Drug and substance abuse among men and women in the US continues to raise concerns because of the negative implications. With over 30% of adults having used illicit drugs in Orange County, still few people are willing to seek professional help. For Vicodin addiction, some patients are not even aware they have it, let alone seeking treatment.
That said, what is Vicodin addiction? How can you know you have it or your loved one is addicted to it? In this post, we will explore these issues and recommend professional Vicodin addiction treatment that delivers.
Let’s get started.
What you Should Know about Vicodin Addiction?
Vicodin is a common prescription pain killer designed to relieve moderate to severe pain. It has an active ingredient in acetaminophen called Tylenol and another element called hydrocodone. The hydrocodone is developed as a synthetic opioid with the ability to activate similar neuro-receptors, just like other opiates like heroin.
Each Vicodin tablet is recommended to be taken every 4-6 hours. However, Vicodin addicts take much higher doses than prescribed.
Vicodin Addiction
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, Vicodin is a Schedule II controlled substance. These tightened restrictions are because of the potential for abuse and misuse. Vicodin abuse consists of any type of use without a prescription or doctor’s directions. Among the adverse effects is the liver damage aggravated by any intake above 4,000 mg a day of acetaminophen.
Negative Effects of Vicodin Abuse
Besides liver damage, Vicodin has the following implications
- Drowsiness
- Relaxed feeling
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Ecstasy
- Constipation
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Anxiety
- Depressed heart rate
- Muscle aches
- Depressed breathing rate
- Pain and cramps
- Depressive tendencies
How to Know You Need Help from Vicodin Addiction
Vicodin addiction symptoms are not obvious and you may take a while before recognizing that your loved one needs intervention.
Some of the symptoms to watch out for include:
- Taking Vicodin longer or in higher doses than the recommended amounts
- Desiring to stop or reduce Vicodin intake but not succeeding
- Strong cravings to take Vicodin
- Taking much longer taking or recovering from Vicodin intake
- Vicodin intake affecting your regular activities at home, work, or school
- Letting go essential recreational, social, or work-related activities because of dependency on Vicodin
- Seeing that Vicodin is causing problems in relationships but you still cannot manage to quit it
- Continuous use of Vicodin even when it endangers your life
- Wanting more Vicodin to get the tolerance you crave for
- Withdrawal symptoms that result in more Vicodin intake as a means for relief.
- Taking more Vicodin though you know you have a psychological or physical health problem that could be made worse or caused by Vicodin abuse.
Vicodin Addiction Treatment
Before getting into the various treatment options, we would love you to know that you can quit drugs like Vicodin and live a sober life, and in there is no shame in seeking treatment. In fact, it’s the best way to enjoy a quality life and achieve your goals.
Dealing with Vicodin withdrawal symptoms is a journey that can be challenging, but with proper support, it gets a lot easier. The more support you have, the higher the chances of overcoming the addiction.
Here’s how to cope:
1. Professional Support
Instead of quitting addiction alone, consider getting professional help from a reliable rehabilitation center in Orange County. Here, you will get close medication, monitoring, assessment, and support from healthcare providers. You’ll also find like-minded men and women who are fighting hard to regain their sobriety. They will form a great source of inspiration when the going gets tough and they’ll also challenge you to do your best.
An addiction treatment facility that upholds your religious values is an added advantage since the treatment goes beyond the physical and mental. It explores spiritual well-being and how it affects healing from an addiction. Covenant Hill is an excellent example of a Christian-based organization that is committed to offering professional help in an environment of love, empathy, and high-quality services. The best thing is that you can also get non-religious-based care that centers around love and commitment to see you recover.
2. Emotional Care
It would help to tell your friends and family that you are recovering from Vicodin withdrawal and would love support. If you get a person to check on you daily, that’s amazing! You’ll make the strides faster.
Also, if your loved one is recovering from Vicodin addiction, don’t get tired of providing emotional care – listen empathetically, provide support and above all, love them.
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
Feelings of hopelessness and weariness will set in, but they shouldn’t discourage you from pursuing victory. When you feel that, celebrate the good decisions you have made, like choosing to stop Vicodin intake and coming that far. Visualize the end you want and continue soldering on.
Accept the fact that negative and positive emotions can coexist and choose to focus on the positive things. This, will carry you through the dark days.
4. A day at a Time
The thought of how months to come will look like can overwhelm you. Make the right steps on a daily basis and remain consistent and be sure to see the tomorrow you desire. Vicodin addiction may take time to master, but that sweet success can be yours if you start small and continue therein.
Don’t compare yourself with others to mount unnecessary pressure. Rather, let them serve as an encouragement that what you are in can be overcome. When things get too thick be sure it shall also pass and smile through the storm.
5. Prioritize Exercise and Proper Diet
Your brain health and will power will improve as you remain physically active. As you sweat yourself out, you’ll feel great about yourself, reduce stress hormones like cortisol, and improve feel good hormones.
You’ll have more energy and your mind will stop focusing on your present predicament. This way, you’re likely to get your results faster. Coupled with the right diet, your body will respond better and if you have some extra weight, you can lose it as well. All these, improve your self-esteem and determination to be the best version of yourself.
You don’t have to join a gym, if you are financially strained. Home workouts are also great, as long as you are consistent.
Final Thoughts
Looking for a Vicodin addiction treatment in Orange City? Get professional help, seek emotional support, celebrate small wins, take a day at a time and eat right and exercising regularly.
Don’t feel alone. Talk to a profession.