Effects Of Addiction To Vicodin - Signs, Detox, Withdrawal Symptoms

Vicodin is a narcotic drug which falls in the category of opiod drugs. Its effects on the mind is similar to that of heroin and morphine. It produces a euphoric state and dulls the pain in the body. Let's look at the effects of addiction to Vicodin, the signs and treatment.

Addiction to Vicodin has become a growing crisis. In America the federal law does not regulate it as strictly as other narcotic drugs. That is why people easily fall prey to it.

First they use it as a pain killer but later become chronic addicts. Vicodin sold as a pain killer is the combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. The hydrocodone is the habit forming part of the Vicodin. It gets attached to the brain receptors. Vicodin addiction can occur within one to four weeks period. If used for a long time, dependency on it becomes an issue which results in the abuse of this drug.

Regular use of this drug produces some side effects. Major side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and constipation. Overdose of Vicodin may result in depression and respiratory tract infection. The short term effects can be mitigated but the long term effects of Vicodin addiction are more dangerous. Long term side effects include decreased sex drive, short breathing, difficulty in breathing, dry mouth, increased emotional dependence and chronic depression.

Signs and symptoms of Vicodin addiction are quite obvious. Patients start taking it at close intervals. If the family doctors stop recommending more doses, patients start looking for a new doctor. He even starts stealing medicine from the shops. He prefers to purchase Vicodin online and although he feels guilty of what he does, keeps on taking the drug. He always denies having any problem.

Vicodin addiction treatment is same as that of other drug treatment. It is a treatable disorder. It varies as per the individual's need. The major treatments include medications, behavior therapy and other treatment therapies. First of all detoxification is required either by natural therapy or with the help of some drugs. Behavioral therapy includes psychotherapy, counseling family therapy and support groups. Medical therapy alone does not work.

Therefore medical treatment is always combined with behavior counseling. In the medication treatment, drugs are recommended to curb the withdrawal symptoms and cravings for Vicodin. In the line of the medication therapy methadone treatment is said to be instrumental in controlling the patient's craving for Vicodin.

Outpatient treatments also work in cases of drug addiction. Outpatient treatment includes different programs for group counseling. It provides well integrated lives to the drug addicts.

But a Vicodin addict may have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Psychologically patients may feel a strong urge to take drugs again. It may result in the relapse of drug addiction. In the physical withdrawal symptoms a patient may have fever, soar throat, stomach upset and anxiety. Therefore in the rehabilitation program for addiction to Vicodin patients are taught how to cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

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