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Lortab Rehab, Detox and Recovery

Lortab Addiction Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions About Detox, Rehab and Recovery

For those who are addicted to the narcotic drug, Lortab, detox and rehab are the best solutions for recovery. When these two types of treatment are combined, they often result in long-term success, which is very encouraging. So many people believe that there is no way out of drug addiction, but that is not true at all.

Lortab happens to be a drug that is frequently given to people who complain of serious pain. In fact, it is a medication that has become a major part of the opioid epidemic that we are facing today. Some people become addicted to it because they simply took it for too long. They never meant to form an addiction, but once it happens, they end up feeling stuck. Others abuse the drug purposefully because they enjoy the euphoric high it produces.

Either way, Lortab can be a very dangerous drug; especially once an addiction has occurred. People often have a lot of questions about treatment, and we would like to take the time to answer many of them here.

Lortab Addiction Information

Drug Detox for Lortab Addiction

Detoxing is the first phase of treatment when a person is addicted to a drug like Lortab. This is important because it is necessary to address the physical side of the addiction first. It is not always necessary for a person to go through the detoxification process prior to starting rehab. But for someone who is addicted to opioids, it is essential.

Lortab is a very powerful and potent drug; more so than anything that can be purchased over the counter. When a person stops taking it, they go through withdrawal, which can quickly derail them if they plan on long-term addiction recovery.

Drug detox is the process of removing various toxins from the body that are related to a person’s substance abuse. As those toxins leave the body, the result is withdrawal symptoms, which can be very hard to deal with.

There are many different ways to go through the detoxification process, which we will discuss in just a moment. Doctors should be very careful to assess every individual for the type of treatment that will work the best for them.

The best way to deal with withdrawal symptoms is to go through drug detox. This form of addiction treatment usually results in people experiencing less severe withdrawal symptoms. They may also notice that the duration of withdrawal is drastically shortened as a result of getting treatment.

It can be extremely difficult to come off of opioid drugs like Lortab. In fact, withdrawal symptoms can sometimes become so severe that people go back to using just to get some relief. This is called a relapse.

It is important to understand what can happen during Lortab withdrawal. Some of the more common symptoms that people experience early on in the process include:

  • Feeling agitated or easily angered
  • Symptoms of anxiety
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Increased tearing of the eyes
  • Sleep problems such as insomnia or nightmares
  • A runny nose
  • Excessive yawning
  • Excessive sweating

As they continue to recover, people typically start to experience the following, more severe symptoms:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dilated pupils
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Goosebumps

Again, while these symptoms are troublesome, they can be minimized with the right type of treatment. That is why drug detox is such a vital part of the overall recovery experience.

Detoxing is important for a few different reasons. For one, it cuts down on the risk of relapsing, which is all too common for people with opioid addictions. When someone suffers from a relapse, they typically go back to taking the same amount of the drug that they were taking previously. What they do not realize is that their tolerance level has decreased, and they no longer need such a high dose. With more of the medicine in their system than they really need, they put themselves at risk for an overdose, which can be fatal.

Going through the drug detoxification process also reduces the risk of potential complications during opioid withdrawal. The body has become dependent upon Lortab, and after some time has passed, it can be a shock once it is no longer being taken. It is not surprising that there is a risk of aspiration if a person vomits and breathes in the stomach contents. This can be fatal. Also, excessive vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is a condition that can lead to death.

In short, it is very dangerous to stop the use of any opioid drug; but even more so when the drug is stopped abruptly. Detoxing is the best way to stay safe during the recovery process.

What Types of Drug Detox Programs Are Available?

As we mentioned earlier, there are several different ways that people can go through drug detox. Not every method is right for every person, but there are some options that carry more risks than others. Still, it is important to know what the different types of detoxification programs are prior to making a decision.

There are actually many facilities that offer outpatient detoxification services. Their programs all make grand promises that result in patients believing that they can actually recover on an outpatient basis. While these programs may be OK for some people, in general, they should be avoided.

