Vicodin is a prescription painkiller that contains hydrocodone. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, and it may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Hydrocodone belongs to the same class of opioid drugs as codeine and morphine.
Acetaminophen and hydrocodone are both in the composition of Vicodin. Hydrocodone is a narcotic and an opioid pain reliever, while acetaminophen is a mild pain reliever that helps hydrocodone work better.
Hydrocodone works in the brain to relieve pain. When you take this drug, it will begin working within 15 minutes. You can feel its effect for as long as 30 minutes.
Vicodin use as a painkiller is popular and it’s been around for decades. It was originally developed by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals as an alternative to morphine.
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Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, hydrocodone is a prescription-only controlled substance in the UK.
There are two ways to get Vicodin: orally and intravenously. Oral forms include tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups. Most often these drugs are abused by oral rather than intravenous administration.
When taken orally, Vicodin goes directly into the bloodstream. As soon as it enters the bloodstream, it begins to affect the brain and spinal cord, where it sends signals to ease the pain.
This form of Vicodin is administered through an IV drip. It is given either by injection or infusion. If you choose the injection route, you will receive a shot of liquid Vicodin. If you opt for the infusion method, you will be hooked up to a machine that delivers the medicine slowly.
Vicodin comes in several different brands. Some of the most common brand names include Lortab, Roxicodone, Norco, Percocet, and OxyContin. There are also generic versions of Vicodin. Generic medications cost less money than their brand name counterparts, however, they don’t always provide the same level of quality.
Vicodin works on the central nervous system. It affects chemicals called opioid receptors, which are located throughout the body. These receptors help control many important functions, including sleep, breathing, digestion, and sexual function. When these receptors are activated, they send messages to the brain and spinal cord. They tell the brain what areas of the body need attention.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Vicodin works by activating certain chemicals in your brain. In fact, it acts as heroin does. Like other opioid drugs, it binds with special proteins in the brain called opioid receptors. Opioids are natural substances found in the human body. They are released during times of stress or injury and help make us feel better.
Opioids cause opioid receptors to release dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that makes people feel good. It causes feelings of pleasure, relaxation, and contentment. Opioids also stimulate the production of serotonin, another chemical messenger. Serotonin is involved in mood regulation and appetite.
When someone takes Vicodin, the medication binds with the opioid receptors in the brain reward centre. As a result, the amount of dopamine released increases. This can lead to feelings of euphoria and pleasure.
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Drug addiction is defined as the compulsive use of a substance despite harmful physical or mental effects. When someone becomes dependent on Vicodin, they will continue to use it even after experiencing harmful effects or drug withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms occur if the person stops using the substance.
Over time, people become physically dependent on Vicodin. This means they have developed a tolerance and require increasing amounts of the substance just to feel normal. They begin to crave it and find themselves unable to function without it.
When the body stops producing its own version of substances like dopamine, you develop a physical dependence on the drug. Eventually, with continued use, the person develops a full-blown addiction.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
There are many ways to tell if you have become addicted to Vicodin. Here are some of the more common signs of Vicodin dependence:
Tolerance means that the body becomes used to the presence of certain amounts of a drug in the blood. This results in an increased need for more Vicodin to produce the same effect. Over time, this leads to a greater risk of opioid overdose.
When you start taking Vicodin regularly, your brain starts producing receptors for the drug. As you keep taking it over time, your brain gets used to having Vicodin around. Your body needs more of the drug to achieve the same level of euphoria. This is called tolerance, which is the main factor responsible for dependence and addiction. In fact, your body will begin to crave the drug.
Overdoses happen because the body does not have enough receptors to deal with the extra dose. The body then begins to break down the drug and release chemicals that make the user feel worse. Eventually, if not addressed in time, the user will stop breathing and die.
When Vicodin use is stopped, the body tries to return to its normal functioning. However, when you’re dependent on a drug, the presence of that drug is required for the body’s proper functioning. Therefore, when the drug is removed, the body experiences Vicodin withdrawal symptoms.
Vicodin abuse is an umbrella term for all types of Vicodin misuse including recreational use, dependency and addiction. There are many different ways to abuse Vicodin.
Some examples are:
When a person takes a certain amount of Vicodin regularly, this can lead to physical dependence and addiction.
