Vicodin Withdrawal: Symptoms & Treatment Options

The hydrocodone in Vicodin binds to opioid receptors in your brain that alter your perception of pain, while the acetaminophen boosts these effects. This combination makes Vicodin highly effective at eliminating pain. Vicodin is incredibly beneficial to those who battle with moderate to severe chronic or acute physical pain. In many cases, it can also lead one to feel removed from his or her surroundings. It is because of these effects that many individuals find that they begin abusing this medication outside of the prescribed guidelines by consuming more at one time or using it more often.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with Vicodin addiction, reach out to our team at The Recovery Village at Baptist Health. Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. If someone accidentally swallows this drug, get medical help right away. Remember that this medication has been prescribed alcoholism because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction

• 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.
• However, this mechanism not only alleviates pain but can also induce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, contributing to Vicodin’s high potential for abuse.
• Most people believe they can ease themselves off the drug on their own, but this is not the safest way to clear the body of Vicodin.
• This mixture makes it a powerful pain killer because paracetamol enhances the effects of hydrocodone on opioid receptors, the parts of the brain and nervous system that respond to pain.
• Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor.
• Your genes can play a big part in how your body reacts to drugs like Vicodin so if addiction runs in your family, you might be more likely to get addicted yourself.
• This product contains 2 medications, hydrocodone and homatropine.

We provide compassionate care and support throughout the recovery process. 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. Vicodin’s addictive potential lies in how its primary component, hydrocodone, affects the brain’s reward system. This dopamine surge creates euphoria, which can drive people to take higher or more frequent doses than prescribed to keep experiencing these feelings.

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Vicodin, in fact, used to be a Schedule III controlled substance and was not made a Schedule II controlled substance until 2014. Even now, some doctors may prescribe more Vicodin than a person needs to ensure that pain is well-controlled. To combat possible overprescription, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed guidelines about when it is appropriate for doctors to prescribe opioids. While it is effective when used properly, misusing Vicodin can be harmful.

Along the way, patients will learn the necessary coping skills for addiction to help them avoid relapse and maintain a happy and healthy sober life free from Vicodin. Vicodin is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone, an opioid, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. Products with hydrocodone can be habit-forming and come with a potential for addiction warning before use. Vicodin addiction can occur even when using the medicine as prescribed.

• When you take Vicodin, it binds to opioid receptors in your central nervous system.
• Speaking with others who have been in your shoes can help motivate you and keep you accountable.
• The risks of overdose or dangerous side effects increase if you take Vicodin too frequently or in higher doses than prescribed.
• Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

These symptoms can be physically draining, but it is important to remember that they are a normal part of detoxing the body and a sign that you are one step closer to your goals in recovery. Many individuals with a substance use disorder do not seek professional assistance. And the most effective way to overcome Vicodin abuse is to seek rehab for opioid addiction. Vicodin is a brand of prescription painkiller that contains acetaminophen, a drug used to treat minor aches and pains, and the addictive opioid hydrocodone. To avoid addiction, a person should use the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time to manage their pain. Vicodin addiction is a serious problem that can have long-term consequences.

This form of abuse often begins with a legitimate prescription but gradually escalates as tolerance develops, leading to higher doses and prolonged use. If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, speak with a medical professional about your treatment options. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, a medical detox can help you manage these symptoms.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment Options

The combination of Vicodin and alcohol is particularly dangerous because both substances can damage the liver. In addition, hydrocodone, the active ingredient in Vicodin, can slow breathing, especially in older adults or people with lung problems. Kelly Osbourne is one of the most well-known celebrities to share her story about her battle with Vicodin. Osbourne wrote in her book Fierce that her Vicodin addiction started with a prescription. As her tolerance level rose, she was consuming up to 50 pills of Vicodin a day.

Looking for treatment can feel overwhelming, but the compassionate admissions navigators at American Addiction Centers (AAC) are here to help. Contact us today – Our addiction specialists are on hand to discuss the treatment options – Call our 24-hour free confidential helpline. If you think you can’t quit on your own, there are many programs available to help you. Some of these programs use medications to help ease withdrawal, while others don’t. The best approach for you will depend greatly on the nature of your addiction. If you find yourself taking hydrocodone for longer than prescribed or taking it in larger doses despite any negative consequences, you may have an addiction.

• If you are taking the syrup, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon.
• First, though, you must understand why and how hydrocodone becomes addictive and the signs and symptoms of hydrocodone addiction.
• Lakeview Behavioral Health provides a full continuum of care for adults and adolescents who have been struggling with psychiatric health and addiction concerns.
• Opioids interfere with pain signals heading to the brain to change your perception of pain as well as your emotional reaction to it.

Options include residential treatment, sober living homes, and long-term outpatient treatment. Abusers often crush the pills into a powder to snort or inject the drug to intensify the effects. This dangerous practice leads to a faster, more intense high but also increases the risks of overdose, addiction, and permanent harm. Some people obtain Vicodin illegally to get high, while others become addicted through misusing their prescription. Do not let the stigma of addiction keep you from seeking lifesaving treatment.

Hydrocodone is more potent than tramadol but not as strong as oxycodone. When used as directed, hydrocodone can effectively alleviate pain. However, the prescription opioid can cause addiction and a host of dangerous side effects when used in excess.

Vicodin Abuse Statistics

You can also talk to your doctor about alternative ways to reduce pain. For example, a 2015 report by Harvard University stated that yoga can alleviate pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia and other conditions. The most common side effects are lightheadedness and dizziness. According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the effects of hydrocodone last from four to six hours. If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, we’re here to help. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only.