Lortab Detox - Lortab Addiction

Lortab detox is treatment for addiction to the brand name drug (Lortab®), a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and hydrocodone, which is an analgesic opiate used to treat mild pain and reduce coughing. Hydrocodone, which is habit-forming and closely linked to morphine, binds to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of pain is reduced, while acetaminophen halts the production of pain-causing prostaglandins. Lortab®, which is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain, is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form and is taken every 4-6 hours by mouth. Lortab® addiction can occur when physician’s instructions are not followed and dosage is increased, taken more frequently or for longer than prescribed.

Hydrocodone product (of which Lortab® is one) sales and production have increased significantly in recent years—nearly 400% between 1990 and 2000—along with diversion and illicit use. Currently, about 20 tons of hydrocodone products are used annually in the United States. Generally, this drug is abused by oral rather than intravenous administration.

Lortab® detox can be difficult because the drug falls into the opiate category (naturally occurring constituents of opium), causing both mental and physical addiction. Opiates travel rapidly through the bloodstream to the brain, where they stimulate opiate receptors, triggering intense feelings of pleasure and reward. (Hydrocodone creates sensations of pleasure by stimulating the body’s production of Dopamine.) This quick high is followed a state of relaxation and contentment that lasts for several hours. Concurrently, opiates act directly on the respiratory center in the brainstem, causing a decrease in the breathing rate of the user. When Lortab® and/or other opiate-derivative drugs are used incorrectly, this breathing slow-down can be dangerous and even fatal.

Lortab® detox methods differ. Many traditional treatment centers have focused on talk therapy and the psychological aspects of addiction, while others treat the often unbearable symptoms of withdrawal. The rate of success with traditional methods, however, has been low.

A newer and quicker method of Lortab® detox is Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR), a rapid drug treatment that is being used with increasing success for opiate dependency. ANR (formerly rapid detox), also known as the Waismann Method^sm, treats Lortab® addiction as a physical disease that can be overcome with advanced medical techniques. ANR eliminates the cravings that often accompany traditional opiate detox treatments. The Waismann Method^sm has been clinically proven to be effective for Lortab® addiction. In fact, ANR clinics have reported success rates of nearly 64% in treating a variety of opiate addictions, including Lortab® addiction.