When it comes to relieving serious pain, many physicians will prescribe Vicodin. While short-term use can be safe and effective, there is always a risk for addiction, especially when used for a prolonged period of time or when higher than prescribed doses are taken. Paying attention for signs of Vicodin addiction can allow you to identify problems before they become more serious. By going through a clinical detox program you can get a fresh start and prepare yourself for a more comprehensive addiction treatment program. Services like those provided by New Start Recovery can address your individual needs when it comes to detox and addressing the physical, mental, and emotional impact of addiction.
Recognizing the Health Side Effects of Vicodin Addiction
Vicodin contains both hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is an opioid and therefore potentially highly addictive. Side effects of Vicodin use may include:
Drowsiness
Nausea
Constipation
Euphoria
Confusion
Slow Heart Rate
Your body builds a tolerance to Vicodin over time, meaning that in order to feel the same effects; you have to take more and more. This can amplify the side effects and result in even more health issues. In addition, acetaminophen can be very harmful to your liver if you take high doses, especially for a prolonged period of time.
If someone you love is struggling with Vicodin addiction, you may also notice that they have unusual mood swings or become agitated more easily. They may make poor choices and have poor coordination. Aside from physical side effects, you may also find that they have multiple prescriptions for Vicodin that they have gotten from different doctors, they run out before their next refill or they claim to have lost their prescription in order to get another one.
Identifying Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
One reason that many people have trouble overcoming addiction is because of the withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from Vicodin can be unpleasant and uncomfortable, so a person may start taking it again to stop the symptoms and feel better. It can be a vicious cycle. Vicodin withdrawal symptoms may include:
Muscle pain
Insomnia
Restlessness
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cold flashes
Goose bumps
Erratic leg movements
This is why detoxing at home is often not recommended. A professional detox facility like New Start Recovery can help to minimize discomfort, improve safety, and provide round-the-clock care. A person does not have to go through detox alone and may find that they have much better results when participating in an approved detox program.
How to Help with Vicodin Addiction
Vicodin addiction can be a sensitive subject to approach. The pain that people are experiencing can be very real, but relying on prescription painkillers is not always the healthiest or most effective approach. Remember that you can’t solve their addiction problems on your own or force someone else to change. The best thing that you can do is show your concern and offer continued support for their recovery.
Initiating an Intervention for Vicodin Addiction
Oftentimes people are in denial about their Vicodin addiction. Even when you try to help them see how much it is hurting them and those around them, they may not be ready or willing to accept it. Holding an intervention under the guidance of an intervention or addiction specialist can open your loved one’s eyes to the fact that they do have a problem, but recovery is possible. You can make arrangements to have them begin treatment at a clinical detox facility if they agree to get help. Following detox they can transition into a residential or outpatient addiction treatment program to continue progressing in their addiction recovery.
The first step is to recognize that there is a problem and get them into detox. To learn more about this process and the path to recovery, contact New Start Recovery today. It’s not too late to get help and support them in turning their life around.