Vicodin Detox and Vicodin Rehab

Vicodin (or Vicodin ES or Vicodin HP) is an opioid, that is commonly prescribed because of its analgesic or pain-relieving properties. It is a Schedule III drug, which means it leads to high psychological dependence and low-to-medium physical addiction.

The drug acts by binding with a patient’s opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord or central nervous system, where it reduces communication between nerves and other cells -- altering the mechanism by which pain is experienced. Vicodin can also affect the regions of the brain responsible for mediating what is perceived as pleasure. This results in an initial euphoric “high” that Vicodin abusers experience and crave.

Vicodin causes an increase in the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which causes the strong euphoria that Vicodin abusers find pleasurable. The drug is primarily prescribed for post-operative or intense pain.

Vicodin also aids in calming and relaxing patients experiencing painful ailments and can help lead to an accelerated recovery. It is particularly useful in the treatment of rheumatoid, osteo or other arthritis. Chronic use of Vicodin may result in tolerance of the drug’s effects, so that the user requires higher doses to achieve the same initial effects. Thus, long-term use of Vicodin can quickly lead to physical dependence.

Other drugs with shared characteristics to Vicodin include: Lortab, Lortab Elixir, Norco, Dolacet, Lorcet, Bancap, Anexsia, Anolor, T-Gesic and Zydone.

Vicodin Side Effects

Side effects from using Vicodin can include nausea, constipation, lightheadedness, rash or itchiness, dizziness, and mood disorders.

Vicodin Addiction

Continued use of Vicodin after the cause for the drug’s use has subsided will almost certainly result in some form of addiction or dependence. Reportedly, the resulting cravings for Vicodin have been known to supersede the addict’s desire for food or even water.

Vicodin Withdrawal

Most withdrawal symptoms for addicts getting off Vicodin are physical in nature and include diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, muscle pain, bone pain and restlessness.

Vicodin Detox

Vicodin detoxification is absolutely critical to accomplish before commencing a Vicodin rehab program. Vicodin detox itself is not a treatment for Vicodin addiction. But it usually helps relieve a user’s withdrawal symptoms while they adjust to a Vicodin-free life.

Thankfully, there are plenty of effective ways Vicodin detox can be done conducted in a physician supervised setting. A properly licensed and certified Vicodin detox facility may safely and comfortably manage the detoxification phase of Vicodin rehab.

Long-term Vicodin use should never be abruptly discontinued unless the user is under the supervision of an experienced physician. A doctor can manage a patient’s Vicodin withdrawal symptoms and help minimize their withdrawal period.

During Miramar Treatment Center’s inpatient addiction treatment, patients are provided physician-assisted Vicodin detox that is regularly monitored by health professionals. We also provide comprehensive Vicodin rehab services at our centers in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, Calif.