Physical dependence is caused by the pharmacological properties of the drug. The body is physiologically altered by the drug. The body reacts differently to the drug than it did before taking it.
If you stop taking Vicodin, your body will go through withdrawal symptoms. You might feel anxious or depressed and your heart rate and blood pressure may increase. Your sleep patterns may change and you may feel less appetite. You may also experience headaches.
The severity of physical symptoms varies depending upon how long someone has been using Vicodin, and in which dose. A person who has only recently started using it may experience milder withdrawal symptoms than someone who has been abusing Vicodin for a long time.
Physical signs of Vicodin addiction include:
After taking Vicodin for a certain time, it becomes difficult to stop using the drug. This is because the body needs to adjust to the absence of the substance. While the body is adjusting to the absence of the drug, the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms don’t go away completely until about 7 days after stopping the use of the drug.
During this time, the person may experience the following:
Physical dependence is different from psychological dependence. Psychological dependence occurs because of the way a person thinks and feels about the drug. They believe the drug is crucial for their survival, and they do not want to be without it.
Psychological symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
The increased level of dopamine caused by Vicodin addiction can cause changes in the brain‘s structure and function. Changes in the dopamine system can lead to a variety of behavioural issues including:
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
The most common cause of addiction to Vicodin is the misuse of the drug by those who do not need it. This misuse includes taking more than the prescribed dose, taking the drug for non-medical purposes, and abusing the drug by combining it with other substances.
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing an addiction to Vicodin. Some of these factors include:
Genetic predisposition plays a role in whether or not someone becomes addicted to Vicodin. If your parents abused Vicodin, then it’s more likely that you will abuse it as well.
Environmental factors can also increase the risks of developing an opioid addiction. If you grew up around people who used Vicodin regularly, then it is more likely you will abuse the drug yourself. Addictive behaviours are learned through social interactions with others.
Stressful events such as divorce, the death of a loved one, financial problems, relationship difficulties, or moving away from home can trigger episodes of Vicodin Abuse. Early childhood trauma has also been linked to opioid addiction.
As with other drugs, you might feel influenced by your friends to experiment with Vicodin. The attitude of “everyone is doing it” and “you only live once” might make you forget the dangers of Vicodin use and feel like taking this drug to fit in.
Certain personality traits may make some people more vulnerable to developing a drug addiction. For example, those who are impulsive, sensation-seeking, or rebellious are more likely to abuse Vicodin.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Although Vicodin is a powerful pain reliever, it can have some serious side effects. You should be aware of them before taking the drug.
There are many possible side effects of Vicodin. Some of the most common include:
If someone you know experiences any of these side effects, they should stop using Vicodin and seek medical advice.
Taking Vicodin over time can also cause other problems. For example, it can interfere with sleep patterns and cause drowsiness. It can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. These changes can put the users at risk of stroke and heart attack.
One of the biggest concerns about Vicodin is its effect on the liver. When used regularly, Vicodin can lead to liver damage. Liver damage from Vicodin is usually mild and reversible, however, if you abuse Vicodin by taking too many pills at once, then your liver could become damaged permanently.
Long term use of hydrocodone can also cause liver damage, which can occur in two ways:
In toxic hepatitis, the liver becomes inflamed. The inflammation damages the liver cells. As a result, the liver cannot perform its functions properly.
In hepatitis C, the virus enters the liver and infects the liver cells. Over time, the infection destroys the liver cells, leading to liver failure.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
If you take too much Vicodin, you could overdose. You should never exceed the recommended dose on the label. Taking more than the prescribed amount of Vicodin can be fatal. In fact, overdose is the leading cause of accidental deaths due to prescription medications.
There are two types of overdose involving Vicodin:
A person who deliberately takes too much Vicodin to commit suicide is said to have committed an intentional overdose. This type of suicide attempt usually involves a combination of alcohol and Vicodin.
If someone takes too much Vicodin and consequently dies, it is called suicidal overdose. An unintentional overdose is one where the victim did not intend to die. This may happen because the user took too much medication, or because the dosage was incorrect.
If someone is experiencing any of the following signs of overdose, call the emergency services immediately:
Mental illness is a condition characterised by abnormal behaviour and/or thought processes. People with mental illnesses can suffer from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and others. These conditions affect how they feel about themselves, their relationships, and their ability to function in society. Many people with mental illness also abuse substances like alcohol and prescription drugs, such as Vicodin.
The term “dual diagnosis” refers to the co-occurrence of both a mental illness and an addiction. A dual diagnosis means that the patient has to address both problems at the same time to be able to fully recover from Vicodin addiction.
When people with mental health disorders begin to abuse Vicodin, their mental health worsens, despite temporary feelings of relief after taking the drug. This can increase the chance of them becoming addicted to Vicodin.
Many people turn to Vicodin when they are experiencing emotional distress or physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches and insomnia.
Some people think that the best way to cope with stress is to self-medicate. Self-medication means that you take medication on your own instead of going to see a doctor. You might choose to take Vicodin if you are feeling stressed because it helps you relax. You might also decide to take Vicodin to help you sleep better.
Being overwhelmed by negative life events, like losing a job or splitting up with a partner, are other reasons people use Vicodin as a coping mechanism.
However, if you are not careful, you could end up becoming dependent on this opioid and end up with several physical and psychological health problems.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Teen Vicodin addiction is a prevalent problem in the world. Vicodin and other prescription drugs are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers.
Easier to obtain than alcohol, it doesn’t take long to become addicted to the prescription painkiller; teens find pills in their parent’s medicine cabinets and share them with each other or sell them to friends. Especially when mixed with alcohol, Teenagers are at great risk of overdosing on Vicodin.
When teens first try Vicodin, they usually do it to get high. They may also believe that Vicodin will make them forget about what is bothering them. One other reason why teens abuse Vicodin is because they want to fit in with their friends.
Opioid usage can also influence your teen’s behaviour, causing them to lose interest in school or their work. They may even grow violent and cause arguments with friends or relatives.
If you are abusing Vicodin, talk to your parent or guardian. Tell them how much Vicodin is affecting you. Ask them to help you find another solution.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
You can help someone who is struggling with Vicodin addiction by being supportive, not criticising their actions. Instead, encourage the person to seek professional help.
It is important to remember that Vicodin is a very addictive drug. If you suspect that your loved one is abusing Vicodin, contact a doctor. A doctor can recommend options for treating opioid addiction.
If you are concerned about the well-being of a friend or relative, ask them to go to rehab. Rehab centres offer programs designed specifically for people who struggle with Vicodin addiction. These programs teach individuals how to cope with their Vicodin cravings.
The following symptoms indicate that a loved one is suffering from Vicodin addiction.
The person:
If your loved one shows any of these symptoms, it is critical that you respond quickly and encourage them to seek treatment.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Vicodin addiction treatment is designed to help individuals overcome their addictions. There are different forms of treatment available.
It is important to seek Vicodin treatment to recover from addiction. A qualified professional will assess the patient’s condition and determine how best to treat them.
A detox program is an important part of any successful treatment plan. Vicodin Detox helps patients get rid of the physical symptoms associated with withdrawal. Many clinics offer both inpatient and outpatient detox programs. Each program varies slightly depending on the severity of the addiction and personal circumstances.
Detoxing from Vicodin involves reducing the amount of the drug in the system while still allowing you to function normally.
In addition to physical withdrawal symptoms (Fatigue, Irritability, Muscle pain, Nausea, Fever), you may also experience psychological ones during this process. These include anger, frustration, fear, guilt, sadness, hopelessness and loneliness.
There are several types of treatment and rehabilitation programs available for Vicodin addiction, including:
Inpatient treatment is often recommended for anyone whose addiction is causing serious issues. An inpatient facility provides 24-hour supervision and medical assistance. Patients will be required to participate in group sessions and may even be required to take part in physical activities.
Outpatient treatment allows patients to continue living at home while receiving treatment. This type of treatment is ideal for those who do not require round-the-clock supervision. However, it does not offer the level of care provided at an inpatient facility.
If you are unsure whether you should go to an inpatient or outpatient facility, ask yourself what kind of environment would be most beneficial for you.
It’s important to choose the right type of treatment for your needs. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, an inpatient facility might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you just want to attend a few meetings per week and receive individualised advice, outpatient treatment might be the best option for you.
Medication-assisted treatment is one of the options available during Vicodin Rehab, and those medications can help reduce whitdrwal symptoms and cravings. These are some of the most common medications used to treat Vicodin addiction.
The most commonly prescribed pain reliever for Vicodin addiction is acetaminophen. This medication works by blocking the action of chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause inflammation and swelling. By blocking these chemicals, acetaminophen can reduce the severity of pain.
However, acetaminophen also increases the risk of liver failure when taken in high doses. Therefore, doctors recommend taking this medication under close monitoring.
Antidepressant medications are sometimes used to help manage depression caused by chronic pain. They may also be useful for managing anxiety associated with opioid use.
Some antidepressants have been shown to increase suicidal thoughts and behaviours, therefore, they should only be used after careful consideration of risks and benefits.
These medications are typically used to control seizures. Anticonvulsants are also helpful for reducing cravings and preventing relapse.
Many anticonvulsants can produce sedation and drowsiness. Other side effects include weight gain, muscle weakness, and problems with memory and concentration.
In order to overcome Vicodin addiction, patients must first understand why they became dependent on the drug. Once they know why they started abusing Vicodin, they will be better equipped to deal with their addiction.
There are several types of therapy available for helping individuals understand their addiction and to overcome it. The type of treatment depends upon the patient’s needs and goals.
Individual counselling is a great option for those who need more personal attention. In Substance Abuse Counseling, counsellors work closely with clients to identify the underlying causes of their addiction.
Group counselling is another effective form of treatment. Clients share experiences and support each other through difficult times. Group counsellors usually have years of experience working with addicts.
This type of therapy helps patients understand why they use Vicodin. Cognitive-behavioural therapists also teach them coping skills to prevent relapse.
The fundamental goal of a cognitive behavioural therapy is to help people identify their beliefs and actions, particularly in relation to their relationships, environment, and lives, so that they can change them for the better.
Family therapy is designed to help families cope with Vicodin addiction. Family members are encouraged to discuss their own feelings and concerns regarding Vicodin addiction. They are taught ways to communicate effectively with each other. Family members play a large role in helping an addict recover. Many family members feel helpless when their loved one becomes addicted. A good therapist can help families learn how to cope with these feelings.
Aftercare services are offered at most facilities. These services are aimed at helping recovering addicts maintain sobriety after they leave rehab. Many centres offer ongoing counselling and support groups. Others offer job training and housing assistance.
These programs teach new ways of thinking about life and how to deal with problems. They also teach people how to recognise triggers and cravings so they can avoid using Vicodin again.
People can discuss their problems with Vicodin and other narcotics in support groups. There are support groups intended for Vicodin addicts and there are also general support groups for anybody coping with drug dependency issues.
Don’t go through the process of recovery alone. Treatment providers can answer your questions. Get in touch with one today.
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Drug Recovery should be considered as a long-term (perhaps lifelong) process that demands constant focus and dedication to avoid relapses. Following the end of a treatment programme, high-quality rehabs often give up to a year of aftercare in order to provide the finest possible structure for addicts to approach the recovery phase.
Aftercare might involve things like making an appointment schedule so that treatment providers can assess progress and intervene if required; continuing to take prescription medication; agreeing to individual therapy or support group sessions.
Relapses are common among those who struggle with Vicodin addiction, however, most relapses do not always result in addiction again. People who relapse often feel guilty about their actions. They know they need to get clean again, but they don’t know how to go about doing so.
There are several things you can do to prevent a relapse. First, you should avoid using Vicodin during times of stress. If you experience stress, try to relax instead, finding other ways to feel calmer. Second, if you’re feeling stressed out, it’s useful to talk to someone about it. You should also make sure that you stop drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause problems for recovering Vicodin addicts. Finally, if you think you might be at risk of relapse, call your doctor or addiction counsellor. They will offer you the support and guidance you need to live a sober life.
Vicodin Addiction is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Call us on 0800 999 1083 to discuss treatment options.
Opioids were responsible for the largest number of drug overdoses: 110000 in 2017. The number of opioid deaths has been rising steeply over the past few years.
In 2019, 2653 people died related to drug use disorders in the UK.
After Hydrocodone (Vicodin) was moved from a Schedule III to a Schedule II substance, there was a 7 pill-per-patient prescribing rate increase in the US.
BACP accredited psychotherapist with 16 years experience working in mental health specialising in psychodynamic person-centred therapies treating those with a range of mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, OCD and Addiction.
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