Vicodin Detox

What Patients and Family Members Need to Know

Addiction is never a desirable thing, and there are millions of people addicted to drugs and other substances who never intended their lives to end up in shambles. Vicodin is a painkiller that can lead to addiction, and worse it can create an addiction to other painkiller drugs. America, at present, may account for up to 90 percent of the world’s population addicted to the drug. One might consider that is a lot of painkiller drugs being used, or abused.

The success of Vicodin detox hinges on two things: finding an effective rehab program, and understanding the causes of Vicodin addiction. The reason being, there are a number of ways people can become addicted to Vicodin. One way is to have used the drug properly under the direction of doctors. Another way may include using the drug for recreational purposes—simply to feel good and peaceful. The truth is the body reacts to Vicodin by building up a resistance. This resistance creates a state of continual even though the individual keeps using. Addiction is such that an individual will do anything to escape harmful or uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

People also become addicted to Vicodin through illegal means. This can mean overusing/abusing the drug, or purchasing it illegally from those with a legal prescription. Using the drug in this manner may lead to an overdose. Whatever the cause and reason for addiction, addicts are advised to seek clinical rehab and help as quickly as possible. As such, self-detox is never recommended because of the physical dangers involved. Rehab centers can help patients to work through detox challenges and internalize therapy that allows them to understand their addictions, its causes, and how to identify and avoid triggers that can lead to relapse.

Relevant Things to Know

Vicodin is actually the name brand for a popular prescription painkiller medication called hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which happens to be an active Tylenol ingredient. Vicodin holds the distinction of being the number one prescribed American drug. Vicodin is also the most commonly abused drug in the country. Addiction to painkillers has led to the ballooning of heroin abuse. Heroin is an acceptable substitution for painkilling drugs, and is even less expensive to acquire than typical painkillers. Considering the following about Vicodin detox and rehab.

Anyone attending rehab for Vicodin addiction has a good chance for a safe and successful recovery. Many people quit with professional clinical help, and their detox is no worse than what may be suffered through detox from other drugs. Vicodin detox may actually be easier than other substance detox attempts.
Failure to get proper Vicodin detox treatment can lead to other, more serious, addictions. Other potent pain-dampening drugs also include heroin and Oxycontin. As mentioned, the common destination from using these painkillers is often heroin. As many as four in five heroin users began their journey with opiate abuse and taking doctor-prescribed painkillers.
A positive note about Vicodin withdrawals is that they are relatively short. When a patient enters detox, they can expect their body to be rid of the drug within 7-10 days. Of course, the length of detox is determined by the patient’s tolerance level. Having taken the drug for extended periods of time often creates a higher tolerance. These are patients who will likely develop more severe withdrawal symptoms. For rehab to work, the patient’s body must gradually taper down as its endorphins renormalize again.
Vicodin detox can help the patient manage their pain and even reduce their perception of pain. Vicodin is prescribed with good intentions, and patients are happy to receive a treatment that addresses their pain. Over time, the patient’s body builds up tolerance and addiction sets in. The brain’s chemistry is altered in such a way that the drug begins to do what the body would have naturally done with respect to pain and feelings of euphoria. At present, scientists are still unsure how this takes place at the molecular level.
Detox from Vicodin and rehab successfully reduces drug cravings. The treatment is medically assisted and structured to give recovering addicts a fighting chance for a complete recovery. Patients can complete their program with less fear of relapse.

Recognizing the Signs of Vicodin Addiction

In order to determine whether or not a Vicodin detox and treatment for Vicodin addiction is necessary or not, it is important to understand the addiction.

The chemicals in Vicodin cause an interruption in the brain’s natural production of certain mood-boosting and pain-relieving receptors; therefore, those who are addicted to Vicodin will constantly need the substance in order to function normally.

When someone is addicted to Vicodin, they will also exhibit the following behavioral signs:

• Ensuring constant availability of the substance
• Finding any means necessary to obtain drugs, even if it’s illegal
• Falsely believes there are benefits of regularly using the drug
• Engaging in risky and inappropriate behavior
• Extreme weight loss or changes in appetite
• Destruction of dental health
• Impaired coordination and/or speech
• Lack of motivation
• Appears anxious, fearful or paranoid for no reason
• Hyperactivity or agitation
• Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing
• Frequently getting in trouble
• Sudden change in friends or hobbies

The Vicodin addiction signs are for users to recognize and seek Vicodin addiction treatment.

There are three types of Vicodin detox processes, including:

• Inpatient Drug Detox: Depending on the severity of the addiction, inpatient drug detox will last anywhere from 5-7 days to a couple of weeks. During this process, medical professionals will safely remove all toxic substances from the body. Patients will experience symptoms of withdrawal which are uncomfortable and most times unbearable. Medical professionals are equipped to administer medicinal and nutritional support in order to help ease the symptoms.
• Sub-acute Detox: This detox can be completed with or without medicinal or nutritional support. It is recommended for those with less severe addiction because it is a less extensive process. This is the most natural way to detox from a substance because it does not require medicinal support.
• Rapid Detox: The rapid detox takes place while the patient is under a general anesthesia. Medical professionals administer reverse effect drugs intravenously to the patient in order to quickly remove the substance from the body. This is recommended for patients who are suffering from a severe addiction.

During the Vicodin detox, medical professionals will closely-monitor each patient’s progress in order to adjust the treatment accordingly. The Vicodin detox will last anywhere from 5-7 days to a couple of weeks; everything depends on the severity of the Vicodin addiction. Patients will experience symptoms of withdrawal that will be uncomfortable and at some times, unbearable.

When the effects of Vicodin wear off, users will feel confused and lethargic. Some users have shown signs of paranoia, hallucinations and psychotic delusions. Other withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin shortly after using include:

• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Craving for more

At the three-day mark, the withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin do not subside; in fact, the insomnia, paranoia and depression will become increasingly worse. In most cases, users develop anxiety, become irritable and experience drastic mood swings. Users will also feel weak and have little to no appetite.

Up to 10 days after using Vicodin, users will begin to experience stiff muscles but most of the withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin begin to subside. By the 90 day mark, most users feel back to normal; however, without following the Vicodin detox with the proper treatment of Vicodin addiction, the chances of a relapse are significantly increased.