Hydrocodone rehabilitation: How long?

The duration of hydrocodone rehabilitation depends on the seroiusness of your addiction and the progress you make. Learn what influences the length of hydrocodone rehab and more here.

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Hydrocodone is the most prescribed opioid in the U.S. It belongs to a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics, used in the treatment of pain.

Continue reading to learn more about how to identify a problem with hydrocodone and whether or not you need help. Then, we’ll review the major stages of rehabilitation from hydrocodone and invite you to post your questions at the end. In fact, we try to answer all legitimate questions personally and promptly!

Rehabilitation for hydrocodone: How long does it take?

Treating any kind of addiction is a process. And the duration of any rehab program stay will necessarily depend on the patient’s individual case.

However, most of the time, inpatient rehab is recommended for stays of 30-90 days, while outpatient rehab lasts for about 10-12 weeks. Sometimes, serious or more intense cases require long-term residential stays of 3-12 months in a rehab or supervised setting.

  • Minimum stay = Around 30 days inpatient
  • Maximum stay = Up to 12 months in a residential setting

Hydrocodone rehabilitation duration

Facilities have different treatment programs and different durations. These are the usual types of addiction treatment timeline programs:

  • 28-30 days recovery programs
  • 60 days recovery programs
  • 90 days recovery programs
  • 90-120 days and beyond long-term recovery programs

Inpatient hydrocodone help

If you are entering an inpatient hydrocodone rehab after you have passed through detox, you can expect the treatment to consist of:

  • group therapy sessions
  • individual therapy sessions
  • educational lectures about addiction and recovery

You are pretty much committed to recovery full-time during the 30-90 days you are enrolled in an inpatient treatment program. Daily activities span from 6-8 hours a day around different types of therapies, educational and behavioral sessions, regular meals, exercising, etc.

Long term inpatient hydrocodone rehab treatment

Inpatient hydrocodone rehabilitation treatment that lasts for a longer period of time includes detox during the course of several closely-monitored days. The length of the treatment is usually from 90 to 120 days and includes residential rehab and aftercare support. It is generally indicated for dual diagnoses patients, who suffer from alcohol or drug addiction and mental illness.

Outpatient hydrocodone rehab treatment

Outpatient hydrocodone rehab treatment patients go through the rehab process, but have the option to stay in their homes. Patients need to check in with the addiction specialists in the treatment centers (excluding weekends and holidays) for medication and counseling. There are 3 main types of outpatient hydrocodone rehab treatment and the duration is different for every outpatient rehab type:

Intensive outpatient (IOP) hydrocodone rehab treatment usually takes place 3 times a week for 2 to 4 hours a day and sometimes more. IOP is scheduled around work or school hours to provide patients the possibility to continue their normal lives out of rehab, but still get the needed treatment for their addiction.

Mainstream outpatient rehab includes therapy and counseling and usually comes as a follow-up support after inpatient hydrocodone rehabilitation. Therapies aim to help you identify the reasons related to hydrocodone use, learn healthy habits, and rebuild connection with family and loved ones.

Are you trying to make a decision whether to choose inpatient or outpatient rehab treatment?

You should know that inpatient treatments are more intensive and sometimes more effective because they help reduce the distractions of everyday life. The patients have no access to drug or alcohol. This results with small chances of relapse, plus inpatient hydrocodone rehabilitation has structured programs with continuous medical and professional care.

On the other hand outpatient hydrocodone rehab treatments cost less than inpatient ones. Addiction specialist say that outpatient hydrocodone rehab programs are not for everyone. They advise patients to consult a doctor or an addiction specialist regarding the level of addiction and then decide which treatment is best.

Some other basic principles that directly influence the time people spend in rehabilitation from hydrocodone addiction, include:

  1. If you need hydrocodone detox, then add on a couple of days to a week or longer.
  2. Inpatient hydrocodone treatment generally lasts for a month up to a year, depending on the individual patient’s progress.
  3. Heavier hydrocodone usage results in a longer rehab stay.
  4. Insurance is also a significant factor in the length of inpatient hydrocodone rehabilitation.

Hydrocodone rehabilitation: Short term vs. long term

The duration of hydrocodone addiction treatment depends on how ready you are to accept help and the progress you make, and should be determined by your doctor or addiction specialist. Some of the factors which contribute to this decision include:

  1. How much hydrocodone you were taking.
  2. For how long have you been taking hydrocodone.
  3. Your general health.
  4. Your home environment and support systems.
  5. Your medical and family histories.
  6. Your willingness to engage in the treatment process.

Choosing a treatment facility near your home or in another city or state depends on your personal preferences, the availability of addiction treatment programs in your area, your insurance coverage and the physicians recommendations.

Hydrocodone prescriptions during rehab

So, what can you do when you’re in the unique situation of using hydrocodone for pain management but seeking help for addiction at the same time?

The tablet, capsule, syrup, and solution are usually prescribed every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The extended-release capsule and the extended-release suspension are usually prescribed every 12 hours. The typical hydrocodone doses prescribed during rehabilitation are divided in 3 (three) sections:

  • First time users are usually prescribed 5 to 10 mg per day.
  • Tolerant users are usually prescribed 10 to 15 mg pre day.
  • Addicts are usually prescribed 20 to 30 mg per day.

The maximum safe daily dose of hydrocodone is 750 mg. If you need to take more than 750 mg of hydrocodone you have to be very cautious. With each increase of doses there is a higher chance of developing dependence. In case you have exceeded the recommended daily dose of hydrocodone, it is important to consult your doctor so s/he can help you figure out what is the best course of action.

The reclassification of hydrocodone

Under a final rule issued by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), hydrocodone combination products are now in a more restrictive category of controlled substances, along with other opioid drugs for pain like morphine and oxycodone. Hydrocodone used to be a Schedule III drug, but is now classified as a Schedule II drug. This is due to the fact that hydrocodone is one of the most abused prescription drugs.

Here are some of the key changes that occurred with the reclassification of hydrocodone from a Schedule III drug to a Schedule II drug:

  1. If you need additional medication, your doctor must issue a new prescription. Phone-in refills for these products are no longer allowed.
  2. In emergencies, small supplies can be authorized until a new prescription can be provided for you.
  3. You will still have access to reasonable quantities of medication, generally up to a 30-day supply.

Duration of hydrocodone rehabilitation questions

Did we answer your question(s) about hydrocodone rehabilitation? If you have anything else you want to ask regarding the lenght of hydrocodone rehabilitation please post your questions below. We do our best to respond personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: FDA: Additional progress on reducing the abuse of opioid pain relievers
Medline Plus: Hydrocodone Combination Products
DEA: Hydrocodone
AMDG:Interagency Guideline on Opioid Dosing for Chronic Non-cancer Pain
Daily Med: LABEL: HYDROCODONE ACETAMINOPHEN
UTAH: Dosing Guidelines
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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