If you are wondering if you are struggling with Vicodin then chances are using it has become a habit. Whether prescribed or not, if you find that Vicodin has become an important part of everyday life or something that you simply cannot function without, then there is a good chance that you are struggling with a Vicodin addiction. There are some indicators that can help you determine if you are addicted to Vicodin.
1. Tolerance
Vicodin is an opioid and it, therefore, has a high propensity for addiction because of the effects derived from taking it. The euphoric high you get from Vicodin is similar to what you’d feel after taking heroin. This euphoric high is usually experienced by first-time users of Vicodin. However, the more you use it, the less of the effect you feel and this is what is referred to as tolerance. Once you reach tolerance, you might be tempted to take more Vicodin to feel the effects.
Tolerance is the first step towards addiction. As time goes by, you will find that you want to take more and more Vicodin in the day. Some individuals struggling with Vicodin addiction can take up twelve pills in a single day.
2. Inability to take Pleasure in Things
One of the effects of Vicodin abuse is that it overshadows almost every part of your life. As a result, you might find that you’ve lost interest in things that you used to enjoy. Perhaps you enjoyed bowling, playing tennis, hanging out with friends after work, etc. When you develop a dependence on Vicodin, you will find that the things you enjoyed are no longer so interesting. This is because the euphoric high and calm you get from Vicodin is impossible to achieve when carrying out regular activities. You might also find that you enjoy these activities only when high on Vicodin.
3. Obsession with Vicodin
If you find that you frequently want to take Vicodin or are spending a good amount of time thinking about your next dose, then you’re most likely struggling with Vicodin misuse. Sometimes this obsession can make you oblivious to anything else happening around you. Your mind becomes so preoccupied that you stop paying attention to work, social life, personal hygiene, and general well-being.
4. Keeping your Vicodin use a secret
Most people struggling with Vicodin addiction will spend a lot of time hiding the habit from friends and family. If you find that you can only pop the pill when in the privacy of a bathroom or away from any prying eyes, then you’re probably struggling with addiction.
5. Frequently messing up and getting in trouble
Because Vicodin abuse impairs one’s ability to think and reason, you might find that you’re getting into a lot of trouble. It could be getting in trouble at work for not performing, or getting in trouble with the law because you were caught in possession of Vicodin or trying to illegally acquire it.
Treatment Options for Vicodin Addiction
If you are struggling with a Vicodin addiction and are looking for help to beat the habit, there are many treatment options for you. While the possibility of a relapse is real, you should not worry about that. The fact that you want to get help means that you are ready to do the work so that you stay clean.
One thing you should be aware of is withdrawal. When you stop taking Vicodin, you will go through tremendously uncomfortable withdrawals. Some users can quit cold turkey and survive the withdrawals without medical assistance. Depending on how long the addiction has lasted, treatment from a recovery center might be your best option.
Some of the signs and symptoms associated with Vicodin withdrawal include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Diaphoresis
- Runny nose
- Vomiting
- Shivering
- Restlessness
- Sleeplessness
- Abdominal cramping
- Tremors
- Muscle aches
- Bone pains
Some medicines are also used in treating people suffering from Vicodin addiction.
They include:
- Methadone
Methadone is a slow-acting opioid that is treating people struggling with a Vicodin addiction. It is administered from a treatment center or methadone clinic and under the strict supervision of a medical doctor. The drug binds to the normal opioid receptors in the brain creating a euphoric feeling thus helping alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. The doctors will wean you off methadone over time by reducing the dosage as the withdrawal symptoms reduce. Treatment with methadone must be supervised by a doctor to prevent addiction to it since it is an opioid.
- Suboxone
This is an alternative drug to methadone in treating Vicodin addiction. It comprises two drugs: naloxone a pure opioid and buprenorphine a partial opioid. The buprenorphine delivers small doses of opioids into the individual’s system. It gives the patient a way to eliminate Vicodin from their system over time while minimizing the impact of withdrawal symptoms. Because it’s a partial opioid, the high produced is not as strong as that obtained from Vicodin. The likelihood of becoming addicted to Suboxone is also minimized.
The naloxone contained in Suboxone is a pure opioid antagonist, which blocks the ability of the agonist from getting to the receptor. Because naloxone is too dangerous to administer on its own, it is mixed with buprenorphine to help the patient wean off a stronger narcotic such as Vicodin.
- Naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid receptor blocker. It is used to protect one from overdosing from Vicodin. It is injectable or intranasal. When administered to a person recovering from Vicodin addiction, naloxone reverses the sedation and depression caused by Vicodin intoxication. Naloxone is an emergency drug that should only be administered first by ER doctors or first responders when one has overdosed from Vicodin.
Do you think you have an addiction to Vicodin? You must seek help immediately. You should consult with a qualified medical professional who will help determine the best course of treatment for you. There are inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities available for you.
Consider joining a support group so that you can walk the journey of recovery for backing and accountability.