coping mechanisms
- Guide group counseling sessions
- Provide a way out for people using opioids
The journey out of OUD may be peer support. However, many people need more than this: They need medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We offer several options, including Suboxone.
To learn more about how we treat opioid use disorder and withdrawal, read this article.
Plan your path forward
You don’t have to move forward by yourself. When working with a professional or attending group counseling, you can set short- and long-term goals for recovery.
These might focus on your:
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Physical health
Using opioids for an extended period of time can impact your physical health. You may want to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, heal, or build better health. Short-term goals might include seeking medical care or practicing self-care. Long-term goals might involve maintaining exercise, sleep, and eating habits.
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Mental health
Sometimes, people use substances to self-treat symptoms and conditions that they find hard to bear. Their short-term goals might feature therapy, psychiatric medication, or peer support. Long-term goals could include treating certain symptoms, reducing flare-ups, or building self-care routines.
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Family:
If you have a substance use disorder, it may have distanced you from people you care about, like your family. You may wish to get back in touch, discuss the past, or gain understanding. You might have long-term goals like rebuilding relationships or creating a support system.
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Career
Any challenge in your personal life can detract from other areas of your life, like your professional work. You might choose short-term goals to apply to new jobs or get back on track in your current role. Your long-term goals could focus on success and sustainability balanced with recovery.
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Studies
If you’re a student, you may need to maintain or improve grades. You could set goals related to college or graduate school. If you are not a student, perhaps you have short- or long-term goals related to beginning or resuming your education.
We can help you chart the course ahead of you. Give our Recovery Support Specialists a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
