Vicodin is a prescription painkiller commonly associated with the growing opioid addiction crisis. Made from hydrocodone and acetaminophen, Vicodin is prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain, but its addictive properties make it highly prone to misuse. Many cases of Vicodin addiction start with a legitimate prescription, often after surgery or injury, and quickly escalate into dependency. This shift from prescribed use to addiction highlights the dangers of opioid abuse and the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and effective treatment options. Understanding the risks of opioid use and recognizing the signs of abuse are vital steps in combating Vicodin addiction.
What Is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a semi-synthetic opioid prescription painkiller that contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Vicodin is most commonly prescribed for short-term pain relief, or for those who suffer from severe and/or chronic pain. Very similar to Percocet, despite different compositions, with the main differences being in potential side effects. Both opioids present the risks of addiction, dependence and death from overdose. Due to the high risks of ongoing abuse, dependence or addiction, stronger pain medications like Vicodin should only ever be taken under the direction and supervision of a doctor.
Vicodin Abuse
One of the biggest dangers of pain management medications is that it is hard to determine if there is a dependence forming. Many individuals with an unintended addiction to Vicodin and other prescription opioids become addicted without even realizing that abuse has taken place. Men and women in chronic pain who use opioids regularly develop a tolerance over time, at which point they must increase their own dosage to manage their pain. Due to opioid drugs increasing pain sensitivity when the presence of the drug is not in the system, it becomes harder to tolerate without the medication, leading to increased use. This vicious cycle creates a somewhat innocent addiction that people don’t even realize is occurring until they attempt to stop taking the drug.
Side Effects of Vicodin Abuse
Regardless of long or short term use of Vicodin, there are some common side effects to take into account. The more serious effects on the body occur after large doses and prolonged use.
- Itching
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Liver Damage
- Jaundice
- Hypotension
The side effects of Vicodin abuse can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions. It is important to understand the potential risks before taking this medication, whether it is prescribed by a doctor or obtained illegally.
Signs of Vicodin Addiction
Signs of Vicodin addictionVicodin is a powerful prescription painkiller that is often prescribed for severe pain management. However, like many other opioid medications, it can be highly addictive and have serious consequences if not taken as directed by a medical professional.
If you or someone you know has been taking Vicodin for an extended period of time, it’s important to be aware of the signs of addiction. Recognizing these signs early on can help prevent further harm and allow for proper treatment to be sought out.
- Physical Dependence: One of the most common signs of Vicodin addiction is physical dependence. This means that your body has become accustomed to having the drug in your system and may experience withdrawal symptoms when it is not present. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and insomnia.
- Increased Tolerance: Over time, your body may also develop a tolerance to Vicodin, meaning that you will need higher doses to achieve the same effects. This can be dangerous as it increases the risk of overdose and other adverse effects.
- Changes in Behavior: If you or someone you know is addicted to Vicodin, you may notice changes in behavior such as mood swings, irritability, and isolation from friends and family. This can be due to the constant need for the drug and the negative consequences it has on relationships and daily life.
- Continual Use Despite Consequences: Another sign of Vicodin addiction is when an individual continues to use the drug despite negative consequences. This can include financial strain, legal issues, and damaging relationships.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: When someone addicted to Vicodin tries to stop using the drug, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and anxiety. These symptoms can be severe and make it difficult for a person to stop using the drug on their own.
- Seeking Multiple Prescriptions: Those who are addicted to Vicodin may try to obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors in order to maintain their supply of the drug. This is known as “doctor shopping” and is a common behavior among those with opioid addictions.
