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Vicodin Addiction Intervention and Treatment in California

 

 

Vicodin addiction intervention and drug rehab options in California include medically supervised detox, withdrawal management, medication-assisted treatment, residential drug rehab, and outpatient drug rehab programs. When searching for family intervention or drug rehab in California, there are different options for the family to consider. Initially, they should contact their private or state health insurance provider. Most health insurance plans cover some part of drug rehab, and this alleviates some of the financial burdens. The extent of coverage and what is paid for depends on the health insurance plan type. Another option for families to consider is an addiction assessment with a qualified healthcare professional, drug rehab referral agency, or family interventionist. The purpose of an addiction assessment is to find the best possible drug rehab options in California based on the needs of the addict. No single form of drug rehab is right for every person, and treatment interventions and settings should meet the patient’s needs.

 

What is Vicodin, and How is it Used?

Vicodin is a brand-name prescription drug that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid, and acetaminophen is an over-the-counter pain medication. Vicodin is prescribed to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and is often prescribed following surgery or a serious injury. Within California and the United States, Vicodin is one of the most frequently prescribed pain medications. Unfortunately, drug rehab centers in California routinely treat people addicted to Vicodin. Like other opioids, Vicodin works by binding the opioid receptors in the central nervous system relieving pain. In addition, the drug is prescribed as a cough suppressant because hydrocodone is commonly used in this manner.

There are three different forms of Vicodin, and the dosage is affected based on which one is taken. Vicodin doses range from 5mg to 10mg with 300mg of acetaminophen. Vicodin comes in pill or tablet form and is typically taken orally. Vicodin is also sold as a syrup, and the doses are similar to pill form. When Vicodin is abused, addicts use other routes of administration that include snorting or smoking the drug. Using Vicodin this way causes the drug to be absorbed into the blood more quickly, increasing the euphoric effects. However, abusing Vicodin increases the risk of overdose.

 

What are The Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction?

Vicodin is a powerful pain medication that causes dangerous addiction. Most people become addicted to Vicodin because of remaining on a prescription longer than needed. In addition, many individuals prescribed Vicodin misuse the drug, and this also causes addiction. Vicodin addiction begins with developing a tolerance, followed by dependence and addiction. The dependence on Vicodin causes withdrawal symptoms forcing many drug users to remain on Vicodin in an effort to avoid painful withdrawal. The signs of a Vicodin addiction include taking more or taking it longer than intended. Most opioid addicts want to reduce or stop using Vicodin but fail to do so and spend lots of time getting, using, or recovering from Vicodin addiction. Like any other form of opioid addiction, the drug user experiences cravings and urges to use Vicodin.

Vicodin addiction causes an individual to fail to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school and begin to give up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of the addiction. Some of the other signs and symptoms of Vicodin addiction include drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, dry mouth, nodding in and out of consciousness, pinpoint pupils, rash or itchy skin, slowed or shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, slurred speech, withdrawal from social activities, changed mood, and flushed or warm skin. Family and friends must notice the early indicators and access drug rehab and drug detox programs in California to help their loved ones.

 

What are the Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Vicodin Use?

The short-term and long-term effects of Vicodin addiction are similar to what morphine abuse causes. Vicodin interacts with the same parts of the brain and its reward system by binding to opioid receptors. The continued abuse of Vicodin causes short and long-term damage to the body and the mind. Long-term addiction to Vicodin can lead to severe health consequences. For example, chronic problems may develop and become worse the longer the individual is abusing Vicodin. These problems include gastrointestinal issues causing significant damage to the bowels. There is an increased risk of respiratory damage, as Vicodin abuse reduces an individual’s breathing rate reducing the amount of oxygen flow to the brain. Someone who crushes and smokes Vicodin can also damage their lungs.

Heavy use of Vicodin decreases hormone levels in the body, causing depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Individuals with Vicodin addiction are also at a high risk of damaging opioid receptors in the brain, which affect how the brain manages responses to pain. In addition, this also alters how chemicals are released and absorbed in the brain. The combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone in Vicodin increases the risk of liver damage. Consuming more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen in one day may cause acute or chronic liver injury. Drug rehab programs in California are fully equipped to manage someone addicted to Vicodin, and an addict must receive proper detox and therapy.

 

Vicodin Addiction Treatment and Detox in California

Treating Vicodin addiction involves medical detox, residential or outpatient drug rehab in California, and effective aftercare support. The first step is a medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms. Typically, this is a drug detox providing medical supervision and medication to help ease withdrawal discomfort. Vicodin withdrawal can cause irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and confusion. Other symptoms include increased cravings, reduced sensation of hunger, tremors, enlarged pupils, nausea, vomiting, sweating, salivation, shivering, rapid breathing, and muscle aches or cramps. The addict will also experience restlessness, insomnia, exhaustion, and cold-like symptoms. Medical detox in California manages these symptoms, making it possible to transition to drug rehab safely.

The next phase of drug rehabilitation involves attending a residential or outpatient drug rehab program. Typically, residential drug rehab is the better option because more counseling and therapy are offered. Behavioral therapies are the most common approach used to treat opioid addiction. Behavioral therapy includes cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step facilitation, motivational interviewing, and contingency management. Many drug rehab programs also incorporate holistic treatment and faith-based healing. It is also important for the family to consider aftercare support like 12-step meetings, peer support groups, and sober living homes.

 

Family Intervention for Vicodin Addiction in California

Family intervention in California is an excellent option for families with a drug-addicted loved one refusing to accept help. Family intervention motivates a drug addict to accept drug rehab but also understand how their addiction has impacted their life and the lives of their family. The best way to plan and organize a family intervention is by hiring a professional interventionist. Family intervention is a carefully planned process, but it helps the family regain control and save the life of their drug-addicted family member. Unfortunately, opioid addiction impacts many lives in California, and it is estimated that around 45% of drug overdose deaths in the state involved opioids in 2018. During that same time, California providers wrote 35.1 opioid prescriptions for every 100 persons, which was lower than the national average.

 

Sources-

NIDA. “Prescription Opioids DrugFacts.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 27 May. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids

NIDA. “California: Opioid-Involved Deaths and Related Harms.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 3 Apr. 2020, https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/opioid-summaries-by-state/california-opioid-involved-deaths-related-harms

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