Most experts agree that when someone has been taking a powerful opioid drug like Lortab, detoxing as an outpatient is not a good idea. There are simply too many potential complications, not to mention the risk of an overdose if the individual were to relapse. It is best to opt for an inpatient program where the patient can be monitored twenty-four hours a day. That way, if an emergency situation were to arise, it can be handled quickly.

Rapid and ultra-rapid detox is another form of treatment that has grown in popularity over the last few years. This method is advertised as being the best way to get through withdrawal; particularly when the individual is addicted to opioids.

During the process, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. They are then given medications that push toxins from the drug out of their body. The procedure typically takes only about an hour. After it is finished, the patient is given additional medications to help with any lingering symptoms. They are usually expected to enter into some type of treatment program afterwards.

Many facilities will place their rapid detox patients on Naltrexone to help with lingering symptoms. But not all of them do. They may be expected to stay at the detox center overnight to make sure they do not have complications.

Again, rapid detox sounds too good to be true, which typically means that it is. There are just too many risks involved with this type of detoxification. It may not be safe, even though it is done in a medical setting.

Medical detox is a method that is being used more and more often; specifically for those with opioid addictions. This method allows people to take medications to help with their withdrawal symptoms. It could mean adding a number of different drugs to the patient’s regimen, but only for a short period of time.

For instance, if a doctor believes a person might be at risk for seizures, they may be given an anticonvulsant drug. They may also be placed on an antidepressant if they are at risk for anxiety or depression. Additional medications may be prescribed for other symptoms, depending on what the patient experiences.

While the patient is taking these medications, they are continually monitored for any changes. Because of this, dosages can be increased or decreased quickly, and medications can also be added or taken away.

Medication assisted treatment is a form of medical detox that has become quite standard for those who are addicted to opioids. There are specific drugs that have been approved for this purpose, and they are also opioids. They work by attaching to the body’s opioid receptors, which helps to control withdrawal symptoms.

These drugs also block any other opioids that a person might take while they are using them. That means that even if a person relapses, they will not feel the effects if a different opioid is introduced.

There are several drugs that have been FDA approved for this purpose, and they include:

MAT works very well when it is used for opioid use disorder. One of the issues is that people tend to stay on these drugs for much longer than they should. They, too, can become addictive if they are used for too long. That is why a lot of doctors recommend the use of Vivitrol instead.

Vivitrol is a medication that is given by injection once a month. The patient is required to participate in counseling while they are getting treated with this drug. It is not an opioid, so there is no risk of a secondary addiction, which makes such a difference for someone with addictive tendencies.

Holistic detox is a form of treatment that every detox program should offer. It is so important to treat the individual’s overall health as well. Also, the human body detoxes on its own very well, as long as it is healthy enough to do so.

When a person is addicted to any type of drug, they typically do not take very good care of their health. They do not eat the types of foods they should to make sure they get all their vitamins and nutrients. As a result, it is not surprising to find out that many addicts are nutrient deficient.

Many holistic detox programs start by taking a look at the patient’s diet. They meet with a nutritionist to talk about the right types of foods they should be eating, and dietary changes are made. In addition to nutrition therapy, a regular exercise regimen is usually recommended, along with other forms of treatment such as Yoga and meditation.

In most cases, medical detox and holistic detox should be used at the same time. This ensures that the patient is receiving the best care, and the combination gives them the best chance of a successful recovery.

How Long Does it Take to Detox From Lortab?

It is difficult to say just how long it might take a person to detox from Lortab. That is because the timeframe tends to change from person to person. There are a few different factors that can influence it, such as:

  • How much of the drug was being taken.
  • How often a person used.
  • Whether or not they mixed Lortab with another drug or with alcohol.
  • The person’s height and weight.
  • The person’s gender.
  • How long the person was using the drug.

Some people may find that they feel better after going through detox for just a few days. But most will need to stay in the program for at least a week. There are some people who may need to remain for as long as two weeks, or perhaps even longer.

It is understandable that a lot of people may be nervous about going through the detox process. In fact, that is what keeps many of them from getting the help they need – they are afraid of withdrawal. It can help to know what to expect as they move through the recovery process in the early days after they quit.

