Overcoming Hydrocodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Hydrocodone is a narcotic drug that is listed under the opioid family drugs. It is known to elicit an euphoric state of mind and unusual calmness. Its effects are similar to those of heroin and morphine. In a professional setting, this drug is normally prescribed to reduce pain in patients suffering from different ailments and injuries. When taken without restrictions, hydrocodone can be highly addictive.

The degree of addiction differs from one person to another. Some people experience mild addiction while others suffer severe health effects. Though the impacts of this drug can be addressed over a period of time, the effects of quitting its consumption all of a sudden could affect one's wellbeing.

If you quit taking hydrocodone without seeking for professional advice or following the right procedure, you may experience harsh withdrawal effects. It is therefore important to find necessary support if you want to stop depending on this drug.

Here now is a discussion about some hydrocodone withdrawal effects that may be experienced if one quits using this drug.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Effects

Emotional effects

People who use this drug experience a fake 'good' feeling that leads to an urge to continuously depend on it. Consequently, if one stops using it, they may experience emotional depression and mood swings.

Mild Physical Symptoms

Consumption of hydrocodone leads to an increase in excitability of sympathetic nervous system neurons. People who use this drug tend to experience an unusual wave of excitement. Consequently, if one quits using this highly addictive drug, they may experience excessive sweating, excessive yawning and/or a runny nose.

Advanced Physical Symptoms

Increase in sympathetic nervous system action leads to an increase in adrenaline production in the body. Consequently, continued usage of hydrocodone may lead to development of serious withdrawal side effects including: restless; irritability, insomnia, anxiety, inability to concentrate, high blood pressure, painful sensations and muscle spasms. The impact of withdrawal effect is worst felt during this stage.

Strong hydrocodone cravings make it extremely difficult for users to totally overcome the addiction. It is very important for one to triumph over this phase, in this second part of our discussion; we shall explore various ways through which one can overcome the impact of hydrocodone withdrawal effects.

How To Overcome Hydrocodone Withdrawal Effects

Overcoming the challenge of quitting hydrocodone consumption can be quite tricky. However, if you share this problem with a professional (or your parents) you can get the right advice and support to see you through the difficult recovery stages. I'm sure you've heard time and again that a problem shared is halved. The first step towards overcoming the withdrawal symptoms involves opening up and sharing your problem with reliable people around you.

The second and most important step that you can take after quitting hydrocodone consumption (and any other drug for that matter) is to go for a detoxification exercise. Detoxification is a process that is aimed at moderating the impact of the withdrawal symptoms by gradually eliminating the drug from the blood system. Through a technique called 'tapering off', detoxification can help a person to recover from the impact of hydrocodone consumption within a given period of time.

There's a plethora of over-the-counter medications that you can rely on towards overcoming the harsh hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms. Some of the common alternatives that you can use include: aspirin; acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Methadone may also be prescribed to ease these symptoms. If you are vomiting; suffering from diarrhea and/or nausea, immodium can be very helpful. On the other hand, if you're suffering from chills and muscle aches, hot baths can provide you with the much needed relief.

If you want to overcome the effects of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms, you have to seek for professional advice and make sure that you stick to this advice to the letter. For instance, if your doctor recommends that you buy certain drugs, you should ensure that you do exactly as he recommends. Following your doctor's instructions is one of the most important tips to follow while seeking to overcome the effects of quitting hydrocodone dependency.

To sum it up, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms are quite common and therefore one should not feel afraid of seeking for moral support whenever necessary. Just like with any other health condition, you can get the right treatment and recover if you take the right steps at the right time.