Vicodin Addiction & Treatment

Medically Assisted
Vicodin Detoxification

One of the most significant hurdles individuals face when attempting to overcome an opioid addiction is the inevitable discomfort of withdrawal. However, undergoing opioid withdrawal does not have to be an uncomfortable process. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we believe in the importance of medically monitored detoxification as an integral part of every recovery program. While the withdrawal symptoms associated with prescription opioids like Vicodin are not typically life-threatening, they can be unpredictable and result in significant physical and mental discomfort. Our team of compassionate and highly experienced professionals work together to alleviate the more severe symptoms of withdrawal while adequately preparing clients to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. We focus on more than physical stabilization and a safe, comfortable Vicodin withdrawal in a homestyle retreat facility. We offer therapeutic services, holistic treatment options, and personalized aftercare planning to ensure continued success in sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about our integrated and effective program of Vicodin detoxification and recovery in New Jersey. 

[toc]

Vicodin is a potent and highly addictive opioid narcotic painkiller, one most commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate or severe pain-related disorders. Vicodin is made from a combination of acetaminophen (an over-the-counter pain reliever most commonly found in medications like Tylenol) and hydrocodone, a potent and habit-forming opioid narcotic. Up until 2014 this medication was labeled as a Schedule III substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration. After recognizing its extremely high potential for misuse, Vicodin was changed to a Schedule II chemical substance. Now this medication can only be prescribed by an experienced medical professional for the treatment of significant, short-term pain. Because of the risk involved with taking this medication for an extended period of time or taking more than the recommended dose for any length of time, Vicodin is only prescribed when absolutely necessary and when no personal or family history of substance misuse is of concern.

The brand name Vicodin tablet is white in color and oval in shape, embossed with the dosage on one side. Vicodin is typically available in a 300 mg and 500 mg tablet. The generic forms of Vicodin tablets can come in different colors and shapes, and are most often blue or yellow in color and oval (or oblong) in shape. 

Vicodin is a powerful opioid painkiller, and even taking the medication as prescribed can lead to the development of a physical and psychological dependence over time. If you are unsure whether or not you or someone you love has been developing a Vicodin dependence, there are several telltale signs to keep in mind. Developing a physical tolerance is a good indication that you are at risk of addiction. This essentially means that a higher dose of Vicodin is required in order for the desired effects to be produced. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking Vicodin, you are also at high risk of developing a diagnosable opioid use disorder. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we effectively treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, helping our clients overcome substance use disorders of all severities. 

The most common symptom associated with chronic Vicodin misuse is severe and often permanent liver damage. Because this specific medication has such high levels of acetaminophen (which is known to do extensive damage to the liver and other vital organs), taking the medication in higher doses than recommended can do lasting physical damage.

Other signs and symptoms commonly associated with Vicodin misuse and addiction include physical symptoms like:

• Excessive drowsiness.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness.
• Feelings of calmness, relaxation and euphoria.
• Anxiety, panic attacks and paranoia.
• Respiratory depression.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Severe stomach cramping.
• Nausea and vomiting. 

Behavioral symptoms associated with Vicodin addiction include:

• Taking more Vicodin than intended for longer periods of time. 
• Attempting to cut back on the amount of Vicodin being taken but being unable to do so for any extended period of time. 
• Experiencing intense psychological Vicodin cravings. 
• Ignoring personal obligations at home, work or school in lieu of Vicodin use. 
• Continuing to use Vicodin despite an accumulation of personal consequences.
• Paying little or no attention to personal health and hygiene. 
• Isolating from friends and family members. 
• Raiding medicine cabinets and visiting numerous doctors in hopes of obtaining more than one Vicodin prescription at one time. 
• Developing a physical and psychological tolerance. 
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal whenever Vicodin use is abruptly stopped.

There are two main stages of Vicodin withdrawal — the early stage and the late stage. The early stage of Vicodin withdrawal concerns less severe symptoms, while during the later stage both the psychological and physical symptoms become more severe.

Early Vicodin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety and agitation.
• Muscle aches.
• Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
• Flu-like symptoms, including chills, a low-grade fever, a runny nose, watery eyes, stomach cramping and headache.
• Profuse sweating. 
• General feelings of physical discomfort.

Late Vicodin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal cramping.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Chills and goosebumps. 
• Severe psychological symptoms which could include anxiety and depression.
• An inability to get comfortable.
• More severe insomnia and persistent, disruptive nightmares. 

The duration of Vicodin withdrawal symptoms depends heavily on the severity of the substance use disorder. In most cases, symptoms begin to subside within the first week. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we effectively treat all of the symptoms associated with early and late stage Vicodin withdrawal in a safe, structured and supportive environment that is conducive to comprehensive healing.

