According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, an estimated 139 million Vicodin prescriptions are filled every year in the United States. This makes Vicodin one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers in the country. With such widespread use, Vicodin addiction treatment is essential.

As a powerful opioid, Vicodin is highly addictive, and using it without a prescription or not as indicated is Vicodin abuse. If you or a loved one is ready to recover from Vicodin addiction, contact Harmony Healing Center for compassionate, effective treatment options.

What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a narcotic analgesic. It acts on the central nervous system to offer pain relief. The opioid in Vicodin is called hydrocodone. This synthetic drug activates the same neurotransmitters that heroin does.

The Drug Enforcement Agency labels Vicodin as a Schedule II Controlled Substance because the abuse potential is very high.

Signs of Vicodin Addiction

As with other opiates, people who misuse or abuse Vicodin usually display certain recognizable signs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that some of the most common physical signs of Vicodin addiction include:

• Constricted pupils
• Drowsiness
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation
• Insomnia
• Itchiness
• Difficulty urinating
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Constipation
• Decreased respiration

There are also psychological and behavioral signs, including:

• Impaired judgment
• Memory problems
• Suicidal ideation
• Problems concentrating
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Irritability
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Neglecting personal appearance
• Stealing or lying
• Doctor-shopping
• Isolation

Long-term Vicodin abuse can lead to liver damage or failure, gastrointestinal problems, vision impairment, and many other health concerns.

Symptoms of Vicodin Overdose

An addiction to Vicodin can lead to an overdose. An overdose happens when someone takes more of a medication than their body can handle. Some of the symptoms of a Vicodin overdose include:

• Dizziness
• Excessive drowsiness
• Confusion
• Bluish fingernails or lips
• Breathing problems
• Clammy, cold skin
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle twitches
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Intestinal spasms
• Tiny pupils
• Weak pulse
• Coma

Vicodin abuse leading to an overdose can be fatal.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms

When you stop taking Vicodin, your body struggles to find balance without the substance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Fever
• Dilated pupils
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Muscle aches
• Intense cravings
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Depression

The severity of the withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long you have had a Vicodin use disorder, the usual dosage, and other factors.

Do not attempt to detox from Vicodin on your own. It is always safer to turn to an addiction treatment center for help.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

If you have a Vicodin addiction, help is out there. At Harmony Healing Center, we offer Vicodin addiction treatment services to guide you through the recovery process.

When you’re ready to stop abusing Vicodin, you can benefit from some of our treatment services, including detox services and outpatient programs.

Learn more about Vicodin addiction treatment plans at Harmony Healing Center.

Detox Services

Before you can start the therapies that will offer the guidance you need to recover, you have to remove the substance from your body. With medical supervision, you can start your recovery without facing the worst withdrawal symptoms.

At Harmony Healing Center, we offer medical detox for those seeking treatment. With careful monitoring, you can focus on healing and not on dealing with the discomfort during withdrawal that can lead to relapsing.

Intensive Outpatient Program

At our addiction treatment center, we offer an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that provides services for three to five hours a day for a few days a week. This treatment plan for Vicodin addiction is an excellent option for those who do not have a high risk of relapsing but who need mental health services and support.

Our IOPs include many services, such as:

• Group therapy sessions
• Individual therapy sessions
• Case management
• Educational groups
• Support groups
• Access to 24-hour crisis management
• Medication management
• Mental health services
• Family therapy sessions

You may also be able to receive nutritional services, vocational training and career guidance, physiotherapy, anger management treatment, and more.

The right candidates for an IOP are people who have transportation to the facility, who have social support at home, and who would benefit from regular accountability and support groups.

Partial Hospitalization Program

At Harmony Healing Center, we offer a partial hospitalization program (PHP) for those who have mental health concerns and require a higher level of outpatient care.

For people who have a Vicodin abuse issue and need detoxification, our PHP can be a good option. PHP offers more structure and support than a typical outpatient drug abuse treatment program. We can offer:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy
• Support groups
• Medication management
• Relapse prevention services

To help each of our patients, we offer individualized care for Vicodin abuse. Our PHP offers up to 50 hours of services each week. It is the best transition between inpatient and outpatient care.

Outpatient Program

At our Vicodin addiction treatment center, we have a general outpatient program suited for people who want a bit more flexibility and responsibility. It is appropriate for those who do not have a high risk of relapsing.

This type of care for a substance use disorder requires patients to attend therapy sessions at the center for a few hours a week. It can be a helpful option for those who have good support systems at home.

Our general outpatient program offers:

• Relapse prevention training
• Management of cravings and triggers
• Substance abuse education
• Treatment for mental health concerns
• Group and individual therapy
• 12-step program
• Referrals for transitional living facilities

Outpatient treatment requires a high level of social support, especially with co-occurring disorders. If that level of support is not available in your normal environment, a more intensive program might be a better choice.

Get Help at Harmony Healing Center

If you or a loved one has an addiction to Vicodin, the most important step is to ask for help. An addiction to opioid painkillers will not resolve itself, so turning to experts like us at Harmony Healing Center can help your chances at long-term recovery.

Learn more about Vicodin addiction treatment by contacting us today.