  • Withdrawal Symptoms Begin – Typically, people start to go through withdrawal when they stop taking Lortab within about 6-12 hours after the last dose of the drug. At first, symptoms should be relatively mild, and there may only be a few of them.
  • Symptoms Increase in Severity – At the end of the first day, and into the second and third days, withdrawal symptoms are becoming more severe. People may notice that they experience more withdrawals than they did at first.
  • Symptoms Reach Their Peak – Right around 72 hours after the last dose, withdrawal symptoms usually reach their peak. At that point, they are as bad as they are going to be.
  • Symptoms Begin to Improve – After the peak, symptoms should begin to get better. The patient may notice that some of them disappear completely by this point.
  • Lingering Symptoms – Over the next few days or weeks, there may be some lingering withdrawals, but they should not be present at all times. There may still be some cravings for Lortab that are there, but they should pass relatively quickly.

Protracted withdrawal is another concern that people often have when they stop taking Lortab. This is often called PAWS, or Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome. It refers to the return of withdrawal symptoms after the worst of it is over. Depending on the individual, these symptoms can appear for as long as two years following their last dose.

What are Some Ways to Detox from Opioids at Home and is it Safe to Try Them?

People always want to know if it is safe to detox from drugs at home. In most cases, the answer is no, it is not. This is especially true in the case of opioid addiction when the risk of complications is so high.

Lortab Addiction Information

Still, people often have the desire to try on their own first, before they will commit to going to a professional detox program. When they do, they often use one or more of several different methods.

There has been an increased interest in natural drug detox, and the belief is that it is possible to do this from home. Proponents of this method state that it is safe to try various methods such as drinking more fluids and trying acupuncture.

Their arguments sound convincing, but the reality is that using only natural methods to recover from an opioid addiction is not wise. Again, there is a risk of complications, and the individual could be putting themselves in harm’s way if they try it.

One of the most common ways that people try to stop using drugs is to quit abruptly. This is called going cold turkey, and it is often seen with those who are using prescription drugs like Lortab.

The cold turkey quitting method can work for someone who is detoxing from marijuana or from cigarettes or caffeine. But it is not recommended for someone who is addicted to opioids because of the potential risks.

Most pharmacies and many convenience stores sell products known as drug detox kits. It is even possible to find drinks and vitamins that claim to remove toxins from the body. Once again, these products are not safe to use when a person is addicted to Lortab. They are not approved by the FDA, and they are also very expensive.

There are other ways that people try to detox from Lortab as well. Some will put themselves on a self-taper, which means they simply reduce their dosage of the drug over time. This could be problematic because it can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.

Others will use a different drug instead. Marijuana and Kratom are two examples of substances that are frequently used as a way to self-detox from opioids. But, there are risks involved with both of them; such as forming a secondary addiction to a new drug.

After the detoxification process is finished, the individual is likely to feel a lot better. Most of their withdrawal symptoms have passed by that point, and they may even feel ready to go home. But it is important for them to continue to get treatment because their recovery is far from complete.

Drug rehab is the step that comes after detox, and it is just as important. It is a step that should not be skipped, and those who do are very likely to relapse.

Going to a Lortab treatment program is vital because it addresses the psychological part of the addiction. The patient will participate in various types of therapy during the program.  This will help them figure out why they turned to substances in the first place.

Without rehab, people are likely to return to using, as we stated previously. This is something that anyone who truly wants to recover would want to avoid.What are the Different Types of Lortab Rehabilitation Programs?

Just like there are different types of detox programs, there are also various types of rehab programs as well. Not everyone will do well in every type of setting. That is why it is so important for people to choose the method of treatment that will work best for them.

Inpatient rehab is definitely the most popular form of treatment available. In fact, this is the method that most people truly need. They need to be a facility where they can get all the support they need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Inpatient programs usually run for about 28 days, although some may be shorter or longer than others. Many offer detox services as well, which makes getting the appropriate type of treatment very convenient.

Intensive outpatient treatment programs can be just as effective as inpatient programs, according to the latest research. They allow people to continue to live at home while they receive treatment.

