Vicodin Addiction

STEPS RECOVERY CENTERS

About Our Services

Steps Recovery Center recognizes how vital the mind, body, and spirit are in their connection to the whole person. We take a holistic approach to treating drug addiction that includes treating the whole person, and find that it tends to be more successful, especially since drug addiction affects every aspect of a person’s life. With a customized and individualized program, a holistic approach just makes sense. It affords an opportunity to meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs and allows them to engage physically, emotionally, and mentally.

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a class of opiates prescribed for pain. It works by changing your perception of pain and the emotional response to it. It has hydrocodone and acetaminophen in it, which with hydrocodone, reduces pain and produces feelings of euphoria coupled with lightheadedness. Because of this, there’s a high risk of addiction. The effects it can have on someone who abuses it include anxiety, confusion, seizures, convulsions, and a slow heartbeat. A severe consequence can be coma and even death.

Vicodin was labeled as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency down from a Schedule III in 2014. Because of the potential for Vicodin addiction is so high, the DEA tightened restrictions to prevent fraud and protect citizens who use the drug from being misused or abused.

Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal

Although Vicodin withdrawal can have unpleasant effects, they usually aren’t life-threatening. Some symptoms include:

The Vicodin withdrawal timeline differs from person to person; however, short-term and long-term use can result in symptoms. Also, liver damage or failure can occur due to the use of acetaminophen.

To reduce your effects of withdrawal or avoid them, never take more than necessary and stop when it’s no longer needed, which is usually in a short time. It’s best to taper off the drug instead of going “cold turkey.”

People with a drug addiction usually go through personality changes that make them seem more irritable and agitated. Moreover, they may also skip social gatherings unless there’s a place for them to hide and use drugs.

Signs of Vicodin Addiction

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V) outlines sure signs of addiction to Vicodin. These include:

Wanting to cut back or stop using Vicodin but unable to
Taking Vicodin in more copious amounts or for longer than prescribed
Cravings and urges to use Vicodin
Spending more time obtaining, using, and recovering from the use of Vicodin
Continuing to use the drug even though it’s affecting your relationships
Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of Vicodin use
Using Vicodin repeatedly, even when it’s dangerous
Needing more Vicodin to get the same effect
Development of withdrawal symptoms that is relieved by taking more
Affects your home, work, school, and social life

As of 2013, 5.3 percent of 12th graders abused Vicodin. 131 million Americans were, often unnecessarily, prescribed Vicodin in 2011.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

Receiving professional help to recover from Vicodin addiction is vitally important. Usually, it takes a customized detox & Vicodin treatment program that includes medications Buprenorphine and Naltrexone to manage withdrawal symptoms successfully. Buprenorphine activates the same receptors in the brain as Vicodin, releasing dopamine and relieving symptoms of withdrawal. Naltrexone reduces cravings and also blocks the effects of Vicodin to help prevent relapse.