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Drug Addiction
Vicodin is an opiate medication prescribed for the management and relief of severe and chronic pain. The drug contains hydrocodone either in capsule or syrup form, which has lead to a direct increase of abuse and misuse. Vicodin works by binding to the chemical receptors of the human brain which interpret pain signals. Vicodin should never be taken in high doses, shared with another person or given to someone who has a past history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Within the past decade, use of narcotics has increased to astronomical proportions. It has been discovered that Vicodin and other narcotic pain relievers are prescribed most often in the Mid-West in non-urban communities. The majority of people who misuse Vicodin have private medical insurance, which means Vicodin addiction is most commonly thought of as a “white collar” problem.
In one medical research study some 53% of people seeking drug rehab, had a Vicodin addiction. The large majority of people who are addicted to opiate medications are likely to have another form of addiction as well, whether it is to drugs or alcohol. In the mentioned study, findings showed 84% of recovery patients were addicted to another type of drug and some 46% had an underlying psychiatric condition as well. More than 60% of patients had a history of addiction and had been admitted multiple times for rehab treatment. The statistics show that more people have an addiction to Vicodin than any other type of narcotic medication.
Because Vicodin is used primarily for the treatment of severe pain, people who can afford to seek pain treatment will oftentimes find they are facing a Vicodin addiction faster than they realize. Using Vicodin to treat people claiming chronic pain, whether real or imagined, can and has lead to repeated cases of addiction. It is because of this several patients dealing with chronic pain do not wish to use prescription pain medications.
There are many common side effects associated with Vicodin use, which include the following:
Another danger of Vicodin addiction and misuse is due to the drug containing large amounts of acetaminophen, which is extremely damaging to the liver. To avoid all the dangerous side effects associated with Vicodin abuse, it is important to never use the drug in excessive amounts and for prolonged periods of time.
Vicodin addiction should never be treated lightly or easily dismissed. Lack of serious attention paid to the matter can lead a user to experience an overdose and result in death. An addiction to Vicodin requires the skills and expertise of a trained staff of medical professionals and rehab specialists. A person may need to go through detox and then seek a treatment program utilizing therapy, counseling and a 12-step program. If a person feels they are suffering from an addiction to Vicodin, it is important to contact a medical professional to avoid a devastating outcome.
If your or some you love is experiencing an addiction to Vicodin, please contact us today for further assistance.