For many people, IOPs present the best option they have for treatment. They can still work, go to school or care for their families while they get the help they need.

In most cases, outpatient rehab programs are not the best solution for someone who is new to treatment. This type of treatment is typically best reserved for someone who has already been through an inpatient program.

Outpatient rehab consists of working with a therapist, and it may involve group meetings, but typically, it does not.

There are some individuals who need long-term care. They may have a history of relapsing, or they may have been addicts for a long time. Residential rehab is available to help them. This is often called sober living, and the programs that are available all vary greatly. Some may provide patients with treatment on-site, and others may require them to attend an outside IOP.

Determining the Cause of the Lortab Addiction

Therapists have a very important job. It is their job to determine what caused the addiction. It could be a number of different things, such as increased stress because of job loss, divorce or other issues. But for the vast majority of people with substance abuse problems, they started using because they suffer from a co-occurring disorder.

Co-occurring disorders are actually mental health issues that go untreated. Instead, people use drugs as a way to cover up their symptoms. It is a way of self-medicating that never ends well.

There are many co-occurring disorders that might prompt someone to turn to an opioid drug like Lortab. They include:

When a person is suffering from a co-occurring disorder, the best approach is dual diagnosis treatment. This ensures that both conditions are treated at the same time.

When someone receives dual diagnosis treatment, they have a much better chance of recovering successfully. They are able to see the connection between their mental health issue and their drug use, and that is extremely important.

Paying for Drug Rehab

One of the reasons why so many people tend to stay away from Lortab addiction treatment is they are worried about the cost involved. We felt that this issue was an important one to address, because there truly is no reason to be concerned.

It is impossible to put a hard, fast price on Lortab addiction treatment because every patient has different needs. Some may need to go through detox for a longer period of time, or they may need more or less expensive forms of treatment.

While it might be disappointing to not fully be aware of the costs, the expected costs are explained to everyone prior to starting treatment. They usually find out that it is more affordable than they thought.

Because of the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies are required to provide benefits for addiction treatment. This includes both detox and rehab services. This is something that many people are not aware of. It has allowed more people than ever to get the help and support they need to quit using in a professional setting.

There are free drug treatment programs available, and they are made possible because of grant money from SAMHSA. This money is set aside to help people without health insurance so they can afford to get the help they need.

There are other ways that people can cover the cost of both detox and rehab. Some people choose to use their savings, or they will take out personal loans. Others might charge their treatment to a credit card, or talk with a friend or relative about borrowing the money.

If none of these is an option, talk with someone at the local Department of Social Services. They should be able to offer information and help to assist the individual in getting treatment.

How Important is Aftercare to the Overall Recovery Process?

Once rehab is completed, it is common for people to falsely believe that their addictions are cured. They do not think they need to do anything else, and they can just go on and live their lives like normal. It would be wonderful if this were possible, but the reality is that it is not.

The individual’s aftercare is a vital part of the recovery process. Their treatment program should set up appointments for them, but it is their responsibility to follow through with them.

Sometimes people get nervous because they think they will need to be in treatment forever. That is not true at all. But they should be participating in some form of treatment for quite some time. They need that ongoing support because of the risk of PAWS, and the risk of relapsing.

Most people begin by going through inpatient treatment. After that, they move on to an IOP, or outpatient rehab, depending on the recommendation they receive. Eventually, they are ready to go to Narcotics Anonymous meetings to get peer support.

Lortab Addiction Treatment

Finding the Best Lortab Addiction Treatment Program

Lortab can be a very dangerous drug when it is misused, even though when it is used properly, it is quite effective at managing pain. At Northpoint Washington, we have worked with many patients who suffered from this type of addiction. We know the best way to treat it, and we know how to give people the best chance of recovering successfully.

Recovering from an addiction is very difficult, even when someone truly wants to heal and get their life back on track. That is why it is so important to rely on both detox and rehab for Lortab addiction treatment. If you need to talk with someone about your options, we are here to help.

Do you need to learn more about Lortab addiction treatment through detox and rehab? Please contact us today.
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