How Addictive is Vicodin?
Over two-million Americans suffer from opioid addiction due to prescription opioid painkillers. Vicodin is one of those opioid prescription medications used to treat moderate to severe pain, including dental and injury-related pain. Vicodin is composed of Hydrocodone, a potent opiate painkiller, and Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Hydrocodone, like other opiate painkillers, is highly addictive and can lead to Vicodin abuse. It works on the central nervous system blocking pain receptors in the brain and in excess, causing euphoric or pleasurable effects. It can quickly cause individuals to develop tolerance and dependency.
Early Signs of Vicodin Addiction
When a person develops dependency or Vicodin addiction, their body needs the drugs to feel normal. They may need more and more to feel the same effects of Vicodin as they build tolerance which can lead to respiratory depression, seizures, slowed heart rate, and overdose which can result in a coma. Some symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Fall in performance at work or school
- Neglecting personal, family, and home obligations
- Unable to stop using even when wanting to
- Withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop abusing Vicodin
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Constricted pupils
- Suicidal ideation
- Attention difficulties
- Cravings for Vicodin
- Impaired judgment
- Memory loss
- Dysregulation of mood
- Depression or depressive disorders
How Do You Treat Vicodin Addiction?
There are several treatment programs available for treating Vicodin addiction and other substance use disorders. A recovery center can offer comprehensive treatment programs that will address the physical, emotional, and psychological issues of substance abuse to help clients achieve long-term sobriety. Some treatment programs that are available include:
Residential inpatient program
These treatment programs require you to stay at the treatment center full-time. It is often necessary for severe or prolonged Vicodin addiction because it provides the controlled, intensive environment required to overcome substance use disorder. An inpatient program allows clients to fully focus on their recovery without outside influences or temptations.
Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
Although inpatient programs are most beneficial for substance use disorder, some people may do better in outpatient treatment programs. An intensive outpatient program allows individuals to continue going to work or school while they receive addiction treatment. They will live at home or in a sober living facility, while they attend addiction treatment for a few hours, several days a week which can even be scheduled at night or on weekends.
Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
A more intensive outpatient program, a partial hospitalization program is almost a hybrid between an inpatient program and an outpatient program. Individuals are required to attend a full day of Vicodin addiction treatment at the treatment facility for 5 to 7 days a week, only going home or to a sober living facility at the end of the day. This type of treatment drug abuse treatment allows for the necessary amount of hours of treatment while being able to live at home with supportive loved ones and be able to apply what is learned in drug rehab to the real world.
TruPath Recovery Offers State-of-the-Art Vicodin Addiction Treatment
TruPath is a network of substance abuse treatment facilities across the US with comprehensive treatment programs and personalized treatment plans. We offer both inpatient programs and outpatient treatment options to fit each individual’s needs. Our Vicodin addiction treatment programs include dual diagnosis treatment to help those with co-occurring disorders such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder effectively heal from drug abuse and its underlying causes. Treatment plans are made up of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, group counseling, and family therapy. Some of our treatment centers also offer cutting-edge experimental therapy meant to complement the effectiveness of evidence based treatments.
If you or a loved one is struggling with Vicodin addiction, please do not hesitate to call us today. Our drug addiction specialists are available to answer any questions or to place you in one of our treatment centers near you.