The US National Library of Medicine explains that during 2018 alone there were over 11.4 million American adults who used pain medications like Vicodin without a prescription. Prescription drug misuse has become a major public health crisis. Unfortunately, the majority of individuals who are in desperate need of professional treatment do not receive the help they require. Many times, this is simply because they remain unaware of the resources that are available to them. At Princeton Detox & Recovery Center we believe that medically monitored detox should be available to all those who seek it. Our main priority is to make the entire process of receiving the care you need and deserve as simple and stress-free as possible. Our comprehensive detox program provides an unmatched quality of clinical care with the services necessary to maintain sobriety.

The severity of associated withdrawal symptoms depends on a variety of personal factors, including the severity of the addictive disorder, the length of time that the substance was being used and the presence of any underlying mental health conditions. We utilize a wide range of proven detoxification methods and therapeutic techniques to provide a safe and pain-free withdrawal while paving the road for continued success in addiction recovery.

The best treatment options for Vicodin misuse or addiction depend on your unique case. When it comes to professional treatment, several factors should be taken into close consideration, including:

1. The severity of the opioid use disorder. If the Vicodin use disorder is moderate or severe, entering into a longer term treatment program is likely a good idea. It is important to note that because this specific chemical substance is so potent and habit-forming, addictive disorders progress over an extremely short period of time. 
2. The potential of withdrawal symptoms. Because the physical and psychological symptoms associated with Vicodin withdrawal can be unpredictable and uncomfortable, it is important for anyone who has been suffering from a Vicodin use disorder to enter into a professional medical detox program for short-term monitoring. 
3. The presence of any co-occurring disorders. If a person has been simultaneously suffering from a Vicodin use disorder and a mental illness, entering into a longer term dual diagnosis treatment program might be necessary. 

In most cases, it is recommended that a person who has been suffering from a diagnosable Vicodin use disorder of any severity enter into a multi-staged treatment program, which begins with medical detox and transitions into the next appropriate level of care. Depending on your personal needs, you might choose to follow detox with an extended stay in an inpatient treatment center, or continue with a more flexible and less time-demanding option, like outpatient treatment. 

Treatment options include:

• Medical detox. In medical detox a person undergoes a safe and comfortable Vicodin withdrawal under the close supervision of a team of medical professionals. 
• Residential inpatient treatment. This is the most intensive treatment option for substance use rehab; residential programs typically last for between 30 and 90 days depending on the needs of the individual. Most inpatient programs incorporate individual, group, and family therapy, 12 Step program education and involvement, and holistic treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment experience. 
• Partial hospitalization. This level of care is a step down from inpatient treatment, and includes full days of intensive therapeutic care (usually 7 days a week) with the freedom to return home in the evenings. 
• Intensive outpatient treatment. Also known as IOP, this level of care is ideal for those who have completed a short stay in medical detox and are looking for a flexible treatment option with an ample amount of personal freedom. IOP is ideal for those with an extremely short-lived Vicodin use disorder and no co-occurring issues. 
• Outpatient treatment. Outpatient treatment, or OP, is one more step down from IOP, with group sessions typically only meeting between 2 or 3 times a week for several hours. 
• Aftercare. Because Vicodin addiction is a chronic health condition, ongoing treatment is necessary to longer term recovery. Most aftercare plans consist of ongoing involvement in a peer support group (like Alcoholics Anonymous or Recovery Dharma) and ongoing individual therapy. 
• 12 Step program involvement. While many recovering individuals choose to participate in a 12 Step recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, there are numerous other options available. Peer support is often an important part of most aftercare plans. 
• Individual therapy and/or ongoing psychiatric services. Because many individuals who suffer from a Vicodin use disorder simultaneously struggle with co-occurring issues, ongoing therapy and/or psychiatric care often come recommended.

If you or someone you love has been suffering from a Vicodin use disorder of any severity, Princeton Detox & Recovery Center is available to help. Our medically monitored drug and alcohol detox program was designed with client comfort in mind. We provide our clients with a safe, pain-free prescription opioid withdrawal in a therapeutic setting, actively preparing them to take the next appropriate step on their personal recovery journeys. As soon as you make the decision to reach out for help you will be put in contact with one of our experienced and compassionate Treatment Advisors, who will help you determine whether or not our Adderall detox program is right for you. If we believe our program is a good fit, we will proceed with a brief pre-assessment and a free, no obligation health insurance benefit check. We accept coverage from most major national health insurance providers as well as most regional providers throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. To learn more about Vicodin addiction and treatment or to begin your own personal journey of Vicodin addiction recovery, contact us today.