Whatever the underlying issue is, the feeling of euphoria will be more favourable to them than living with these problems. Therefore, once the Vicodin abuse begins, Vicodin addiction is not far behind. Vicodin, with the help of Hydrocodone, takes it a step further by stimulating endorphin production in the brain, which in turn produces dopamine.
Hydrocodone addiction symptoms and signs
It combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Hydrocodone is a highly addictive opioid, making Vicodin likely to be abused if used other than prescribed. Get professional help from an online addiction and mental health counselor from BetterHelp. The best way to prevent hydrocodone addiction is to take the drug exactly as your Sobriety doctor prescribes. It’s also important to record your pain in a diary while you take it. Review your pain diary from time to time to see how you’re progressing.
Health Conditions
Hydrocodone addiction may begin as a result of prescription opioid abuse. Symptoms of hydrocodone abuse include drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, and flushed skin. Physicians may also provide methadone or buprenorphine during detox.
Learn about Vicodin and substance abuse
Knowing this, if you or a loved one are beginning to take Vicodin for pain management, you are in a great position to be an advocate for yourself or your loved one. To begin, you can ensure that yourself or your loved one is obtaining Vicodin through proper channels, such as a medical doctor, a psychiatrist, or another licensed prescribing professional. One potential side effect of Vicodin is an increased pain sensitivity, called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). OIH is a rare phenomenon and most often occurs in those taking opioids at a higher level than prescribed and for longer periods. Always be sure to take only the prescribed amount of Vicodin and to space each dosage properly.
After the Vicodin withdrawal phase is complete and you have moved into the maintenance stage of overcoming OUD, it is always advisable to seek out professional addiction counseling. Lakeview Behavioral Health provides a full continuum of care for adults and adolescents who have been struggling with psychiatric health and addiction concerns. This drug activates the same receptors in the brain as Vicodin, releasing dopamine and relieving withdrawals. The production of prescription painkillers increased substantially from 2000 to 2010.
Conditions
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies hydrocodone as a Schedule II controlled substance. For some, use may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Since it is an opiate-based drug, Vicodin withdrawal is similar to withdrawing from heroin, morphine, methadone, or codeine. Anyone can experience withdrawal symptoms if they have taken Vicodin over a period of time, usually several weeks or more. Although the symptoms vary by person, most people experience some withdrawal discomfort when they https://ecosoberhouse.com/ attempt to quit or cut down.
Physical and behavioral symptoms
- When someone stops using Vicodin abruptly, they’ll experience withdrawal symptoms within 12 hours following the last dose.
- Addiction is characterized by an inability to stop using a drug, despite harmful consequences to your life and overall health.
- These symptoms include itching, vomiting and swelling of the face, mouth and throat.
- The use of Vicodin and other drugs that affect neurotransmitters in the brain should be avoided as well.
- If you stop using it, you may also feel withdrawal symptoms, which is why doctors recommend tapering off the drug.
- Don’t try to quit using Vicodin on your own after heavy or prolonged use.
- There is also risk of irreversible brain damage due to lack of blood flow after an overdose from hydrocodone due to respiratory failure.
Hydrocodone addiction can cause serious physical and mental withdrawal symptoms. Medically assisted detoxification can help you safely and comfortably detox from the substance. Detox programs use medications for a period of five to seven days while your body withdraws from hydrocodone dependence. Treatment for prescription opioid addiction starts with a detoxification phase. During detox, addiction experts assist you in dealing with painful withdrawal symptoms until hydrocodone is cleared from your system. Vicodin is a brand of prescription painkiller that contains acetaminophen, a drug used to treat minor aches and pains, and the addictive opioid hydrocodone.
Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction
During this process, doctors will decrease the amount of Vicodin taken weekly to ease the body off the drug. For those who have insurance, using health insurance to pay for rehab should cover at vicodin addiction least some of the cost of addiction treatment. Depending on your individual insurance plan, treatment at a specific facility may or may not be covered.
Even when used as prescribed, Vicodin can have negative side effects. If a person constantly experiences these effects but continues to take Vicodin, they may have developed an addiction. There are also long-term side effects of Vicodin use that can occur when a person uses Vicodin for longer than recommended. Vicodin is one of the most frequently prescribed pain medications in the United States.