The initial step on every journey of addiction recovery is admission to a medically assisted detoxification center. Those who have been abusing drugs or alcohol for any period of time almost always undergo some degree of withdrawal upon abrupt cessation of use. More often than not, the symptoms of withdrawal will lead a person back to substance use before the detoxification process is over. This is part of the reason why entering into an inpatient detox program is so important. At Immersion Recovery Center we provide a comprehensive detox program; one that focuses on more than a safe, pain-free drug and alcohol withdrawal. In addition to providing around the clock medical care, we actively prepare our clients for the next appropriate stage of their personal recovery journeys. During Norco detox, we conduct an individualized, in-depth evaluation, which helps us determine the length of our clients stay, what kind of medical intervention is necessary, and the next step for each client once they become physically stabilized.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a Norco use disorder, detox is an important initial step, and we are available to help. At Immersion Recovery Center we effectively treat the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Norco withdrawal, making the entire detox process as comfortable as possible from start to finish. We utilize a combination of evidence-based medications, therapeutic practices and holistic treatment methods to provide the most integrated and effective care available. To learn more about our program of Norco detox or to learn more about our multi-staged addiction treatment program as a whole, contact us today.

What is Norco?

Norco is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe pain. In the majority of cases, Norco is only utilized when other opioid narcotic pain relievers have been ineffective. Hydrocodone is an opioid analgesic medication. It acts on the central nervous system, blocking pain signals and, in some cases, preventing symptoms of a severe and unrelenting cough. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild pain and reduce fever.

Both of these medications can result in adverse effects when used excessively — hydrocodone can be addictive, and acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. However, when used exactly as prescribed by a licensed medical professional, Norco is safe to use and effective for the treatment of severe pain.

Is Norco Addictive?

When Norco is used other than as prescribed by a medical professional, physical dependence can develop over time. If an individual has been taking Norco for a legitimate pain-related issue, they will be slowly weaned off of the medication over the course of several weeks. This will prevent the central nervous system from going into shock, and it will prevent symptoms of withdrawal from developing. While most people take this opioid medication with little to no incidence, those who take Norco without a written prescription or who take the medication in a higher dose or more frequently than intended can become addicted.

Rates of prescription painkiller addiction have remained high since medications like Norco were first introduced to the pharmaceutical market in the mid 1990s. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse and the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Heath, roughly 9.3 million people over the age of 12 currently misuse a prescription painkiller like Norco. Of these people, an estimated 2.3 million currently suffer from a diagnosable prescription opioid use disorder.

Signs & Symptoms of Norco Addiction

If you believe you or someone you love has been suffering from a diagnosable Norco use disorder, there are several signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) outlines a list of diagnostic criteria used to identify the presence of an opioid use disorder. If you answer “yes” to two or more of the following questions, seeking professional help from a medical detox center is likely a good idea.

1. Do you sometimes end up using a higher dose of Norco than you originally intended, or do you use Norco more frequently than you intend to?
2. Have you wanted to cut back on your dose or quit entirely, only to find you were unable to do so for any significant period of time?
3. Do you spend a significant amount of time obtaining Norco, using Norco and recovering from its effects?
4. Do you often think of using Norco/do you ever experience intense cravings?
5. Has your drug use interfered with your ability to fulfill personal obligations or negatively impacted your performance at work or at school?
6. Have you experienced interpersonal problems as a direct result of your Norco use?
7. Have you given up activities which were once interesting or important to you in order to engage in Norco use?
8. Have you been engaging in risk-taking activities more often than normal, like driving while under the influence of Norco or combining Norco with other substances like alcohol or opioid narcotics?
9. Do you continue to use Norco despite physical or psychological health concerns directly related to the prescription medication?
10. Have you developed a physical tolerance, meaning a higher dose is required in order for the desired effects to be achieved?
11. Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when Norco use is stopped abruptly?

