Vicodin Abuse

Though a commonly prescribed pain medication, Vicodin can be extremely addictive, both physically and mentally. Depending upon the prescribed dosage and other physical factors, one can become physically addicted to Vicodin-or any opioid pain killer-in as few as two weeks, even if taken exactly as prescribed. Mental addiction may take even less time depending upon the reason for the original prescription.

Mechanism of Vicodin

Vicodin is classified as an opioid and an analgesic due to its pain relieving properties. It blocks pain by attaching itself to proteins in the brain and spinal cord called opioid receptors. These receptors, if not blocked, would transmit pain to the nervous system. Opioids, when attached to these receptors, may instead transmit positive feelings, even euphoria depending on the tolerance and the dose.

Vicodin Addiction

Addiction to Vicodin is characterized by a physical need to maintain a certain amount of the drug in your system at all times. The longer Vicodin is used, the higher the dose will need to be in order to achieve the same effect. The brain, in essence, re-prioritizes its needs, placing the replenishment of Vicodin at the top of the list, even to the detriment of relationships, career and finances. If the level of Vicodin in the system drops too low, withdrawal symptoms will occur including but not limited to nausea and vomiting, insomnia, muscle and bone pain, hot and cold chills, diarrhea, headache, irritability and panic.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

Addiction to Vicodin is a treatable problem and one that should be taken care of as soon as possible. Prolonged exposure to opioids including Vicodin can lead to fundamental changes in the brain, creating an inability to deal with even low-level pain. However, an abrupt withdrawal from Vicodin can be fatal. It is important that opioid withdrawal be done slowly and under medical supervision to keep the negative side effects to a minimum.

At Meditox, we understand the state of addiction and work with you to come up with a viable treatment plan. Thanks to the FDA approval of a drug called buprenorphine, one of two prescriptions-Subutex or Suboxone-will be yours after one appointment and an evaluation by a Meditox doctor. At this appointment, provided the Meditox outpatient treatment is a good fit for you and your circumstance, you and a Meditox doctor will come up with a treatment plan for you to follow on your own. In as few as six weeks, you could be completely drug free by following your treatment plan and taking your buprenorphine prescription as prescribed. Essentially, the Subutex treatment or Suboxone prescription will replace the Vicodin, allowing you to wean yourself off of it slowly and with few withdrawal symptoms.

If you think that an outpatient program will work for you, call us at 888-MEDITOX at make an appointment today.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

Additional Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Prescription Medication
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Drugs of Abuse, Uses and Effects Chart
Prescription Drugs Abuse and Addiction
Medicamentos de Prescripción - Abuso y Adicción
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Narcotics

All Detox Programs

“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

More Success Stories