If you are experiencing co-occurring disorders, both diseases can be simultaneously treated at rehab. While it is effective when used properly, misusing Vicodin can be harmful. It can lead to physical problems such as stomach pain and mental health issues that can linger for years. If you are addicted to Vicodin or think you might be, seek professional treatment. Vicodin is a brand of prescription painkiller that contains acetaminophen, a drug used to treat minor aches and pains, and the addictive opioid hydrocodone.
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Take the first step by speaking with an admissions navigator at or by verifying your insurance benefits online. Available 24/7 for a free and confidential conversation, AAC staff can discuss payment options and treatment particulars and can help you begin your recovery today. Throw any unused or expired hydrocodone/acetaminophen by either taking the medicine to a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collection site or medicine take-back program. If one is not available, you can mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, or used coffee grounds, place the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw the plastic bag away in the trash can. You can find out more on how to properly dispose of your medicines at /drugdisposal.
- Focusing on supporting drug-affected mothers and their infants, she combines medical expertise with empathy to empower her patients and educate them on healthy lifestyles.
- If you do not have access to a phone contact Colorado Poison Center for online assistance.
- Using another person’s prescription medication or taking hydrocodone for its positive effects on mood for a “high” can contribute to hydrocodone addiction.
- Vicodin withdrawal symptoms may be mild and handled at home or require close monitoring and medical attention.
hydrocodone/acetaminophen
The risk of acute liver failure is higher in individuals with underlying liver disease and in individualswho ingest alcohol while taking acetaminophen. The concomitant use of opioids and MAOIs, such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or linezolid, maymanifest as serotonin syndrome, or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) see WARNINGS. Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should give naloxone and/or seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up. Vicodin tablets are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.
Vicodin Addiction Symptoms, Effects and Treatment
Over time, the brain adapts by building a tolerance, meaning larger doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This adaptation often leads to a cycle of increasing use, which can quickly progress to dependence, where the person feels withdrawal symptoms without the drug and, eventually, addiction. Over time, the body adapts and requires higher doses of medication to achieve the desired effect and prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring, leading to Vicodin abuse and addiction.
What happens if I miss a dose?
People often get hydrocodone and other opioids from family members or friends. 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, such as fentanyl, that increase the risk of experiencing a fatal overdose. The drug is the active ingredient drug addiction in many popular opioid brands, including Lortab, Lorcet and Vicodin.
It is a relatively potent drug for moderate-to-severe pain control in postoperative patients, patients with trauma, or patients with cancer,” according to an article from the National Library of Medicine. The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. There is no definitive answer to how long it takes to get addicted to Vicodin. Some people might take Vicodin and never become addicted, whereas others might take it for a week or two and become addicted. It’s a game of chance and is also based on individual factors such as your personal and family history of substance abuse, potential underlying mental disorders, and whether or not you’re prescribed the drug.
- Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations.
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- Our drug and alcohol rehab programs and mental health rehab services are tailored to each individual’s specific needs.
- However, due to the hydrocodone content, it also comes with a high risk for addiction.
During detox, a medical professional may prescribe medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. These medications can help keep you stable and focused on your how addictive is vicodin recovery. Vicodin is often used to self-medicate for pain or mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This can lead to a spiral of addiction where people actually end up taking more Vicodin to cope with the negative effects of their Vicodin abuse.
- Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen tablets may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action ofskeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
- They include drowsiness, frequent sedation, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diminished appetite and unexplained changes in sleeping patterns.
- Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may be the first step, followed by participation in structured treatment programs.
- Tell your doctor if you notice severe drowsiness or slow breathing in the nursing baby.
Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a community of individuals who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other. This peer support can be a vital component of long-term recovery from Vicodin addiction and replace the community support that the individual had during rehab. Following detox, a comprehensive Vicodin rehab programme is crucial for addressing the non-physical aspects of addiction. These programmes can be inpatient or outpatient and focus on understanding the root causes of addiction, developing coping strategies and rebuilding a healthy lifestyle. Whether to get high, for pain relief or self-medication, initial Vicodin use is often occasional, in low doses or according to a prescription.
Hydrocodone addiction recovery
It should not be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Healthgrades takes every effort to ensure this information is accurate and up to date. This content is not intended to cover all possible uses, side effects, warnings, precautions, allergic reactions, or drug interactions. Do not assume that the absence of such information means the medication is safe for your personal use. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional before taking or discontinuing any medication. The opioid antagonists, naloxone or nalmefene, are specific antidotes to respiratory depressionresulting from opioid overdose.
We provide compassionate care and support throughout the recovery process. Long-term Vicodin use can cause problems not only physically, but psychologically and emotionally as well. Some possible effects of long-term Vicodin use include liver damage and failure, bowel obstruction, respiratory issues, hypersensitivity to pain, hormone imbalance, and mental health struggles. Vicodin abuse occurs when individuals begin misusing their prescriptions.