For generations now, Vicodin has been a favorite go-to prescription pain medication for doctors to prescribe. It’s easily recognizable because of the name and likely more affordable because it’s been around for so long. Of course, neither of those positive attributes does anything to diminish the addictive nature of the drug. The following sections will provide information about the drug and impart valuable information about Vicodin side effects.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a name brand drug from the family of narcotic analgesics (pain medicines) the medical profession labels as Hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Doctors typically prescribe this medication for the treatment of moderate to severe pain issues. The drug itself acts to numb the pain sensors in the brain. At it’s best, it’s a highly effective opiate-based prescription painkiller. At it’s worst, it’s highly addictive and therefore, prone to having pain patients and recreational drug users abuse it.
The Vicodin Side Effects
In America, recreational drug users have driven up the demand for prescription medications like Vicodin. In fact, the entire nation is mired in an opiate abuse epidemic with Vicodin being one of the more affordable options. That makes this drug a primary target for abuse also.
The only way to successfully combat this problem is by places like Crest View Recovery Center helping to sound the alarm about such abuse. To better understand the danger that comes with Vicodin abuse, a quick review of the drug’s side effects is an excellent place to start. They include:
- A short-term sense of euphoria followed by a crash
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of motor control and the ability to function properly
- Drowsiness and loss of consciousness
- Loss of memory function
- Liver problems with long-term abuse
- Addiction
The last side effect is particularly troubling. Once addiction sets in, the individual is going to face a whole new basket of issues. Along with the issues that come with addictive behavior, even the idea of stopping the abuse becomes a problem. Why? Because attempts to suddenly stop using Vicodin after long periods of abuse prompt the onset of Vicodin withdrawal symptoms. If you feel the Vicodin side effects weren’t troubling enough, then hold on while we describe the typical Vicodin withdrawal symptoms:
- Respiratory, blood pressure and heart rate problems
- Tremors and convulsions
- Nightmares and hallucinations in the later part of withdrawal
- The onset of psychological issues like depression and anxiety
- Severe muscle cramping
- Sleep issues
- Nausea and vomiting
If the side effects don’t get you, then the withdrawals symptoms might become your worst enemy.
Getting Help at Crest View Recovery Center
At all three of our North Carolina locations, we use a very practical approach to treatment. In essence, we target the client’s overall well-being and wellness. To address such issues, we also use a very structured addiction treatment approach that includes:
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Family involvement through family counseling
- Dual Diagnosis treatment with addiction as the primary issue
- Trauma treatment
- Detox referrals
If you find yourself struggling with an addiction to Vicodin, then you need to get help. If you are not sure where you stand, please review the Vicodin side effects we listed above. They should help you detect a potential problem. If you have reached the point where you think you need help, please let Crest View Recovery center help you. You can contact us for more information regarding our services at the following phone number, 8663272505.
