Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms and Treatment
Vicodin is a popular and often misused medication made up of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Approximately 83.6 million people in the United States get prescriptions for it every year.
Some people believe Vicodin is safer and less addictive than stronger opioids because it is less potent. Contrary to this belief, Vicodin possesses similar detrimental side effects and carries equivalent risks for opioid use disorder.
The United States holds the title of the world’s leading consumer of prescription pain medications. While a lot of people manage their usage responsibly, millions fall victim to addiction, leading to substance use disorders that require professional intervention. This is part of a larger prescription drug abuse epidemic that is intensifying the ongoing opioid epidemic in America.
What Is Vicodin?
Vicodin represents a branded opioid pain medication, blending hydrocodone and acetaminophen, aimed at alleviating moderate to severe pain. It acts as a depressant on the central nervous system. This reduces pain signals in the brain and body. This creates a relaxed state.
In the United States, Vicodin is considered a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it has limited medical use and carries a high risk of physical and psychological dependence and misuse.
Although more potent than codeine, Vicodin does not reach the strength of morphine. It comes in different forms like tablets, capsules, extended-release capsules, and syrup. The doses are 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 7.5 mg, and 10 mg.
Most Vicodin on the illegal drug market is used by people who are not supposed to have it. It is rarely fake or made illegally.
Vicodin Effects
Vicodin is addictive because of the hydrocodone, an opioid pain killer and central nervous system depressant. Acetaminophen, the other ingredient, reduces fever and alleviates muscle pain, which is common in various over-the-counter drugs.
Vicodin attaches to body receptors, reducing pain perception and promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. However, when misused, either by consuming excessive amounts or combined with alcohol or other substances, these effects intensify.
Vicodin Abuse and Addiction
Vicodin, an opioid, swiftly leads to dependence, even when used as prescribed. While dependence doesn’t guarantee addiction, it significantly raises the risk.
With prolonged use, tolerance to Vicodin escalates, requiring increased and more frequent dosages to achieve the same effect. Heightened tolerance signifies a physical reliance on Vicodin for normal functioning, with many people also developing psychological dependence.
It’s common to combine Vicodin with other central nervous system depressants to amplify its effects. Such polydrug use can lead to co-occurring mental health disorders, complex withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of overdose.
The risk factors for Vicodin addiction include:
- A familial history of addiction
- Previous personal substance abuse
- Prevalent mental health conditions
- Persistent pain issues
- Readily available access to Vicodin
Signs of Vicodin Addiction
It can be hard to spot signs of Vicodin addiction, especially when it’s being used for a valid medical reason. Still, as the addiction gets worse, noticeable changes in behavior, physical health, and mental state emerge.
Typical behavioral indicators of Vicodin addiction are:
- Depleting their prescription prematurely
- Consulting several doctors to obtain prescriptions
- Soliciting medication from friends and family
- Theft from acquaintances and relatives
- Ignoring duties and neglecting personal cleanliness
- Isolating from social interactions and relationships
- Experiencing job-related issues
- Engaging in risky behaviors or making unwise decisions to acquire more medication
- Demonstrating an inability to cease usage
Physical symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
- Sleepiness
- Constricted or enlarged pupils
- Runny nose
- Sleeplessness
- Continuous fidgeting or pacing
- Delayed reflexes or movements
- Constipation
- Manifesting withdrawal symptoms upon consuming the opioid
Typical mental and psychological symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
- Fluctuations in mood
- Strong desires for the medication
- Obsession with obtaining and consuming the drug
- Memory impairment
- Depressive states
- Diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Concentration challenges
- Impaired reasoning and judgment
- Suicidal thoughts
Addiction signs and symptoms can slowly appear, making it hard for loved ones to notice the changes in behavior.
Long-Term Effects of Vicodin Abuse
Vicodin may cause immediate adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. Yet, its prolonged and recurrent consumption can lead to long-lasting consequences requiring medical treatment and care.
The long-term effects of Vicodin abuse include:
- Persistent dryness of the nose and mouth
- Reduced oxygen supply to body tissues
- Impairment of vision
- Digestive issues
- Abdominal pain
- Emerging or exacerbating a mental illness
- Weight loss
- Undernourishment
- Repeated urinary tract infections
- Liver impairment
- Kidney damage
- Breathing suppression
- Sexual dysfunction
- Thoughts of suicide
Because of how much acetaminophen it has, mixing Vicodin with other medications or alcohol gives you a high potential risk of developing serious liver damage and failure.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
People who suddenly discontinue Vicodin experience symptoms of opioid withdrawal that range from discomfort to life-threatening conditions. The duration and intensity of these withdrawal effects depend on the duration of opioid misuse, biological influences, concurrent disorders, and additional dependencies that induce withdrawal symptoms.
Effects of Vicodin withdrawal include:
- Muscle discomfort and pain
- Teary eyes
- Elevated temperature
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Excessive sweating
- Fluctuations in body temperature
- Altered sleep patterns
- Severe cravings for the drug
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Thoughts of suicide
It’s essential to consult medical professionals before discontinuing any medication. A medical detoxification process is often necessary for many people to safeguard their health and well-being.
Treatment Programs for Vicodin Addiction
If you or someone you care about is struggling with prescription opioid addiction, White Oak Recovery Center can help. They can assist you in beginning the journey towards long-term recovery.
Addiction to prescription opioids usually requires comprehensive rehab, such as an inpatient addiction treatment facility like White Oak Recovery Center. This residential treatment option provides programs based on evidence to help with withdrawal and address any other issues contributing to addiction.
Our inpatient treatment center provides onsite medical detox to safely manage symptoms of withdrawal with around-the-clock medical attention and care.
After detox, our experts will help you create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. They will use proven treatment methods to address your concerns. Our team is caring and dedicated to helping you on your journey to recovery. Our compassionate approach to each resident’s recovery surrounds you with empowerment and care using therapies, support groups, and recreational activities.
Reach out now and speak with a treatment specialist at our center to embark on the journey toward regaining control of your life.
Medical Disclaimer:
