For years, doctors prescribed Vicodin freely for the relief of moderate to severe pain. However, in the past ten to fifteen years, Vicodin addiction concerns became much clearer. Unfortunately, for many people, these concerns came too late, after addiction took over. Now, doctors prescribe these hydrocodone opioids less in an effort to ensure fewer people suffer the ravages of prescription painkiller addiction and are in less need of Vicodin addiction treatment centers.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is an opioid-prescribed painkiller. It’s very effective in the relief of moderate to severe pain. The drug combines the opioid hydrocodone with acetaminophen, blocking pain receptors in your brain. This does not cure the pain, however makes you not feel it. You also gain a euphoric high from Vicodin. For example, a collection of pleasurable sensations leading many people into its abuse.
You may wonder if Vicodin is addictive and be concerned if you or a loved one has been prescribed this medication
Is Vicodin Addictive In General?
Vicodin is a complex drug, that’s classified as both a narcotic and an opiate. People take one of two paths into an addiction to Vicodin. Accidental addiction is caused by use as prescribed by a doctor for a previous illness or injury. they take the pills as directed. However, abuse of their prescription soon begins, either taking more than they should per dose or abusing them to feel the drug’s high.
Not everyone who abuses their Vicodin prescription does so intentionally. Vicodin addiction can happen to anyone, even those using the prescription according to the doctor’s instructions. Many people experience a greater tendency toward chemical dependency, through genetics or other factors.
In answer to is Vicodin addictive, it can be. Over time, individuals build up a tolerance and will need more Vicodin than before to gain the same results. This can lead to abuse. Vicodin abuse almost always leads to tolerance, when it becomes harder to obtain Vicodin by prescription or on the street, many people may use heroin as a substitute. In fact, tens of thousands of people lose their lives to this epidemic each year, usually through overdose. When Vicodin addiction occurs most people require treatment at a rehab center for opiate abuse.
Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction
Signs of Vicodin addiction start with its abuse. Overusing the painkiller for its euphoria and relaxation quickly leads to tolerance for the drug. With tolerance, you need more and more of your pills to feel the same effects.
For example, clear signs someone is abusing the drug and is at high risk for addiction include:
Frequent drowsiness
Drug-seeking behaviors
Inability to focus on tasks
Anxiety and paranoia
Intense mood swings
Nausea and vomiting
Dehydration
Dizziness or slowed motor skills.
Constricted pupils
Dry cracked skin
Drug-seeking behaviors of Vicodin addiction include doctor shopping. Doctor shopping involves seeing multiple doctors for the same prescription. Moreover, doctor shopping also includes purposefully causing injury to oneself to justify painkiller prescriptions.
People engaged in this prescription drug abuse also feel its physical side effects. These effects include itching, swelling, and weakness. Some suffer vomiting and an upset stomach with the drug’s abuse. Taking the drug for a long period of time causes bigger medical issues, such as liver damage, liver failure, jaundice, and problems with the urinary tract.
Vicodin Addiction Treatment Center in Asheville, NC
Crest View Recovery Center in Asheville, NC is a luxury treatment center for addiction. Our treatment center includes the individual, group, and family therapy you need for a strong recovery. Other program features include acupuncture, yoga, meditation, nutrition counseling, and recreational therapy.
If you or someone you love suffers from painkiller addiction reach out today and speak with our specialist at Crest View Recovery. Let us help you gain control of your life back.
You’re here for a reason, right?
Let’s talk it through.
Our COVID-19 Protocols
First and foremost, we want to maintain a safe recovery environment and encourage and/or adopt practices protecting the health of patients, employees, visitors and others. We also want to ensure the continuity of providing our addiction recovery services in the face of this global pandemic as we remain open. Note, our staff is fully vaccinated.
The world health community continues to monitor closely the emergence of COVID-19. We want everyone to understand the exact precautions we are taking to address these concerns.
Effective Until Further Notice
ALL incoming clients are pre-screened and Crest view is utilizing the COVID-19 Rapid Test for all newly admitted patients to ensure a safe treatment environment.
No non-essential visitors
ALL clients will need to have their temperature taken daily and recorded. Any client with a temperature higher than 100.4 will be taken to an Urgent Care facility.
ALL Crest View Staff are being routinely tested for COVID.
ALL BHT staff will need to have their temperature taken at the start of their assigned shift. Any BHT staff member with a temperature of 100.4 or higher will be sent home in accordance with this policy.
ALL administrative staff and essential visitors will be required to enter the building upstairs and have their temperature taken with a temple thermometer. Any staff or essential visitor with a temperature higher than 100.4 will be denied entry and be sent home in accordance with this policy.
In accordance with the North Carolina State mandate, all staff, clients and essential visitors will be asked to wear a mask when they can not attain proper social distance.
Some off-site activities may be canceled due to state mandates.
Crest View Recovery Center will provide hand sanitizers throughout the workplace and in common areas. Cleaning sprays and wipes will also be provided to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as telephones and keyboards.
We have required that employees experiencing any respiratory or flu like symptoms will stay home from work. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that employees remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100.4 degrees F or 37.8 degrees C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have any questions regarding our COVID-19 protocols or the admissions process during this time, please give us a call directly at (866) 327-2505.