Vicodin Addiction
Vicodin is the brand name of a narcotic analgesic drug that combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Vicodin is prescribed by medical professionals for the relief of moderate to severe pain. Vicodin is a Schedule III controlled drug for its potential for high psychological dependence and moderate physical dependence when misused. Hydrocodone produces euphoria as a side effect, and it is primarily this side effect that leads to the development of a hydrocodone addiction or Vicodin addiction.
Vicodin addiction is a common type of painkiller addiction. In recent years, abuse of Vicodin and other drugs containing hydrocodone has increased. Vicodin is commonly used for the treatment of pain, and in many cases those who are taking the drug for pain may become addicted. Painkiller addiction is more common in those who have been taking painkillers for a long period of time.
Patients should seek Vicodin addiction treatment as quickly as possible because the acetaminophen in Vicodin has a toxic effect on the liver at high doses. Thankfully, there are very effective treatments available for Vicodin addiction. The process of treating painkiller addiction and Vicodin addiction requires a detoxification and rehabilitation protocol that many drug rehab centers can provide. Most centers treat cases of painkiller addiction with a combination of group therapy, individual counseling, medications for symptoms, and many other treatments.
Vicodin Addiction Symptoms
There are several side effects and symptoms of Vicodin addiction. Those addicted to Vicodin will experience the same effects of other types of hydrocodone addiction such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, dizziness, decreased respiration rate, constipation, dry mouth, involuntary muscle movements, and other side effects. In cases of overdose, effects may include seizures, cold and clammy skin, slowed heart rate, coma, and shallow or no breathing. Overdose should be treated as a medical emergency as it can be fatal.
Psychological effects of Vicodin addiction include cravings for the drug, anxiety, mental confusion, mood changes, and impaired judgment. Psychological symptoms may be more severe than physical symptoms in some cases, and the type and severity of symptoms vary from each individual case of Vicodin addiction. If any of these symptoms are seen in a person on a regular basis, there is a chance that the person has a Vicodin addiction or hydrocodone addiction.
Other signs of Vicodin addiction or hydrocodone addiction include: less attendance at work or school, taking more than the recommended dose of Vicodin, multiple prescriptions of Vicodin, an unwillingness to part with the drug, withdrawal symptoms if the drug is not taken regularly, and stealing or lying to obtain the drug.
Vicodin Withdrawal
Painkiller addiction withdrawal requires the assistance of drug rehab centers because withdrawal can be very symptomatic. Most cases of Vicodin addiction are severe enough to warrant treatment at these centers. Withdrawal symptoms may begin within 6 to 12 hours of stopping Vicodin and they gradually decrease over a period of weeks. Because of the length of time required for symptoms to subside, withdrawal treatment at drug rehab centers is recommended.
Physical symptoms of Vicodin addiction withdrawal include body aches and pains, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, insomnia, increased hears rate, chills, shivering, trembling, runny nose or eyes, sneezing, increased sweating, increased yawning, and dilated pupils. Psychological symptoms of Vicodin addiction withdrawal may include nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, depression, and other symptoms.
Painkiller addiction withdrawal treatment includes a number of supportive psychotherapies and medications to treat symptoms. Treatment for Vicodin addiction withdrawal requires the assistance of trained medical professionals including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, and trained addiction staff. Withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin addiction are minimized as much as possible with treatments and medication, and patients are detoxified from their hydrocodone addiction gradually.
Vicodin Detox
Vicodin detox is dangerous to perform with the assistance of drug rehab centers. This is because some of the symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal can be severe and painful for a patient. Without treatment of these symptoms Vicodin relapse may occur, and a patient may also turn to other drugs in order to treat their own withdrawal symptoms. The abuse of other drugs in combination with Vicodin may lead to fatal interactions. As a result, treatment is best administered in a protected environment by trained addiction professionals.
Treatment for Vicodin addiction detoxification requires several approaches. Medications will be used to treat as many physical symptoms as possible. Psychological Vicodin addiction symptoms can be treated by doctors with both psychiatric medications and with psychotherapy. Drug rehab centers provide a very comfortable environment for Vicodin addiction detoxification. Patients are provided with food and all other types of personal needs. Symptoms of Vicodin addiction withdrawal are treated promptly with the latest and most advanced treatments currently available.
Detoxification is one of the initial steps of Vicodin addiction treatment. Patients are put on a Vicodin addiction treatment plan that follows up detoxification with other treatments. Detoxification from Vicodin addiction may take several weeks because of the length of time that hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms may last in a patient. A patient will be gradually detoxified from the drug in order to reduce their Vicodin addiction withdrawal symptoms as much as possible.
Vicodin Addiction Treatment
Vicodin addiction is potentially fatal and has long term health risks, and as a result it is crucial that addicts receive prompt and effective treatment. Vicodin addiction treatment requires several steps that are implemented over a long period of time. Initially, Vicodin addiction treatment involves the creation of a unique treatment plan for the patient and a hydrocodone addiction detoxification protocol. After this stage, a patient will be treated for their lingering hydrocodone addiction withdrawal symptoms on an inpatient or outpatient basis.
Vicodin addiction treatment involves psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effect at helping patients identify and control thought processes that are related to their hydrocodone addiction. Vicodin addiction treatment also involves group therapy. While in a Vicodin addiction treatment program, a patient will attend several group therapy sessions, and the patient will have access to several other forms of social support.
There are several programs available as a part of Vicodin addiction treatment. Inpatient programs have the benefit of 24-hour support from addiction staff and a protected environment. Outpatient programs are available for those who cannot be admitted to an inpatient program. Since recovery from Vicodin addiction is an ongoing process, there are long term follow-up treatment programs that are often implemented in the treatment plan. Continuing care helps to guarantee that a patient will successfully overcome his or her Vicodin addiction and avoid painkiller addiction for good.
