The opioid epidemic continues to rage on. According to Drug Abuse Statistics, 10.1 million Americans had misused opioids at least once in 2019. 1.6 million Americans qualify as having an opioid disorder.
Opioids are often first prescribed as pain killers. A person takes them to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Over time, they may begin taking more of the drug. They may feel that they need it because the dose is not strong enough to relieve the pain, or they may enjoy the pleasurable sensation it produces. Eventually, addiction will form.
There are many opioids available on the market, and Vicodin is among one of the most popular. This article will discuss Vicodin, Vicodin withdrawal symptoms, and what you can do to get help.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin consists of the opioid hydrocodone and the non-opioid pain reliever acetaminophen. It binds to receptors in the brain to affect how it responds to pain. It depresses the nervous system to promote a sense of relaxation.
Is Vicodin Addictive?
Vicodin releases opioids in the brain producing feelings of pleasure and suppressing feelings of pain. When the dose wears off, you may find yourself wanting to feel those good feelings again. This is the first step on the path to a potential addiction.
If you begin taking doses of Vicodin that exceed what’s recommended, you will start to build up a tolerance. You will need more of the drug to get the pleasurable feelings you are after. This will make your dependency issues worse.
In time, you may also develop withdrawal symptoms. Your body will become so used to having Vicodin in its system that it will be unable to function without it. It will produce unpleasant physical and mental symptoms as a result.
The only way to relieve these symptoms is to do more of the drug or to deal with them until your body gets clean.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Some people may develop withdrawal symptoms and not even realize they are being caused by the drug. However, it’s important to understand what you are experiencing so you can take steps to stop the vicious cycle before it’s too late. Here are some Vicodin withdrawal symptoms to be aware of.
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Changes in appetite
- Tremors
- Enlarged pupils
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Increased salivation
- Shivering and goosebumps
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Flulike symptoms such as runny nose, fever, sweating, chills, and nasal congestion
It’s also possible for the person to experience Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Individuals with PAWS will deal with exceptionally severe syndromes during withdrawal.
If a patient allows their body to detoxify, withdrawal will typically last 1 -2 weeks. But in some cases, it will go on for weeks or months. Its duration will depend on the individual’s genetics, the severity of their addiction, and how long they took the drug.
How to Detox from Vicodin
Withdrawal symptoms make the detox process difficult to endure. You can try to go it alone, but it will be easier to deal with if you detox at a rehab facility.
A rehab facility will provide you with a medical staff to oversee the detox process. The faculty will ensure you are kept as comfortable as possible, and they will provide medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms. They will supervise you to see to it that relapse doesn’t occur.
There are many rehab facilities that offer a detox program, but Marina Harbor Detox takes an approach that sets us apart.
Marina Detox Harbor is a luxury medical detox facility in San Francisco. We utilize advanced techniques to assist individuals in detoxing from various addictions, including alcohol, opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, kratom, benzodiazepines, and more.
Patients at Marina Detox Harbor can take advantage of the upscale detox experience we offer. Our packages include private rooms, freshly prepared meals, and 24-hour monitoring. We integrate NAD therapy and alternative therapies into the healing process to provide total balance and set patients on a course for sober living.
Vicodin may be effective in relieving pain, but it can be dangerous if an addiction begins to form. If you are experiencing Vicodin withdrawal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to Marina Harbor Detox. We will give you the care you need to move on from your dependency issues.
