If you or someone you know is trying to kick a dependency to hydrocodone, it’s important to seek qualified, professional help. “Cold turkey” is a term that refers to giving up a habit or addiction suddenly, without help. It can be very difficult and dangerous to try this on your own because serious, life threatening complications could arise. A body that is physically dependent upon hydrocodone can go into shock if this kind of abrupt withdrawal is attempted.

Hydrocodone is a narcotic painkiller that has the potential to be habit forming. Many people take hydrocodone for legitimate pain and get a prescription from a doctor. A tolerance can develop after prolonged use and this can cause some to escalate use. You will know that a  physical dependency has set in when withdrawal symptoms develop after use is stopped. Going cold turkey at this point is never advised, especially due to the risks of seizures and other complications. A cold turkey withdrawal can be even more dangerous for those who take high doses or abuse the drug in any way.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Can Be Deadly

Hydrocodone withdrawal can include symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, strong cravings, severe agitation, sleeping problems, body shakes, muscle twitches, restlessness, sweating, yawning, depression and seizures. In extreme cases, deaths have been reported. This is why it’s so important to enlist the help of medical professionals when deciding to get off the drug. People who have used hydrocodone in small doses, for a relatively short period of time, might be able to gradually taper their use. This can be much more difficult for people on higher doses or those who’ve become dependent. There are also detox, rehab and therapeutic facilities that offer help for getting off opiates. Some use the opiate replacement drugs Suboxone or methadone to wean patients gradually. The problem with these is that they can also be habit forming, meaning patients could need a second detox.

Hydrocodone Addiction Can Be Reversed in Less Than Two Hours

The Waismann Institute doesn’t use opiate replacements, talk therapy or gradual weaning to help patients detox from hydrocodone. What we’re known for is rapid opiate detox that is safe, effective and humane. We know that for opiate dependence to be completely reversed, it must be approached medically. We also know that in order to facilitate long-term recovery, withdrawal has to be managed to ensure comfort. That’s why we’ve spent a decade perfecting our Accelerated Neuro Regulation. This procedure happens in a hospital in under two hours using intravenous medication that cleanses the drug from patients’ opiate receptors. Patients are lightly sedated with anesthesia during the procedure which accelerates withdrawal. Patients wake up a short time later without awareness they even conquered withdrawal. They spend 3 to 6 days with us, monitored around the clock, and can return home free of opiate addiction once discharged. Others may opt to check into our Domus Retreat for extended aftercare.