Vicodin Addiction
Every day, thousands of doctors prescribe Vicodin to their patients to help them cope with pain as a result of serious illness or injury. For the majority of these individuals, they take the prescription painkiller without incident, and stop when their pain has subsided. But for many others, the euphoric effects of Vicodin drive them to addiction, and eventually, to a drug treatment program to combat the problem.
What is Vicodin Addiction?
Vicodin addiction occurs when the individual develops a physical dependence on the drug. During this time, the individual may develop a tolerance to Vicodin, thus needing more and more of the drug to obtain the desired euphoric effect.
Sign and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction
While many can keep their Vicodin a secret for an extended period of time, individuals who are addicted to Vicodin do exhibit several tell-tale symptoms, including:
- Feeling sick or achy when they stop taking Vicodin
- Irregular heart beat
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Sudden shifts between feelings of euphoria and severe depression.
The Fallout of Vicodin Addiction
Although Vicodin addiction affects people of all ages and socio-economic groups, the criminal behavior that occurs as a result of their drug dependence is remarkably similar across all individuals. Among the common negative events that may occur as a result of Vicodin addiction are:
- Doctor shopping. In an effort to gain access to additional supplies of Vicodin, individuals will travel from doctor to doctor, faking injuries or illnesses in order to receive their prescriptions. In a high-profile case two years ago, top-rated radio personality Rush Limbaugh was found guilty of doctor shopping for Vicodin in Florida.
- Stealing and forging prescription. Another criminal practice associated with Vicodin addiction is stealing prescription pads. Patients waiting to see their doctor will take blank pads and forge the doctor's signature – a criminal offense in every state.
- Robbery. In extreme situations, many individuals will resort to desperate measures in order to obtain Vicodin, including robbing pharmacies and stealing money from friends and family in order to finance their drug addiction.
Health Problems Associated with Vicodin Addiction
Extended periods of Vicodin use can bring about a variety of serious health problems. The severity of these health problems vary according to the length and depth of the addiction, but include:
- Liver disease (as a result of significant intake of the acetaminophen found in Vicodin)
- Night sweats and night terrors which bring about sleeplessness
- Heart disease and irregular heartbeat
- Psychological issues
Getting Help for Vicodin Addiction
Individuals who develop an addiction to Vicodin are not likely to seek out help for themselves. They either deny that they have a problem, or are unwilling to change their behavior. This puts the impetus on family and friends to recognize that the individual has developed a dependence on Vicodin – and get them the help they need. Performing an intervention is the primary method for getting individuals to realize that they have a problem, and consequently enter a drug rehab program.
Michael's House is a residential rehab facility that helps individuals and their families overcome the challenges presented by Vicodin addiction. Located in Palm Springs, California, Michael's House is staffed by caring professionals who understand the unique nature of prescription drug addiction and provide a program to treat the root causes of the disease. Contact Michael's House today at for more information.
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