The Physical Symptoms of Norco Withdrawal

The most common physical symptoms associated with Norco withdrawal include:

• Muscle aches and pains
• Stomach cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms, including watery eyes, runny nose, night sweats and chills
• Excessive yawning
• Restlessness/an inability to sit still

The Psychological Symptoms of Norco Withdrawal

The most common psychological symptoms associated with Norco withdrawal include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depressed mood
• Suicidal ideation
• Intense drug cravings

Norco Withdrawal Timeline

The physical and psychological symptoms associated with Norco withdrawal typically begin within the 6 to 12 hours after the final dose and resolves within a week. A standard Norco withdrawal timeline looks like this:

• 6 to 12 hours after the final dose – Mild symptoms begin to develop. These might include restlessness, mild discomfort and agitation/irritability.
• 72 hours after the final dose – Acute symptoms begin to develop and peak in severity. These symptoms often mimic the symptoms of a bad flu.
• One week to a month after the final dose – The more severe symptoms start to subside and are replaced by the symptoms of post-acute withdrawal, which include persistent drug cravings, insomnia, anxiety and mood swings.

Is Norco Detox Always Necessary?

The symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal rarely lead to life-threatening complications. However, there are several important benefits to entering into an inpatient detox center.

• If complications develop, clients have access to 24/7 medical care.
• Clients have access to dual diagnosis treatment options.
• Case managers help each client develop a personalized aftercare plan.
• If a client experiences overwhelming opioid cravings they will have access to MAT.

Treatment Options for Norco Withdrawal

The most effective treatment options for Norco withdrawal depend on each unique case. While in medical detox, vitals are checked regularly ensuring no health-related complications are developing. A medical professional checks blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and respiration at least twice a day. If any vitals are irregular they will be addressed accordingly. Otherwise, a combination of over-the-counter medications and non-narcotic sleep aids is used to treat physical discomfort and sleeplessness, and more intensive measures will only be taken if physical or psychological symptoms are particularly severe.

Medications Used for Norco Withdrawal

The medications most commonly used for the treatment of Norco withdrawal include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Non-narcotic sleep aids to help alleviate insomnia.
• If a client is simultaneously struggling with underlying mental illness or if the psychological symptoms of withdrawal are particularly severe, an anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant might be prescribed.
• In severe cases of Norco withdrawal, MAT (like buprenorphine or naltrexone) may be utilized — however, MAT is more commonly prescribed during the next stage of addiction treatment (residential rehab, PHP or IOP).

Long-Term Norco Addiction Recovery

At Immersion Recovery Center we break our medical detox program down into three distinct stages: evaluation, stabilization and preparation. Upon admission to our detox program each client undergoes a detailed and in-depth addiction assessment, or evaluation. We ask a series of pertinent questions, including:

• What type of substance/substances were being used, and for how long?
• Have you ever been diagnosed or treated for an underlying mental or physical condition, such as a mental illness or chronic health concern?
• Have you undergone treatment for a substance use disorder in the past?
• What dose of Norco were you taking on a daily basis?

The questions we ask during the initial assessment help our clinical and medical team determine which detox methods are the most appropriate for each unique case. Next, we focus our attention on physical stabilization. Clients are able to relax in their private or semi-private bedrooms, and they have the opportunity to participate in group workshops and behavioral therapy sessions if they are feeling up to doing so. The physical and psychological symptoms of Norco withdrawal are treated as soon as they develop, seeing as our team of licensed medical professionals are available 24-hours a day. Our main priority is making the Norco detox process as comfortable as possible. Once physical stabilization has been achieved, clients make a smooth transition into the next appropriate level of clinical care. In most cases, this means transitioning into a residential inpatient treatment center. At Immersion Recovery Center we offer a multi-staged program of recovery, which includes:

• Medically monitored detox
• Residential inpatient treatment
• Partial hospitalization (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP)
• Aftercare

Long-term Norco addiction recovery is possible. With an individualized and effective treatment program in place, even the most severe cases of opioid addiction can be overcome. Contact us today to learn more or to get started with our simple and straightforward admissions process.

Contact Us to Get Started

Immersion Recovery Center provides a licensed, individualized and integrated detox program to people of all ages who have been struggling with addictive disorders of all types and severities. We offer a step-down curriculum of clinical care, designed to help our clients make a smooth and seamless transition from medical detox into the next level of care, and eventually back into independent living. We understand how difficult it might seem to choose the best drug and alcohol detox in Florida for your unique personal needs. Fortunately, we are available to help make the decision easier. The moment you contact us, either directly through our website or over the phone, you are put in touch with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors. They ask a short series of questions, ultimately helping you determine which level of care is the most appropriate for your unique case. If we believe our program is a good fit we conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check and facilitate local travel to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. Contact us today to begin.