Hydrocodone Rehab
Hydrocodone is the "generic" term for the prescription painkiller Vicodin. Hydrocodone addiction has become a growing problem in the United States, especially among young people who are gaining additional access to the drug via the Internet and other sources. Many individuals start taking Hydrocodone as directed by their doctor – who prescribes it to help cope with pain associated with illness or injury – and soon find themselves unable to stop due to the euphoric effects of the opiate-based drug.
Because Hydrocodone is a powerful opiate – not unlike heroin – treatment requires a strong drug rehab program to help break the cycle of addiction. Hydrocodone rehab helps address the physical and psychological addiction to the drug while providing the tools required to living a life without it.
Who Needs Hydrocodone Rehab?
Sometimes friends and family members (or even the individuals themselves) are unaware that they have a Hydrocodone addiction. There are, however, several tell-tale signs and symptoms that individual has developed a problem with Hydrocodone and could benefit greatly from a drug rehab program.
An inability to stop using. Vicodin addiction can maintain a strong hold over the psyche of the individual. So much so that they will be unable to stop using the drug even though they are fully aware of the risks to their health and relationships.
Sudden mood shifts. An individual who is abusing Hydrocodone may be inclined to sudden shifts in their mood – from the highest of euphoric highs, to the lowest states of depression when they are in between doses.
Poor performance at work or school. A Hydrocodone addiction can significantly impact work or school performance. The euphoric effect of the drug keeps people distant or disassociated instead of staying on task – and the desire to get high usually supersedes all other goals such as getting a raise, better grades and the like.
Engaging in unethical or unlawful behavior. When an individual develops a Hydrocodone addiction, they will do anything to maintain their supply of the drug. That can mean they are willing to steal from friends and family, fake injuries or illness to their physician, engage in "doctor shopping" or even forge prescriptions in order to obtain more Vicodin.
What happens during Hydrocodone Rehab?
There are several unique stages to a Hydrocodone rehab program, each one addressing a different part of the recovery process. Most commonly, these stages include: detox, counseling and aftercare.
Detox. Drug detox is the initial phase of the Hydrocodone rehab process and must be completed before the rest of treatment can begin. This is because the individual is not likely to be in a stable enough condition to get the most out of counseling. Plus, an individual who has not properly detoxed is a high risk for relapse as well. There are two types of Hydrocodone detox: natural and medical.
Natural Hydrocodone Detox. While under the supervision of a medical professional, the individual stops taking Hydrocodone altogether. The medical/counseling team helps the individuals cope with the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that occur during the initial days of the process.
Medical Hydrocodone Detox. Some individuals opt for a detox program that brings about fewer withdrawal symptoms by reducing the dosage overtime via a synthetic opiate such as Methadone. (Note: Methadone treatment is more commonly found in Heroin detox cases).
Counseling. Hydrocodone dependence is a psychological addiction as much as it is a physical one. For that reason, counseling plays a very significant role in the rehab process. These sessions are a chance for individuals to:
- Talk openly and honestly about the Vicodin use and the impact Hydrocodone addiction has had on their lives.
- Work closely with the addiction treatment counselor to unearth the reasons why the individual has turned to Hydrocodone as a means of coping with their lives.
- Find solutions that the individual can implement every day that will help them live a drug-free life.
- Share stories and experiences with other recovering addicts as a means of building a support network that aids the recovery process.
Aftercare. Aftercare programs are a chance for the individual to best prepare themselves for life after rehab. The programs that comprise aftercare can vary greatly according to what works best for the individual, including:
- 12-step programs – providing support from fellow recovering addicts and day-to-day accountability via a legion of other recovering addicts. Narcotics Anonymous is the most well known 12-step program dealing with drug addiction.
- Sober living – gives the individual a place to focus solely on their recovery instead of being thrown immediately back into the outside world.
- Follow-up counseling – a chance to get regular "tune-ups" from therapists and counseling professionals who understand the unique needs of recovering addicts.
Michael's House is a residential drug rehab facility located in Palm Springs, California. Michael's House has helped many individuals with an addiction to Hydrocodone achieve recovery and go on to live a more fulfilling life that they ever could have imagined. Contact Michael's House today for more information.
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