- Inability to Stop Using: Ultimately, one of the biggest indicators of a Vicodin addiction is the inability to stop using the drug even when faced with negative consequences. This can include financial strain, legal issues, and damaging relationships.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a Vicodin addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Treatment options such as therapy, support groups, and medication-assisted treatment can help individuals overcome their addiction and live a healthier life. Don’t wait until it’s too late – reach out for help today.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
As with any substance abuse disorder, regularly using or abusing opioids will increase the dangers and pains of withdrawal. For individuals that have been using Vicodin for long periods of time, it may take significantly longer to fully withdraw, especially without the aid of medical detox at an addiction rehab facility. Some of the withdrawal effects that you may experience from discontinuing regular Vicodin use may include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cravings
- Restlessness
- Mood swings
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms
- Shivering
- Aches and pains
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these behaviors, there is a probability that they have developed a dependency to Vicodin. Due to the extremely harmful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms of opioids, it is important to get help from a team of medical professionals at an accredited medical detox facility.
Detoxing from Vicodin
Detoxing from Vicodin is very similar to heroin or morphine. Withdrawal effects could occur as early as 6 hours from your last pill. While not nearly as fatal as withdrawal from Valium or alcohol, opioid withdrawal is still extremely unpleasant. Typically, the most major side effects or terrible feelings will end after 8-10 days of detox – though some will persist for longer. Medically assisted detox can help with these symptoms and side effects, and allow you to function normally as well as begin recovery and group treatment.
Detox Meds
In any opioid recovery or detox, certain medications that are provided during medical detox can provide relief during the time that the withdrawal effects are the most severe. These medications are administered safely by medical professionals and then slowly removed from the system to start a life free of medications.
Medications that we use at Royal Life Detox for our medically assisted detox include:
- Clonidine
- Buprenorphine (Subutex or “subs”)
- Buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone or “subs”)
These detox medicines aim to ease the physical discomfort and help the user get some sleep. Warm baths, mild exercise, electro-chemically balanced nutrition, and the compassionate support of recovery-sensitive physicians, nurses, and counselors help ease a person through Vicodin withdrawal. The last item is most important because your counselor will facilitate your entry into the most important part of detox, recovery-sensitive therapy, the moment you are able to.
Hydrocodone detox medicine such as buprenorphine should be discontinued as soon as possible because buprenorphine maintenance can change into buprenorphine addiction if it is used for too long.
What Happens After Medical Detox?
Following medical detox at Royal Life Detox, guests will begin a comprehensive, collaborative approach to substance abuse treatment designed to support physical, mental and spiritual wellness. We offer a variety of detox options for treating drug addiction beyond just Vicodin. Our program helps to promote a lasting, sober lifestyle through sobriety and beyond. Our addiction specialists, from our therapists and case managers to our facility staff, are dedicated to providing the best in care and support. Our holistic, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy incorporates individual and group sessions. We use other holistic methods, such as art, music and animal therapy to help our guests to learn to express themselves and communicate. At Royal Life Detox, we believe that emotional healing is just as important as physical healing. Our treatment features state-of-the-art activity, movement, and adventure therapies to create one program that treats mind, body, and spirit.
Guests may begin their recovery journey in our residential inpatient program and continue with us through PHP, IOP, OP, and sober living at our graduate housing residences. At Royal Life Detox, the guest is always our top priority, and we consistently do all we can to effect lasting change, that they might continue to lead healthy, sober lives long after they have left our care. This is not just our goal, but our mission.
Recovery from Vicodin Addiction
Long term recovery from any opioid addiction, especially painkillers such as Vicodin is made much harder with the wrong mindset. Individuals who think that all they need is detox often fall into the trap of relapse as soon as detox is over. With any addiction to any substance, it is important to understand the recovery lifestyle.
Recovery from a Vicodin addiction requires recovery-sensitive medical care, intensive therapies, guidance and support. Royal Life Centers is experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to treating addiction, which is why we provide comprehensive addiction treatment that works to help guests overcome their substance abuse.
Vicodin Detox in Arizona
At Royal Life Detox, we specialize in offering compassionate and comprehensive opioid addiction treatment options for those struggling with oxycodone dependence and addiction. Recognizing that each individual’s road to recovery is unique, we tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of our guests.
If you or a loved one has a dependency or addiction to Vicodin, or any substance use disorder, please reach out to us about your detox and treatment options. Royal Life Detox admissions staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Because We Care.
