Hydrocodone is an opioid narcotic medication that is used to treat moderate or severe pain. Generally speaking, hydrocodone is only used if other medications are rendered ineffective. It can also be used as a cough suppressant, but this is only the case in adult patients, and again, when other medications have not been effective in alleviating more severe coughs. Hydrocodone is the generic name for the drug Vicodin, which is a combination of hydrocodone itself and acetaminophen, which is an over-the-counter fever reducer and pain reliever.
How Dangerous Hydrocodone Can Be?
The drug can be extremely effective and also has a very high potential for abuse which prevents medical professionals from prescribing it freely. This narcotic analgesic pain reliever works by affecting opioid receptors within the brain, and ultimately interfering with pain signals that are initially sent out by the central nervous system. When used for a short period, hydrocodone can be an effective method of pain relief. However, people who take this medication other than prescribed or for longer than prescribed are at risk of developing physical and psychological dependence. If a person takes hydrocodone for an extended period, he or she is liable to develop a physical tolerance, which means that a higher dose of the medication will be required for the same effect to be produced. There are several different types of hydrocodone, but most are extended-release, meaning that they stay in the system for a relatively long period. Exactly how long until hydrocodone leaves your system? 
How Long Does Hydrocodone Stay In Your System?
Hydrocodone is effective for short-term pain relief. In most circumstances, a medical professional will prescribe this medication for the treatment of acute pain, which can be attributed to a surgical procedure, and injury or an ailment that will quickly resolve. For example, somebody who is dealing with severe pain related to a broken bone or a bacterial infection might be prescribed hydrocodone until the initial pain of the broken bone wears off, or until the bacterial infection is remedied with antibiotics.
Pain Relief and Hydrocodone: How Does It Work?
The pain relief that hydrocodone provides generally lasts for between 4 and 6 hours. However, if a person is prescribed a higher dose of hydrocodone, the pain relief might last for up to 12 hours. However, hydrocodone stays in the system for much longer than this. In most cases, it can be detected in urine for up to four days, it can be detected in saliva for up to 36 hours, and it can be detected in hair for up to 90 days. This means that if a person is abusing hydrocodone, it can show up on a drug test for up to 3 months after the final dose.
Evoke Wellness at Miramar and Hydrocodone Addiction Recovery
At Evoke Wellness at Miramar, we work with men and women of all ages who have been struggling with prescription painkiller addiction. We understand how difficult it can be to overcome hydrocodone addiction, especially when an individual is concerned about undergoing the physical and psychological symptoms associated with withdrawal. Fortunately, with around-the-clock medical supervision, the more severe symptoms of withdrawal can be effectively reduced and treated. If you have been abusing a prescription opioid of any kind, simply give us a call and we will walk you through our admissions process. We have developed an admissions process that is simple and straightforward to make our effective addiction treatment services as accessible as possible. The moment you decide to give us a call, we will begin developing a viable plan of action that ensures your loved one receives the clinical care necessary promptly. For more information on Evoke Wellness at Miramar or to begin your journey of comprehensive and lifelong healing, pick up the phone and get help. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
