Things You Should Know About Vicodin Addiction

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Millions of individuals throughout the world experience moderate to severe pain every day. Here in the United States, many individuals are given painkillers to ease symptoms of chronic severe pain. Vicodin is one of the most highly effective prescription painkillers around. Unfortunately, it is highly addictive. Vicodin addiction affects the individual’s emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical aspects of life. This addiction has been known to destroy relationships and tear apart once close families. Many of these relationships become so damaged that they are beyond repair. I this condition, a drug addiction treatment facility can help the addict.

Unfortunately, Vicodin addiction is seen as being a far less serious condition than someone experiencing an addiction to cocaine or heroin. Since Vicodin is prescribed by doctors to treat symptoms of pain, it is not seen on the same level as cocaine or heroin. It is important to keep in mind that Vicodin is a mind-altering drug, which means that it can affect how the individual’s brain functions. Vicodin has the power to prevent the brain from processing endorphins, which are needed to stop pain. The brain stops producing endorphins, since it is receiving pain-preventing chemicals from someplace else. The body becomes dependent on Vicodin to stop any and all pain in the body. When this happens, the individual is at a high risk for becoming addicted to Vicodin.

Individuals who have an addiction to Vicodin are constantly thinking about Vicodin. Vicodin has become their obsession. These individuals obsess about how to retrieve more once their supply has dwindled. They forsake time with friends and loved ones in order to take Vicodin. They may lie or steal in order to use/retrieve Vicodin. Some of the more noticeable signs that an individual is addicted to Vicodin, include nausea, vomiting, severe paranoia and anxiety, drowsy appearance, unable to focus on tasks, and major mood swings

Individuals with a Vicodin addiction may go “doctor shopping” in order to gain more pills. Doctor shopping involves going from one doctor to another, without telling one doctor about the other. They tell the doctors that they are experiencing pain, and persuade the doctor to prescribe them Vicodin. When the individual is running low on Vicodin, and is unable to get another prescription from the previous doctor, they move on to another doctor.

During the early stages of Vicodin addiction, individuals try to convince themselves that they will not become addicted to the prescribed medication. They feel as if they are stronger than that. The cold, hard truth is, addiction does not discriminate. Addiction can happen to anyone, especially those in denial about the dangers of highly addictive substances.

Luckily, there is drug addiction help available to those who suffer from prescription drug abuse. There are many drug addiction treatment centers throughout the country that can assist individuals suffering from prescription drug abuse. These centers can assist addicts with addiction detox from Vicodin, and rehab thereafter. If you, or someone you know, may be addicted to Vicodin, contact your local drug rehab facility for information on how to help yourself, or your loved one.

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