How Long Does it Take to Detox from Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

Some commonly abused drugs have no legitimate medical usage, while others are useful in medical, clinical, and hospital settings. Hydrocodone clearly belongs in the latter category, and it is routinely used to treat chronic pain and several other conditions.

You may have been prescribed hydrocodone after a serious dental procedure or sent home with a prescription following an operation. No matter the origins of the use, it is important to monitor yourself carefully and watch out for the signs of addiction while using this drug.


Like other medications of its class, hydrocodone can be addictive, and the dependency can creep up slowly over time. Even if you only suspect you have become dependent on the drug, it is important to reach out for help as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What Is Hydrocodone?

Hydrocodone is a powerful painkiller, one with many legitimate medical uses. This opioid is often used to treat post-surgical pain, both in a hospital setting and after patients have been discharged. It can also be used to treat severe dental pain, especially following oral surgery or root canal.

The fact that hydrocodone is an opioid means that it has some addictive potential, and patients need to monitor their use of the medication closely. If you or someone you care about has been prescribed hydrocodone, it is essential to keep a close watch on their usage and be ready to reach out for help if you suspect abuse or a looming addiction.

Symptoms of Hydrocodone Withdrawal

Many people wonder how long does it take to detox from hydrocodone, but it varies for each patient, as do the symptoms. Some psychological symptoms, especially cravings and feelings of depression, can linger much longer for some patients, and that is why a comprehensive course of rehab should follow hydrocodone detox. Here are some of the most common physical and emotional symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Cravings
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Muscle aches
  • Agitation

Hydrocodone Withdrawal Timeline – How Long Does Detox Take?

The detox process for hydrocodone addiction can be uncomfortable, but the process is also a relatively short one. With ongoing medical support and guidance, you can expect your withdrawal symptoms to peak around two to three days after you last took the drug.

The symptoms of hydrocodone withdrawal will slowly begin to dissipate within a week or so after your last dose, even though some psychological cravings and feelings of anxiety may persist.

What Happens After Detoxing From Hydrocodone?

When you find yourself amid a hydrocodone addiction from a need for pain relief or ill-advised experimentation, it is easy to see the end of detox as the final step on your road to recovery. Still, as you walk down that path, you will come to see that detox is the beginning and that what happens next can be just as critical, if not more so, than what happened before.

What happens after detoxing from hydrocodone is vitally essential, and that is why we have built an entire rehab process that addresses not only your immediate needs following detox but for your long-term challenges as well.

One of the most critical aspects of addressing a hydrocodone addiction is taking control of the underlying pain. After all, it was pain that caused you to use hydrocodone in the first place, and dealing with that pain in an alternative way will play a massive role in your long-term recovery.

Hydrocodone Addiction Treatment at WhiteSands

When properly used, hydrocodone can be a life-altering and even life-restoring medication, helping chronic pain sufferers work, play, and care for their families. But when misused or to excess, this same medication can destroy and even take lives.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we can help you overcome those cravings through a combination of natural pain relief, ongoing medical support, and integration with other local support services. We specialize in treating hydrocodone addiction in a safe, deliberate, and effective manner. By addressing both your pain problems and your hydrocodone addiction, we can give you the tools you need to get your life back once and for all at any of our Florida facilities.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.