Well, since hydrocodone bonds tightly to neural receptors in the brain, continued long-term drug use can actually lead to substantial changes in terms how the brain is physically structured. This makes detox difficult. These neural changes have been documented in many mutually independent studies, and more work needs to be done about what precisely these changes should imply for treatment and detox. Since everyone's brain chemistry and medical history is slightly different, it's nearly impossible to predict what side effects can be directly correlated to what drug. Thus, recreational hydrocodone users who mix and match various opioids and non-opioids may be at higher risk for medical complications. Another major problem which confronts detox professionals is that patients often get involved with hydrocodone in the first place because of the pain resulting from an operation, surgery, or accident. That pain may still need to be managed. Without hydrocodone flushing the system (or some substitute with an equal analgesic power), the patient may find the hydrocodone detox process nearly unbearable. I suggest you talk with your health care provider in detail and discuss your options. Gradually cutting your daily dose of the drug should be tried. He/she will be able to suggest more options and guide you through the process. Also talking with a mental health professional should be beneficial to you to help deal with the withdrawal process and stress that goes along with it. It will be difficult at times but asking for help is the first and most important step. My sincere best wishes to you. Bs strong. http://www.addict-help.com/hydrocodone-addiction.asp http://www.drug-addiction.com/hydrocodone_addiction.htm

1) "If a regular hydrocodone user stops taking hydrocodone, he or she will experience hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms within six to twelve hours but, the withdrawal symptoms are usually not life-threatening. The intensity of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms depend on the degree of the addiction. For example, hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms may grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days. The duration of hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms varies greatly from person to person. Hydrocodone Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to: intense cravings for the drug irritability nausea or vomiting muscle aches runny nose or eyes dilated pupils sweating diarrhea yawning fevers chills inability to sleep depression" Source: http://www.addictionwithdrawal.com/hydrocodone.htm 2) "Let's take a look at the some of the problems which hydrocodone addiction patients run into when weaning themselves off opioids. First, since hydrocodone bonds tightly to neural receptors in the brain, continued long-term drug use can actually lead to substantial changes in terms how the brain is physically structured. These neural changes have been documented in many mutually independent studies, and more work needs to be done about what precisely these changes should imply for treatment and detox." Source and further information: http://www.chillpharm.com/drug-detox/hydrocodone-detox.html 3) Further information: http://www.addict-help.com/prescription-detox.asp http://www.mrods.com/hydrocodone-opiates.html http://www.medhelp.org/forums/addiction/messages/31002.html http://www.addictionsearch.com/treatment_articles/article/hydrocodone-addiction-and-treatment_15.html http://www.opiates.com/opiates/hydrocodone-addiction-detox.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocodone

5 days without it usually does the trick. Trickle down gradually for a few days before going cold turkey. Break pills in half, take only what you need to start your day, force yourself to feel like shit before retiring to sleep. Don't allow yourself to take more later in the day to suppress early withdrawl, bear the ill effects of withdrawl by reassuring yourself it is only temporary. It will all go away. Day One detox is simple, load up on caffeine to start-up and remain alert. If withdrawl induces depression for you, take Sam E, a natural mood enhancer found at GNC and health stores alike. You will be hurting all over while craving, so take Tylenol for aches and pains. It will also fool your brain's addiction by making it think that you are actually feeding it's craving for Vicodin. Take advantage of this placebo effect. Day Two: Repeat the same routine, except now when you try to sleep you can't. Take a normal dose of Tylenol PM. You will sweat all night during sleep, but at least you will get some shut-eye to recharge your batteries. Day Three: The day of Reckoning. When you make it this far, this is the day that will make or break your addiction. Craving is at its worst, and you feel like you've been run over by a truck. Plan this day in advance or call in sick off of work. You will need to sleep and/or stay in bed for about 16 hours before you can face the world. DO NOT cut this time short to get things done. Forget about it. Once you make that decision, you will eventually find yourself paying anything and going to any length to find the drug. Pain, sweats, fever, diarhhea, depression, you name it: Symtoms will be severe. If you must go to task, again consume caffeine, green tea, and make sure you take once daily vitamins. Your system has washed out vital nutrients, so replenish them. Day Three symptoms are so severe, you must take Tylenol PM to fall asleep. If you find yourself waking up numerous times with disturbing nightmares, take another dose, as long as it's past 4 hours from first dose. Day Four: You won't be no spring chicken today, so plan for it: Muscular pain and general aches and pains will be at their worst. Another planned day-off or call-off day in my opinion. More caffeine works to keep you going, but supplement Ibuprofen as well for pain. Avoid social interaction, you are now so subtracted from your state of euphoria and well-being while on the drug that it will become obvious to others that something is different and wrong. Don't allow others to see you this way or in this state of mind. Day Five: Time to recover- If you make it to day five, then today is a new day. You are detoxed from the drug, and it's time to return to a normal lifestyle. Tell your close-ones that you still don't feel well, like you're still recovering from the "flu bug". Follow the same Day 1,2,3 routines if you need to as you see fit. When it's been one week since stopping hydrocodone, celebrate this victory against addiction. Be proud you can face a tough problem and overcome. Continue fostering this attitude and 2 weeks later you will feel great. Congradulations! By the way, in addition, there are a few tips to help you cope with withdrawl: 1) Hard work/ labor and/or laborious activities including sports exercises will off-set the symptoms of sweating, chills, and feverish shivers. 2) Rest is key. 3) Plan to watch your favorite movies and TV shows to counter feelings of being run-down and depressed. 4) Relax submerged in a pool or hot tub to ward off the sweats and pain. 5) Drink beer or alcoholic beverages if it part of your normal lifestyle, you will feel more relaxed and more like your normal self. 5) Avoid social interaction. This includes loved-ones, close freinds, and co-workers. They will suspect something is wrong and you will be tempted to dose hydrocodone just to show them that everything is fine. Good Luck!

step one: mail all of your leftover pills to me.

PHANTOMFIGHTER27 PUT IT THE BEST. ALL I CAN TELL EVERYONE OUT THERE THAT IS GOING THROUGH THIS OR PLANNING TO GO THROUGH, JUST REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL BE BETTER OFF IN THE END. JUST STAY STRONG AND KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE. (BEING OK WITHOUT RELYING ON SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL THAT WAY.) STRONG WILL AND DETERMINATION WILL HAVE YOU FEELING BETTER IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. IF YOU ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO FIGHT THE CRAVINGS AND DEAL WITH IT YOURSELF THE TRY DOCTORS CARE. POSSIBLY SUBOXONE (OPIATE RECOVERY DRUG)

I know this is an old thread but I hope someone addicted reads this. If you are addicted to hydrocodone you already know 1 is too many and 1000 is never enough. I know what you're feeling...you cannot function without them. I know that feeling. When you detox you will get the sh*ts so you will need immodium. buy it in the generic form from the the dollar store. it is an opiate derivitive and will allow you to sleep. do not take too much...just enough to stop the sh*ts. drink a ton of water and gateraide and eat fresh fruits and veggies...esp bannanas. Allow yourself to detox...only takes a few days. Take the pain, detox, get to a Narcotics Anonomous meeting. There are everywhere. Get clean. Stay clean. I know you are thinking "u dont know my issues" but I do. Find strength in yourself. Pills are a dead end street. Be a better parent to your children, a better spouse but most of all be a better friend to yourself.