Since hydrocodone is an opioid, treatment for hydrocodone addiction is similar to treating any other opioid addiction.

The initial goal of treatment is to alleviate hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid agonist medications are administered in a tapered dosage until the individual is no longer at risk for withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment is the first-line treatment regimen for hydrocodone and other opioid addictions. Medicines that contain opioids are administered long-term to reduce opioid cravings.

Medication-assisted treatment provides a way for the individual to be gradually weaned off their pre-existing addiction while minimizing the opioid withdrawal symptoms that would come from the process.

Psychotherapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectal behavioral therapy are also used in combination with medication-assisted treatment.

The goal of psychotherapy is to teach the individual healthy life skills, coping skills, and relationship skills as addiction are often coupled with poor lifestyle habits.

Depending on the seriousness of the addiction, treatment professionals usually recommend residential treatment of intensive outpatient treatment, where the client can be in a safe environment and undergo individual, group, and family therapy for an average of four to six weeks.

The goals of treatment include the following:

• Teach relapse prevention skills, healthy boundaries, and communication skills
• Provide healthy recreational activities as alternatives to drug use
• Help rebuild relationships
• Provide education on the chronic disease of addiction
• Help build and develop healthy coping and stress-reduction skills