No fewer than 20% of adults worldwide were affected by chronic or acute pain in 2019, according to the CDC. Pain medication is the standard answer to pain. As a result, addiction is a genuine concern and becoming more prevalent than ever. With pain being the number one reason for disability in the US, the chance of abuse of medications to relieve pain is considerable. One in four American adults becomes addicted to opioid medications. With these alarming statistics, education is essential to battle the addiction problem. The signs of Vicodin abuse need to be at the forefront and addressed if seen.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is an opioid prescription pain medication containing both hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The hydrocodone element in Vicodin causes this drug to have highly addictive properties. However, designed to address severe, chronic, and acute pain, the properties of Vicodin point to affecting more than the central nervous system. The significant signs of Vicodin abuse need to be addressed immediately.
Vicodin produces pleasurable feelings to entice the user to use more. Feelings of relaxation, contentment, well-being, and an out-of-body experience are side effects of the drug. When the user enjoys these effects too much, the signs of Vicodin abuse may begin to show. Tolerance is also dangerous when the body needs more drugs to perform the same results.
What are the Signs of Vicodin Abuse?
The signs of Vicodin abuse can vary with the individual, the amount used, and the length of addiction. True of any addiction, the ease with which one can become addicted when prescribed Vicodin is the differential. Following the prescription’s guidelines can allow for tolerance to be built with the drug. The tolerance build-up may tempt the user to reach for more than the prescribed amount.
The following symptoms and signs are behavioral, physical, cognitive, and social. In addition, they may include the following and other possible symptoms not listed here. It is essential to watch for the signs of Vicodin abuse and talk to your loved one or doctor about the possibilities of addiction. Early intervention is always the best option.
Signs and symptoms to watch for in Vicodin abuse:
- Changes in priorities causing absences from work or school
- Quality of performance shift in work or school
- Ignoring home and family responsibilities
- Disorientation from family and friends
- Ignoring hobbies or rituals that were once significant
- Prolonged usage of Vicodin beyond prescriptions directions
- Doctor shopping to get additional prescriptions of Vicodin
- Slurred speech and slower movements
- Depression, anxiety, and possible moodiness
- Increased irritability and agitation
- Either increased drowsiness or insomnia
- Constricted pupils
- Impairment of judgments, concentration or focus
- Memory problems
- An urge or craving for the drug
- Suicidal thoughts are occurring
What are the Effects of Vicodin Addiction?
Despite the signs of Vicodin abuse, the user will ignore or live with the effects of addiction. Damage to the user’s lifestyle and personal characteristics brings discomfort and negative consequences. Short of total implosion of work, family, and all
relationships, the addict hangs onto the drug for support. If your loved one is stuck in the throes of Vicodin addiction, now is the time to act.
The following effects can occur from Vicodin addiction:
- Relationship problems with spouse, children, extended family, and friends
- Financial disruptions can occur, loss of income, job, and savings
- Educational troubles, loss of scholarships, unable to attend classes or do work
- Legal issues from being arrested, disruptive behaviors, and accidents from driving under the influence
- Social isolation and distancing
- Damage to body organs, generally the liver and heart
- Physical symptoms, itchiness, vomiting, seizures, jaundice, and weight loss
- Mental illness, co-occurring disorders including anxiety, depression, and paranoia
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms and Timeline
Learning about the signs of Vicodin abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and the timeline involved with detox is essential. After that, anyone who decides to stop using can get treatment and detox. Once the user stops drug use, withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 24 hours of the last dose. Detox is dangerous for the body, so medically monitored detox is the best choice.
Physical symptoms from withdrawal are further signs of Vicodin abuse. Symptoms continue to escalate until the 2-4 day timeline. Symptoms can persist for fourteen days, and in severe cases, they can last for months. During this withdrawal time, the body reacts in the following ways. For example,
- Gastrointestinal problems such as cramps and constipation
- Flu-like symptoms such as body aches, sweating and feeling sick
- Severe cravings for the drug
- Unable to think clearly, feelings of disorientation and confusion
- Feelings of excessive sleepiness and then inability to sleep at all
Get Help for Vicodin Addiction
Once the signs of Vicodin abuse are unmistakable, addiction in full throes, it is time to make the decision to leave it behind and start a new sober life. Gathering up the strength to press forward seems impossible, but you real person inside of the chaos wants to be set free. This is the exceedingly difficult transition of addiction. The all consuming decision to quit using is the first step.
At Retreat of Atlanta, the detox process can begin after assessment. Our experienced detox staff provide medically monitored detox, leading into an individual treatment program. The signs of Vicodin abuse provide the urgency in reaching out for help. Recovery is possible, take the plunge.
Find Help for Vicodin Abuse at Retreat of Atlanta in Georgia
When you can hear your inner self crying out for a sober healthy life, move quickly on that thought. Without that yearning, it is difficult to make the commitment for treatment. Retreat of Atlanta is ready to work with you through these painful beginnings and help with the initial step to get sober. We can walk you through detox, treatment and aftercare if needed. Most importantly, you are not alone. Contact us to put your decision into motion.
Find Treatment for Synthetic Drug Addiction in Atlanta, GA
The dangers of synthetic drugs are extreme. Understanding synthetic drug addiction is essential in making the prompt decision to get help and detox. Overdose and death are the powerful possibilities of an addiction to these drugs. Contact us to enroll in our professional detox program before starting a recovery treatment program.
