Vicodin Addiction: Recognising Vicodin Abuse Symptoms

But it is possible to recover from hydrocodone addiction with proper treatment. Rehab treatment can help people overcome withdrawal symptoms and learn techniques to avoid relapse during recovery. In 2012, nearly 1 million people received treatment for their addiction to prescription painkillers.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment Options

It’s a prescription opioid that can lead to physical dependence which, in some cases, may lead to addiction. As the most prescribed painkiller in America, hydrocodone belongs to a group of medicines called narcotic analgesics. These are typically prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain on a short-term basis.

Getting Help for Hydrocodone Addiction

And the most effective way to overcome Vicodin abuse is to seek rehab for opioid addiction. These symptoms can be physically draining, but it is important to remember that they are a normal part of detoxing the body and a sign that you are one step closer to your goals in recovery. If you undergo detox at a treatment center like one of The Recovery Village’s professional facilities, your doctors and staff will attend to any physical or mental vicodin addiction discomfort during this time. If someone chooses to treat their addiction, working with medical professionals will allow them to analyze the patient’s situation to determine the best way to wean them off the drug.

Vicodin addiction and co-occurring disorders

When people misuse Vicodin, they are putting themselves at a higher risk of becoming addicted to the drug. Be assured, though, that Vicodin is generally considered safe to use, or it would not have been approved by the FDA, nor would your medical professional be recommending its use. With this understanding, please know that any potential side effects or risks of the medication can be easily managed with proper medical oversight.

If you think someone you know may be struggling with an addiction to hydrocodone, there are physical Alcoholics Anonymous and behavioral signs you can look for. Hydrocodone addiction isn’t a reflection of your character or willpower. It’s an indication that the drug has changed the way your brain experiences pain and pleasure.

Evidence Based

Most Vicodin overdose deaths happen for people who have recently gone through detox and withdrawal. Overdose can occur even at a much smaller dose than previously taken. The biggest danger from detoxing from Vicodin and other pain medication takes place when someone decides to start taking the drug again. Depending on how much and for how long you have been taking Vicodin, the withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to very severe.

• In addition to medical support and counseling, patients may also enjoy alternative therapy options to ease their journey toward recovery.
• Rather than be taken orally, the powder is snorted into the body by the user.
• This can include using clonidine to reduce anxiety, agitation, muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, and cramping.

However, as recently as 2018, there were still over 70 million hydrocodone-containing products prescribed in the U.S.1 Learn more about hydrocodone addiction and recovery facts. Prior to the FDA lowering acceptable levels of acetaminophen in medication, Norco had the least amount of acetaminophen. Subsequently, some addicts chose Norco over other prescription painkillers to avoid the increased risk of consuming too much acetaminophen. Currently, however, it has the highest percentage of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ acetaminophen of the hydrocodone variants.

If your doctor has prescribed this drug and you’re worried about addiction, talk about your concerns. If you have a personal or family history of substance use disorders, an alternative pain reliever may be a better option for you. People with substance use disorders should be screened for depression and other mental health issues. If you feel you’re starting to crave the drug even at times when you feel little or no pain, talk with your doctor immediately.

It is important to know both the behavioral and physical symptoms of hydrocodone addiction so that you can seek appropriate treatment for yourself or a loved one. At our facilities nationwide, we provide evidence-based care to those ready to put their addictions to substances like hydrocodone in the past. Hydrocodone, like other opioids, works by binding to pain receptors (known specifically as mu opioid receptors) in the brain. Once hydrocodone binds to these receptors, pain signals are weakened or blocked entirely. Mu opioid receptors are also responsible for the positive reinforcement aspect of drug-taking. Feel-good sensations of euphoria produced by opioids are likewise introduced here; these sensations encourage people to take the drug again.

• Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area.
• This article will cover what hydrocodone is, how it’s used, the effects it can cause, and how you or your loved one can get treatment for hydrocodone addiction.
• The substance can produce feelings of lightheadedness and euphoria, which have resulted in the widespread misuse of hydrocodone nationwide.

Vicodin addiction treatment typically begins with detoxification to rid the body of the drug and its toxins. In addition to medical support and counseling, patients may also enjoy alternative therapy options to ease their journey toward recovery. Along the way, patients will learn the necessary coping skills for addiction to help them avoid relapse and maintain a happy and healthy sober life free from Vicodin. The drug is the active ingredient in many popular opioid brands, including Lortab, Lorcet and Vicodin. It is often combined with acetaminophen in medications prescribed to relieve moderate to severe pain. Vicodin is a prescription painkiller developed for the relief of moderate to severe pain.