A large number of opioid painkillers have been prescribed over the years to many people. This high rate of prescription is just one reason why the opioid addiction crisis has spread so rapidly. As a result, many people may be debating hydrocodone vs oxycodone for their treatment. Or they might be suffering from addiction to either substance and need help. Whatever the case, detox may be necessary as a way of ensuring that an opiate addiction doesn’t affect your life.
Hydrocodone Vs. Oxycodone: the Major Differences
When debating hydrocodone vs oxycodone, it is essential to know that these substances are very similar in many ways. Both are types of opioids that manage pain of various types. And you cannot get access to these substances without some kind of prescription. However, the differences between them are essential to understand because they affect how they are used. Let’s start by taking a look at oxycodone first.
What is Oxycodone?
Oxycodone is usually prescribed to help moderate to severe pain and is generally released as either a liquid, a concentrated solution, a capsule, or a tablet. When taken, this substance typically has an extended-release design that makes its implementation last much longer than other types of opiates.
In most cases, doctors prescribe oxycodone before hydrocodone. That’s because it is less potent than that drug and doesn’t create as many addictive symptoms. That said, oxycodone can still produce dependency if inappropriately used or in doses that are too high for a person to tolerate.
What is Hydrocodone?
Like oxycodone, hydrocodone is used to treat pain. However, it usually centers on managing severe pain because of its potency. Most types come in an extended-release capsule or an extended-release tablet. When taken, the effects should last 12 hours compared to the six hours of oxycodone.
Doctors usually only prescribe hydrocodone if other opiate pain relievers don’t produce enough relief. Often, people who just finished surgery or those going through cancer treatment receive these pain killers. The intensity of the dose is usually as low as possible to avoid potential dangers.
Both are Addicting
When taken correctly, oxycodone and hydrocodone shouldn’t produce an addictive effect. However, some people are more prone to this danger than others and may take higher levels than they should take. As a result, they can experience addictive symptoms, such as:
- Dependence on opiates to feel normal
- Withdrawal when they quit taking opiates
- An obsession with taking these drugs
- Financial and legal troubles related to drugs
Unfortunately, the withdrawal symptoms of these substances are often so potent that many people feel that they cannot quit. Thankfully, detox centers can help to manage this issue and avoid severe health problems.
How Detox Can Help Out
If you’re addicted to either of these substances or need help to understand the hydrocodone vs oxycodone debate, professional medical detox is an important step. Opiate painkillers should not be quit without this type of care if you have an addiction because cold turkey is likely to trigger many issues. Thankfully, detox helps because it will:
- Remove opiates from your body and your mind
- Decrease any withdrawal pain
- Minimize your risk of hallucinations or coma
- Make it easier to focus on your recovery
- Guide you towards a unique rehab option
As a result, this option is a critical first step in your recovery. And if you attend a specialized rehab center, you can get the unique critical care necessary for your addiction treatment. These professionals know all about the differences between these two substances and can tweak your detox to ensure that it is appropriate for your level of substance dependency.
Reach Out to Learn More
If you’re debating hydrocodone vs oxycodone or need help with your detox treatment, please call 866.516.8356 today to contact us. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we provide a high level of treatment success that focuses on your specific needs. Detox helps to prepare you for your rehab and addiction treatment. Just as importantly, Serenity House helps to create a beneficial foundation for your ultimate recovery that will ensure that you are happy. So verify your insurance to get started on your path to sobriety.
