What is Vicodin? It is a brand name blend of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and it’s an opioid. Like other opioids it suppresses the brain’s pain receptors. Vicodin can also trigger the pleasure center of the brain, leading to pleasant sensations, which in turn leads to psychological dependence over time.
Phases of Vicodin Treatment
A Vicodin addiction can be helped in many ways. The exact help an individual needs depends on which phase of Vicodin addiction treatment they are in. A usual course of treatment is as follows:
1. The first phase of quitting Vicodin is withdrawal and detox. During this phase, medications and home treatments can help deal with withdrawal symptoms, especially if the individual has quit cold turkey. In severe cases of dependence there are medications like buprenorphine, methadone and naloxone may be used.
2. Protracted Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) can result after stopping Vicodin use, where the individual has been a long term user. It is not unusual for PAWS to persist during the weeks and months after initial withdrawal. Symptoms include trouble sleeping and mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
3. Once the physical aspects of Vicodin addiction have been taken care of, the psychological aspects must also be treated. Psychological treatment of the underlying reasons behind the addiction is essential to helping the addiction.
Where to seek help for Vicodin Addiction
It can be stressful to get help for a Vicodin addiction, but there is no need to do it alone. There are many places to seek help.
Medical Professionals
If the Vicodin addiction started with a prescription, then the individual can go back to the prescribing doctor for help. The doctor can offer advice on addiction treatment options and tapering schedules. Withdrawal symptoms can also be medically treated.
Treatment Centers
There are many paid rehab facilities and outpatient behavioral therapy programs that can address the psychological triggers of addiction. The main benefit of going to a treatment center is so the individual who has quit Vicodin can learn more about the nature of addiction, themselves and how to cope better with life.
Support Groups
One can find support groups across the US that work with addiction and prescription drug abuse, for eg. Narcotics Anonymous, which is a 12 step program for individuals with a narcotics addiction. Support and therapy can also be provided by non profits and religious communities.
Helping an individual with a Vicodin Addiction
Often the individual with an addiction cannot admit that fact. Denial is very common. One of the most powerful ways to help the individual is to intervene with love. An intervention can be done professionally or informally, but the important thing is to focus on the facts, behavioral changes and side effects that have been observed, as well as finding resources for professional treatment.
Do you have a question about Vicodin addiction? Are you looking for treatment options? Call The Villa to find out how we can support your goals for sober living.