Yes, an individual in rehab for hydrocodone addiction may still be at risk for overdose—and in some cases, potentially more so than regular users.
After quitting hydrocodone drug use, their body begins to adjust to a “new normal.” However, people addicted to hydrocodone often experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Without the right support and treatment, some decide to return to abusing hydrocodone to stop the withdrawals. Unfortunately, their bodies have often gotten used to having less hydrocodone in their system, making their “regular dose” suddenly a lethal dose.
Hydrocodone is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Like all opioids, hydrocodone overdose can include severe side effects such as:
intense drowsiness or unconsciousness
drastically low blood pressure
slowed or stopped breathing
Some doctors will prescribe recovering hydrocodone addicts or their loved ones with Naloxone (NARCAN) to have on hand just in case.