Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for safer pain management alternatives. Vicodin interacts with alcohol by significantly increasing the risk of severe respiratory depression and liver toxicity. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that alcohol is involved in 18.5% of emergency department visits for opioid pain relievers. Mixing Vicodin and alcohol also exacerbates the sedative effects, leading to impaired motor functions, increased risk of accidents, and potentially fatal overdose. Inpatient rehabilitation provides intensive, 24-hour care in a residential setting. Patients receive constant medical supervision and a variety of therapeutic interventions to address the root causes of their addiction.
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- Symptoms of hydrocodone abuse include drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, and flushed skin.
- People addicted to Vicodin compulsively use the drug despite knowing the consequences, often sacrificing their health, responsibilities and relationships.
- Misusers can quickly become dependent on it, paving the way for addiction to develop.
- MAT can help reduce cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and support long-term recovery from Vicodin addiction.
How to spot the symptoms of Vicodin addiction
In 2011, up to 131 million Americans were prescribed Vicodin, often in unnecessary strength and quantity. In 2014, lawmakers recognized the increasing danger of hydrocodone combination products and changed them from Schedule III to Schedule II controlled substances. Previous formulations included 500 mg to 750 mg of acetaminophen per pill. Addiction affects the brain, and long-term abuse of hydrocodone not only changes the way the brain functions but can have lasting effects on mood and thought patterns. People who have abused hydrocodone for a prolonged period of time are likely to suffer insomnia, liver or kidney disease, depression, and anxiety. Some mental disorders, like insomnia and depression, can be treated through therapy and medication like antidepressants.
Medically assisted detox
In some cases, they steal opioids or purchase them from street dealers. But prescription drugs obtained on the street are often mixed with more powerful substances, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/vicodin-addiction-symptoms-treatment-and-recovery/ such as fentanyl, that increase the risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. As a Schedule II drug, hydrocodone has a high potential for abuse, physical dependence and psychological addiction. Hydrocodone is more potent than tramadol but not as strong as oxycodone. 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.
Hydrocodone addiction recovery
One individual’s response to the drug or its treatment may not match that of another. Therefore, it is difficult to set a time frame for the detox from Vicodin exactly. The duration of the detox will last as long as the withdrawal symptoms remain with the patient. Once the detox is over, the patient can switch to other long-term rehabilitation programs to prevent relapse. There are several options available for people suffering from Vicodin addiction. The longer one abuses the drug, the more damage a person will face shortly before Vicodin leaves the system.
Causes of hydrocodone addiction
- Medical professionals prescribe the medication to help alleviate pain and make the patient more comfortable.
- According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these medications relieve drug cravings and prevent other withdrawal symptoms.
- Rehab treatment also uses behavioral treatments to help people overcome hydrocodone addiction.
- When you quit taking Vicodin, you may experience feelings of irritability, anxiety, and mood swings.
- Vicodin is a prescription opioid pain medication that combines hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever).
Taking Vicodin with other substances can lead to uncomfortable and harmful side effects. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. Having a range of different approaches gives patients more control and the detox Sobriety they want.
Causes and risk factors for Vicodin addiction
There are specific reasons why doctors don’t prescribe hydrocodone/acetaminophen for long-term use. In controlled doses, the two substances relieve mild and moderate pain. However, in two large amounts, both substances can cause serious damage. The severity of the side effects depends on the dose, ranging from immediate feelings of euphoria and nausea to kidney failure and death.
