As a narcotic opioid, Vicodin is a drug that doctors prescribe to relieve moderate to severe pain. Containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen, you could be at risk when you take this drug. Learning how long does Vicodin stay in your system can help you understand these dangers and a hydrocodone detox program can get you well. To learn more, contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356.
How Long Does Vicodin Stay in Your System?
One dose of Vicodin can relieve pain for four to eight hours because of its ingredients. The half-life of acetaminophen is 1.25 to three hours, and your body passes most of it in 24 hours. The half-life of hydrocodone is about four hours, but it’s detectable in urine for as long as three days. Because of that, a urine test can identify Vicodin in the body for two to four days after use.
However, other tests are different. With a saliva test, Vicodin is only detectable for 12 hours to three days after taking it. Also, a hair follicle test may detect the drug for up to 90 days. This type of screening is less common, though.
Factors That Affect How Long Vicodin Lasts
Despite the above estimates of how long does Vicodin stay in your system, many factors affect its duration. For instance, your gender, age, weight, and metabolism impact how long your body retains the drug. Any additional drugs that you use could prolong its duration as well.
Other significant factors are your Vicodin dose, how long you’ve taken the drug, and your method of use. In general, the longer you take the drug, the longer it will stay in your system. If you snort, inject or smoke Vicodin, your body will take longer to process it than if you swallow it.
Also, how you quit using the drug has an effect. When you stop cold turkey, it will take less time for your body to process Vicodin out of your system. Tapering down your dose will extend its presence in your body. However, it could be a safer way to quit using.
Dangers of Having Vicodin in Your System
Having Vicodin in your body can be dangerous if you drink alcohol or take other medicines. The combination could cause breathing issues, liver failure or sedation that leads to a coma. For this reason, it’s important to discuss with your doctor all of the medications and supplements that you take.
There’s also a real risk of addiction because Vicodin is a narcotic. When you have this disease, you need a Vicodin detox program to help you get through withdrawal. It might even be necessary if you only have a tolerance to the drug.
Benefits of Professional Prescription Drug Detox
Trying to detox on your own from prescription drugs like Vicodin can be extremely difficult. Not only are the withdrawal symptoms severe, but you also may not have the time or resources to do it properly. A professional prescription drug detox program can help you safely and comfortably get through detox.
Most programs offer a variety of services, such as individual counseling, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. They also provide support for family members, so they can understand what you’re going through and how they can help you recover.
If you’re addicted to Vicodin, it’s important to seek professional help. A prescription drug detox program can provide the support you need to get through withdrawal and start on the road to recovery. The benefits of a professional prescription drug detox program include:
- Expert care and supervision
- A safe and comfortable environment
- 24/7 monitoring
- Assistance with tapering off the drug
- Support for physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal
Find Out How to Quit Using Opioids at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Do you want help quitting Vicodin or other opioid use? Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can start you on the right path with opioid detox. We also offer detox for heroin and opiates such as morphine and codeine. Our team can create a unique treatment plan that utilizes services such as:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Yoga therapy
- Relapse prevention
Don’t let taking Vicodin to put your life at risk. Learn more about how long does Vicodin stay in your system during treatment. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356 for more details about our programs.
