Six things to think about before taking Vicodin

Before you use Vicodin, consider the following facts.  Whether an individual is using the medication legally or illegally, it is important to understand the ramifications of this highly addictive drug.

1. Vicodin is addicting. Vicodin is made with opiates that can hook the user very quickly via their euphoric effects.
2. You’re going to have to take more and more. As dependence to Vicodin grows, so too do the number of pills it take to achieve that high.
3. Vicodin is not good for you. Long term side-effects of Vicodin use include high blood pressure and heart disease. This drug takes a toll on your body!
4. Vicodin addiction can lead to crime. Those addicted to Vicodin often turn to criminal acts such as theft, forgery and medical fraud in an effort to get more and more of the drugs.
5. Vicodin will drain you financially. Obtaining Vicodin illegally is expensive. The black market for Vicodin can see the drug run anywhere from $5 - $20 per pill
6. Vicodin addicts are going to need help. Once you become addicted to Vicodin, it is very hard to stop. Those who wish to break free of their addiction will need to contact a drug rehab program that specializes in prescription medications abuse.

For more information about getting treatment for Vicodin addiction, visit www.michaelshouse.com.

The criminal activity of prescription drug addicts

Those who are addicted to prescription drugs such as Vicodin, OxyContin, Darvocet or other medications will do desperate things when their supply runs out. People who never experienced even the slightest brush with the law will find themselves acting in ways that run afoul of law.

Here’s a look at some of the things that individuals addicted to prescription drugs will do to obtain the medication:

• Stealing medication from friends and family - A common way for addicts to get their drugs is by simply snatching them out of the medicine cabinets of people’s homes.  Besides being a major violation of trust, this is dangerous behavior, as the individual may be taking medication from someone who genuinely needs it to treat an illness or cope with pain.
• Doctor shopping and faking illnesses - One of the most unethical methods of obtaining drugs, individuals (especially those addicted to painkillers) will visit several different doctors at a fake an illness or injury at each of them in the hopes obtaining a prescription for pain medication.
• Stealing prescription pads and forging doctor signatures - When visiting a doctors office, addicts have been known to steal blank prescription pads, then illegally forge the doctor’s signature to obtain medication at a pharmacy.
• Stealing money from friends and family- If the individual needs money to buy prescription drugs illegally, they may resort to stealing the money right out of the purses and wallets of the individuals closest to them.

Michael’s House is a residential drug treatment program in Palm Springs, California that helps get those individuals addicted to prescription medication clean, and then teaches them the behaviors required to stay that way.  Visit Michael’s House for more information.