Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription painkiller that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medication that can be used for pain relief and fever. It is the active ingredient in Tylenol. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is a widely abused and addictive opioid drug.
Since 2009, hydrocodone has been the second most frequently prescribed opioid and is often encountered in evidence submitted to federal and state forensics labs.[1] Taking hydrocodone in higher doses than prescribed or more frequently than directed can lead to adverse side effects, addiction, and overdose. In 2014, the DEA changed Vicodin from a Schedule III controlled substance to a Schedule II controlled substance to tighten restrictions on the drug due to the potential for abuse and addiction.[2]
Understanding Vicodin Abuse and Addiction
Vicodin (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) produces the same side effects as other opioids like oxycodone, such as drowsiness, dizziness, relaxation, calmness, lightheadedness, and constipation. The pain-reducing and relaxing effects of Vicodin are what makes it so addictive.
After regular Vicodin abuse, the mind and body become accustomed to having the drug in the system (known as dependence). Suddenly stopping taking Vicodin may result in symptoms of withdrawal because the body is trying to adjust to the absence of the drug. Physical dependence can lead to addiction which is characterized by a lack of control over drug use and continued drug use despite negative consequences.
Other signs of Vicodin addiction include:
- Cravings or desires to use more Vicodin
- Lying to friends and family
- Doctor shopping
- Buying Vicodin and other opioids illegally
- Trying to quit using but being unable to do so
- Excess time and money spent on Vicodin abuse
- Giving up activities that were once enjoyed
- Having symptoms of withdrawal when not using Vicodin
- Needing to increase the dose taken over time to produce the desired effects (tolerance)
- Continuing to use Vicodin despite negative consequences
If you or someone you love are struggling with Vicodin addiction, please call and speak with one of our admissions counselors today to learn about your treatment options.
Medical Detox is the First Step
The first obstacle you may face in recovery if you are addicted to Vicodin is withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, but it is painful and mentally distressing. Symptoms of withdrawal include sweating, anxiety, depression, cravings, body aches, muscle pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
A drug and alcohol detox center can prescribe you medications, provide healthy meals, and facilitate therapy sessions to help you get through withdrawal successfully. Medications such as buprenorphine or methadone may be prescribed to reduce the severity of your symptoms.[3] Throughout detox, nurses may monitor your vitals and evaluate your symptoms to ensure your safety.
Vicodin withdrawal begins 8-12 hours after your last dose, peaks after 24-36 hours, and resolves after 3-7 days. Most people spend about 3-5 days in a Vicodin detox facility before transitioning to a substance abuse treatment program.
What is Vicodin Rehab Like in Massachusetts?
Recovery from Vicodin addiction is possible with the help of a customized treatment plan based on your needs. The goal of drug and alcohol rehab is to enable you to achieve and maintain sobriety, so you must address the root cause of your addiction and adopt healthy coping skills that support recovery.
Substance Abuse Assessment
Treatment begins with a comprehensive substance abuse assessment. The clinical team will learn about the extent of your Vicodin use, assess your mental health, identify treatment goals, and create a treatment plan tailored to your situation.
Group and Individual Therapy
The bulk of Vicodin rehab is dedicated to behavioral therapy and counseling. Therapy sessions may be held in small group formats and one-on-one formats. Therapy can address a wide range of topics, including mental health, substance abuse education, family and relationships, relapse prevention, and coping skills.
Types of therapies used to treat Vicodin addiction include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
- Holistic therapies – art, music, yoga, nutrition, exercise, meditation, and more
Aftercare Planning
Staying sober requires you to continue treating your addiction, even after rehab. Developing an aftercare plan will help set you up for success outside the walls of the rehab center. Before you leave rehab, you will work with your counselor and case manager to develop the best possible aftercare plan for you.
Aftercare may involve:
- Continued counseling
- Medication management
- Alumni program
- 12-Step meetings
- Sober living
- Recovery coaching
Vicodin Rehab Levels of Care
Rehab is offered across multiple levels of care designed to meet your changing needs as you move through the program. Levels of care available at Woburn Wellness in Massachusetts include:
- Day treatment
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Outpatient program (OP)
- Evening IOP
To learn which level of opioid rehab is right for you, speak with one of our dedicated admissions counselors today.
Find Treatment for Vicodin Abuse and Addiction in Massachusetts Today
The team at Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is firmly grounded in the philosophy that life choices and the skills to influence those choices can break the cycle of addiction and return people to a life of purpose. At our addiction treatment center in Woburn, MA, our entire staff has the professional training necessary to guide each client to their highest potential through Vicodin addiction recovery.
Getting help starts with a phone call. Our admissions team is available 24 hours a day to take your call, assess your needs, and help you begin your recovery journey. Call today to get started.
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