Content
While there is a legitimate medical use for Vicodin, it is highly addictive. Eventually, an individual may find themselves using Vicodin even when they don’t need it, and at that point, they are dependent on the drug. A partial hospitalization program (PHP) provides intensive daytime treatment for addiction.
Mental Health Resources
- Doctors prescribe it to relieve moderate to severe pain after injuries or surgery.
- However, the side effects of Vicodin can range from mild to severe.
- Before using this medication, women of childbearing age should talk with their doctor(s) about the risks and benefits.
Providing all levels of care, American Addiction Centers is equipped to treat a host of substance use disorders including those involving opioids such as hydrocodone. Plus, drug addiction AAC has facilities scattered across the country, each of which is filled with highly trained professionals who provide evidence-based treatment interventions. Vicodin is an opiate pain reliever typically used for severe pain.
- You start taking more, thinking it’s necessary to cope with your discomfort.
- Vicodin is an opiate pain reliever typically used for severe pain.
- When hydrocodone binds to these receptors, it reduces your perception of pain but can also create a powerful euphoric “high” which is what makes Vicodin prone to abuse and addiction.
- Using Vicodin for an extended period, even if prescribed by a healthcare professional, can lead to tolerance.
We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Finding Private Alcohol Rehab Centers in South Florida
Combining detox, intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment, and long-term recovery support provides the best chance at success. Many resources are available to help you recover from an addiction to Vicodin. The popularity and potency of hydrocodone has caused many Americans to become addicted to the drug. Taking hydrocodone in high doses or using it illicitly can lead to opioid addiction. After completing a treatment programme, ongoing aftercare is crucial to prevent relapse. This can include continued therapy, stress management and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers and maintain a drug-free life.
When you’re ready to take control and make a positive change, we’re here to help you find the support you need. If you or someone you know is struggling with Vicodin addiction, it is never too late to seek help. Healthcare providers, addiction specialists and support groups are ready to assist in the journey towards recovery if you are ready to take that first step. With the right support and treatment, you can overcome Vicodin addiction and reclaim your health and well-being. These therapies help individuals change their thinking patterns and behaviours related to drug use.
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Sudden Abstinence
It can lead to physical problems such as stomach pain and mental health issues that can linger for years. If you are addicted to Vicodin or think you might be, seek professional treatment. Vicodin use is commonly combined with other addictive drugs when used recreationally.
Hydrocodone Withdrawal
Both substances can be dangerous in high doses, and taking too much Vicodin can lead to an overdose. As your tolerance grows, so does your risk for hydrocodone addiction. People addicted to Vicodin compulsively use the drug despite knowing the consequences, often sacrificing their health, responsibilities and relationships.
When used correctly, the medication can calm a patient’s discomfort. Vicodin can be a dangerous medication alone, but combining it with other drugs or alcohol can make it even more dangerous. As a result, it is important to be cautious when taking other medications with Vicodin. Before taking other medications, it is important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure they are safe to take with Vicodin. Some people believe the addiction will fade if they stop drug usage altogether.
Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. This product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Types of Opiates, Risks of Use & Addiction
If attending a treatment center offered by The Recovery Village is not an option, try looking through our online facility locator to find a center closest to you. Once a successful medical detox is complete, patients may be recommended for one of the unique treatment programs at The Recovery Village. Such treatment plans can include inpatient, outpatient, intensive inpatient or partial hospitalization programs. Treatment plans can consist of one-on-one, group and recreational therapy. At first, the addictive potential of opioids like Vicodin was not clearly understood.
This tolerance, in turn, prompts the individual to take Vicodin in even higher doses and on a more regular basis. Paracetamol, the other active ingredient in Vicodin, works by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals (prostaglandins) in the brain that cause pain and inflammation. While weaker than hydrocodone, it complements the opioid’s effects by enhancing pain relief and, in some cases, reducing fever. Vicodin is tightly controlled in most major countries, including the United Kingdom, where it is not licensed for any medical use. Hydrocodone, the main active ingredient in Vicodin, is a Class A substance, the most serious classification in the UK.
Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction
Following detox, a comprehensive Vicodin rehab programme is crucial for addressing the non-physical aspects of addiction. These programmes can be inpatient or outpatient and focus on understanding the root causes of addiction, developing coping strategies and rebuilding a healthy lifestyle. There may also be an increased secrecy or defensiveness about drug use, whereabouts and possessions. Vicodin abuse can also create psychological dependence, characterised by a compulsive desire to use the drug for its pleasurable effects or to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal. It is this compulsive desire, often in the face of obvious negative consequences, that is the hallmark of Vicodin addiction. With repeated use over time, higher doses of Vicodin are needed to achieve the same pain-relieving or pleasurable effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
A person with a Vicodin use disorder should seek medical attention to help overcome their disorder. Oxycodone is another type of opioid that is used for pain medication. Like hydrocodone, it is sometimes combined with other drugs such as acetaminophen. It is considered to have a higher potential for abuse compared to Vicodin. Tramadol is an opioid-like pain medication but has additional effects that make it different from most opioids. It is less addictive than Vicodin, though it still has the potential for abuse, and can be used for chronic or long-term pain management.