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Immediate effects of Vicodin include:
Overall, the capacity to perform daily tasks such as driving is diminished. Some do become energetic with use although this is less common.
Other immediate to short-term physical effects can include:
Immediate to short-term psychological effects can include:
The US consumes almost all of the hydrocodone that is prescribed in the world (America's Addiction to Opioids: Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse, 2014).
Vicodin abuse occurs when it is used for reasons other than those for which it is legitimately prescribed and/or in ways it is not prescribed.
Vicodin abuse occurs when Vicodin is used for reasons other than those for which it is legitimately prescribed and/or in ways it is not prescribed.
Patterns of Vicodin abuse include:
Behaviors associated with Vicodin abuse include:
Opioids like Vicodin are some of the most abused drugs in the world. They are often combined with benzodiazepines like Xanax in order to increase their effects.
Alcohol is also often combined with both types of drugs. Such poly-drug use has a high potential for harm and can be life-threatening.
All these drugs have depressant effects upon the brain and heart as well as the nervous and respiratory systems; increasing the probability of overdose.
In fact, poly-drug use is a significant predictor of overdose.
Vicodin Use Disorder is a medical diagnosis given when one has negative consequences of Vicodin use across various realms of one's life. These effects include:
Physical tolerance develops with continued use. Higher doses--or more frequent uses--are needed to achieve the desired effect.
Tolerance is accompanied by cravings and urges to use Vicodin as well as withdrawal symptoms if one's dose is lowered or stopped.
Use continues as strong urges that are difficult to resist and cause problematic and compulsive behavior. Behavior related to a Vicodin Use Disorder can include:
A Vicodin Use Disorder creates loss of control and unmanageability in one's life. Some examples are:
Certain people are at a higher risk for Vicodin addiction than others such as those:
In general, however, anyone who uses Vicodin for an extended period is at risk due to its addictive qualities.
Anyone who uses Vicodin for an extended period is at risk for addiction.Some individuals with poor coping strategies for psychological issues are also at risk for Vicodin addiction if there is easy access.
Self-medication with Vicodin can occur among people who have untreated conditions such as trauma reactions (PTSD), Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder and depression.
Additionally, youth with access to Vicodin in their homes or among peers are at risk.
Some indicators that you need professional help include:
It is helpful to remember that Vicodin Use Disorders are medical conditions. Your loved one is not able to use willpower alone to stop using.
In fact, abrupt cessation can create a serious health crisis and withdrawal should be managed by a physician to handle escalated medical complications.
Here are some suggestions for helping an addicted friend or family member:
There is a wide range of Vicodin treatment options. Treatment settings include outpatient, inpatient, and residential and partial hospitalization. Consultation with an addiction professional can help determine which option is best.
Sessions for individual, family and group therapy can be found in an outpatient setting. Typically these are scheduled on a weekly basis at most and participants continue living at home. Consider whether outpatient treatment can provide enough help at the time.
Many choose instead to leave home to have more structure and more support. Also, leaving home provides respite from the daily life in which addiction developed and one can avoid triggers that enabled use. Many choose outpatient services later as a 'step down' from more intensive services.
Residential programs require you to stay in a treatment center for a time. Not all programs offer medically supervised withdrawal and detox, 24-hour nursing care or daily physician supervision.
In these cases, withdrawal and detox will need to be done in a medically supervised environment before admission to a residential program.
Residential treatment is very effective for those who need a lengthier period of time away from the community in order to gain momentum in their recovery.
Hospitalization offers medical care for withdrawal and detox as well as a 24-hour medical environment. It's a good option if you've used Vicodin heavily or for a long time, or if you have health problems that could complicate withdrawal or a dual diagnosis.
Partial hospitalization gives structure and built-in support to life at home. It is often a 'step down' from having been in a treatment facility or hospital. Participants attend therapy sessions for some hours per day, usually several days per week.
These treatment centers offer resort-like settings in pleasing locales with private rooms and spa-like amenities. Programs vary, but there may be massage, meditation, acupuncture, hiking, tennis or golf and specialized nutrition.
Some treatment centers also allow executives to continue their business obligations. Access to technology such as computers, phones and fax machines allow executives to stay in touch and contribute to the welfare of their businesses as necessary.
After withdrawal and detox, the focus of Vicodin recovery is living successfully without use. A combination of individual, group and familiy counseling sessions, along with education, is provided in most settings. The purpose of treatment during this phase is to
improve one's emotional and psychological well-being and identify coping strategies to deal with the void one inevitably feels during abstinence. Relapse prevention strategies are also emphasized and community involvement is encouraged to ensure continued success.
A great many teens have access to drugs--in their own homes and from the homes of peers. It is estimated that 1 in 10 teens has used a prescription opioid or sedative non-medically.
The high number of Vicodin prescriptions written in the US makes the drug of particular concern for teens.
Teens at high risk for Vicodin abuse and addiction are those who:
There are treatment programs designed especially for teens that abuse or are addicted to Vicodin. These involve the following programs:
An addiction professional can make recommendations for which may be appropriate.
For more information, call our private hotline at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers?. Our knowledgeable support staff is available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehabilitation and treatment programs.
