Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused prescriptions in the United States. As such, someone you know could have Vicodin withdrawal symptoms without you even knowing it. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting yourself or a loved one addiction treatment. Here are a few things to look for.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is actually a combination of two drugs. The first is an opioid pain reliever known as hydrocodone, which changes pain signals in the brain. Acetaminophen is the second ingredient and is commonly found in many over-the-counter pain medications.
Dangers of Vicodin
Doctors prescribe Vicodin to treat cases of moderate-to-severe pain. It’s commonly used right after surgery or following a debilitating injury such as a car accident. But users may sometimes develop a tolerance to Vicodin over time. When that happens, Vicodin withdrawal symptoms can occur in as little as six hours following the last dose.
Because Vicodin is highly addictive, physicians generally prescribe it only for short-term use. Unfortunately, pain symptoms may persist even after you can no longer obtain the drug legally. Some users will then resolve to buy it on the black market, looking for other ways to get ahold of it illegally.
Not everyone is weaned off this medication gradually. Many who stop taking it rather suddenly find they cannot handle the symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal. These individuals too may begin looking for other sources to supplement their usage with. A Vicodin addiction treatment program Memphis offers can help you beat drug use and get your life back on track again.
Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms
Someone suffering from symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal may experience:
- Irritability and mood swings
- Tremors or shaking
- Enlarged pupils
- Diarrhea
- Restless and insomnia
- Reduced appetite
Some of the more common symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal are flu-like conditions. For example, an individual may have a runny nose, congestion, and chills. Accordingly, you may not recognize Vicodin withdrawal symptoms because you attribute them to something else. If a loved one has used Vicodin, you should also be on the lookout for the other symptoms listed above.
Most physical withdrawal symptoms last between 7 and 10 days. However, cravings for the drug may persist for several weeks or months after you stop taking it. It’s important to contact a drug rehab center if your Vicodin withdrawal symptoms become too difficult to manage.
Quality Programs from Memphis Recovery
At Memphis Recovery, we do more than just help you manage your Vicodin withdrawal symptoms. As part of our comprehensive rehab program, we also offer:
At Memphis Recovery, we know that everyone progresses through treatment differently. We also know that what works for one person may not necessarily succeed with another. This is why we first design a custom treatment plan just for you and continue making adjustments throughout your time here.
We have no set timeline for treatment. As a non-profit center, we are not bound by the parameters set by your insurance company. This means we do not restrict how long you can stay or what type of treatment you can receive while you’re here. Many of our clients “step down” gradually from residential to a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and then finally to an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
We offer six months of aftercare regardless of how long you stay. In doing so, we hope you will maintain your new-found sobriety for life.
Contact us for Vicodin Addiction Rehab
Vicodin withdrawal symptoms are difficult to manage on your own. Allow us to help you safely withdraw from Vicodin and achieve the ultimate goal of sobriety. Begin your new journey now by calling 901-272-7751 to speak with an addiction rehab specialist.
