Treating Vicodin Addiction Lightly Can Be a Mistake

Another pain killer that is commonly abused is the prescription drug Vicodin.

Vicodin addiction can result with prolonged use of the drug. This can begin because the drug produces a relaxing, euphoric sensation that the addict finds pleasurable. Many who use the drug for pain do not become addicted, but a minority will, particularly if they take more than is prescribed.

It is also important to consult a physician before combining this drug with any other medications.

As the user continues to take Vicodin, they may find their tolerance increasing. This may prompt addicts to take more and more as time goes on. This is when Vicodin addiction can occur.

The drug affects the brain’s pleasure/reward centre. Once the dependence has been created, the person with the Vicodin addiction may find that they are willing to do anything to get the drug. When their supply gets low they may begin to panic about whether they’ll be able to get more.

Many Vicodin users are in denial that they have an addiction. They may also lie to their doctor about physical complaints so that they can get more. Eventually, the person with Vicodin addiction will feel that they need the drug even to function normally.

Because the drug is legally prescribed, many with Vicodin addiction will maintain their use is not serious – certainly not as serious as with an illicit drug.

How is Vicodin addiction treated?

As with many addictive drugs, recovery from Vicodin addiction is difficult and can be physically unpleasant. As with other pain killers that cause addiction, like Oxycontin and morphine, withdrawal from Vicodin might require that the person enter a detox program for a few days (up to two weeks) so that they can overcome the immediate physical dependence.

Once that is done, they must then begin what can be a long process of recovery through counselling, group therapy and education.

Some Vicodin addicts may feel that an in-patient treatment centre is necessary for them to put their addiction behind them. Others can be successful with a less intensive out-patient program.