What Does Detox During Lortab Addiction Treatment Look Like?

When a person enters Lortab addiction treatment, the first stage is called detoxification, a name that refers to the set of interventions used to assist a patient transition from actively intoxicated to a drug free state. This can be a difficult process, especially for patients addicted to prescription opioids, like Lortab.

Opioids are quite addictive and using the chronically leads to a series of highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that, although not medically hazardous, are deeply unpleasant. Opioids all create similar effects because the drugs function in the same way. They bind to specific opioid receptors in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, spinal cord, and other organs of the body.

Once attached they can trigger the release of feel good chemicals and this rewires the brain to associate the use of the opioid with a reward. It will continue seeking the reward and that leads to dependence and addiction.

This means, that the absence of opioids in the system triggers unhappiness in the brain and body, who still want to feel the reward. This unhappiness manifests as a set of withdrawal symptoms and the goal of detox is to alleviate or eliminate the difficulties caused by these side effects of sobriety.

To learn more about detox and the other stages of Lortab addiction treatment, call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) . You will be connected with a specialist who knows all about rehab. You can get questions answered and, when you feel ready, you can be directed to treatment programs custom made for your specific needs. It’s that easy.

Withdrawal Symptoms

As detoxification is all about limiting the discomfort associated with withdrawal, it is important to know what sort of withdrawal symptoms a user should expect when they cease to use Lortab.

In fact, many rehab centers work to educate patients on typical withdrawal because, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it “may reduce discomfort and the likelihood the individual will leave detoxification prematurely.”

The onset of Lortab withdrawal varies, as does the duration. Factors like the daily dose, the interval between doses, and the length of use all play a role. There are also physiological, psychological, and genetic influences at play.

Per SAMHSA, the following signs and symptoms are typical of Lortab withdrawal:

Medical professionals will help you begin the detox process.

• High blood pressure
• Racing pulse
• High body temperature
• Enlarged pupils
• Insomnia
• Goosebumps
• Abnormally heightened reflexes
• Sweating
• Increased rate of respiration
• Tearing
• Yawning
• Muscle spasms
• Runny nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping
• Anxiety
• Muscle and bone pain

Withdrawal will gradually increase in severity and then will decrease in a self-limited fashion. The staff at the detox program will check on patients frequently and adjust treatment to the harshness of withdrawal.

Risks

Although uncomplicated opioid withdrawal is not particularly dangerous. There are complications that may arise.

• Gastrointestinal upsets, like diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. The detox will generally administer oral fluids, but some patients may require them through IV.
• Heart conditions can also be made worse during opioid withdrawal because of increased blood pressure and pulse.
• Anxiety disorders, particularly those that trigger panic anxiety, might increase in intensity.
• Any pain condition will worsen because the pain-relieving qualities of Lortab have been removed from the system and because users develop a reduced pain threshold.

Medication Management

It is considered inhumane for practitioners to treat Lortab withdrawal without the use of medication. It creates unnecessary suffering in a group that has an inadequate tolerance for bodily pain.

The most common medication used is methadone. Because methadone use is limited to specially licensed facilities, you may want to ask potential programs if it is available. If you experience detox in a hospital, you will certainly have access to it.

Lortab detox may also be treated with clonidine, a medication that soothes withdrawal symptoms without causing opioid intoxication or triggering a reward in the brain. But, it is less effective than other methods, so supplementary medications are often used to ease things like headaches, insomnia, and muscle pain.

To learn more about Lortab detox, call 800-291-1732 (Who Answers?) . Find out about other medication used and behavioral treatments. Your detox experience will be tailor made to address the issues specific to your addiction, but getting a general idea of care can help you to prepare for your own treatment.

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