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Vicodin Addiction Treatment

Drug intervention programs may offer Vicodin addiction treatment for patients who abuse prescription painkillers. A brand name for a compound analgesic containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen or ibuprofen, Vicodin is also a highly addictive narcotic. Hospitals and surgeons administer the opiate to control chronic pain or to reduce discomfort after surgery. However, people that habitually take higher dosages of hydrocodone than prescribed can become addicted. To prevent abuse, drug manufacturers compound hydrocodone with non-addictive analgesics, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, particularly paracetamol. The additives cause nausea and severe vomiting when taken in large quantities. But pill pushers have discovered ways to extract non-addictive, over-the-counter components to boost the potency and potential chemical dependency on Vicodin.

Long-term abuse of hydrocodone causes a myriad of physical and psychological problems: chronic fatigue, dizziness and disorientation, abdominal pain and bleeding ulcers, constipation, profuse perspiration, and decreased libido. Prolonged use can also cause liver damage or necessitate a transplant. So why do people abuse Vicodin? As a highly-addictive opioid, hydrocodone not only takes away chronic pain, but it also induces feeling of euphoria. People simply want to escape from personal problems into a world of make-believe where everything is beautiful; and Vicodin provides a one-way ticket. Very few people intentionally become drug addicts; but somewhere along life's highway, they decided to take the wrong turn just to feel good; not knowing that the price of a good feeling can cause one to lose their life. After coming down from a high, addicts may realize that the price for drug abuse is too high; but overwhelming guilt drives them to continue using to ease the conscience and quiet the demons within. As with other opioids, such as heroin, cocaine, methadone, and morphine, chronic use causes psychological dependence; and Vicodin addiction treatment is required to break the bondage of self-destructive behavior.

Contrary to popular belief, addicts are not all low-life losers; but anyone can become psychologically dependent on prescription or street drugs. From college students, housewives, and salesmen to teachers, athletes and even preachers, addiction to prescription medicines has become a national health concern that can touch the lives of anyone from any socioeconomic background. Therapists that work with individuals enrolled in Vicodin addiction treatment programs realize that given the right circumstances, those who do not have a strong faith system or those who struggle to face overwhelming obstacles often rely on something other than God to alleviate the emotional pain that can accompany every day life. Some behavioral centers offer spiritual counseling as part of intervention. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

People who are addicted to hydrocodone may present at a hospital emergency room with symptoms of bleeding stomach ulcers, dizziness and headaches, or liver failure. Chronic or emergency health conditions must be addressed before clinicians can begin Vicodin addiction treatment. Surgery may be required to staunch bleeding ulcers and alleviate abdominal pain, while intravenous fluids may be administered to flush excessive amounts of the drug from the system. During detoxification, patients may be placed on monitors to assess damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs. Like most chemical dependency programs, Vicodin addiction treatment may take from five to seven days to wean patients physically from the drug and its side effects. However, weaning individuals psychologically may take in-patient treatment along with outpatient care.

Initially, patients may resist attempts to become free of the addiction, in spite of a realization that higher dosages of hydrocodone have the potential to be lethal and cause permanent damage to vital organs. Behavioral therapists that are specialists in Vicodin addiction treatment and other chemical dependencies are equipped to deal with resistance. Sedatives may have to be administered to calm agitated patients, along with getting them involved in supervised activities to reprogram the mind from centering on drug use. Private and group psychotherapy sessions enable patients to openly and candidly discuss issues and events that led up to drug abuse. Therapists try to generate productive dialogue to assess the mental state of each patient and begin a prescribed plan to change attitudes, negative thought processes, and misguided perceptions. Vicodin addiction treatment may require intervention from other healthcare providers, along with supportive family members. Counselors may interview spouses or adult children in order to get background information on the environment or issues which may have triggered chemical dependency. Medical records will verify whether abuse began as a result of post-operative depression, divorce, anxiety, or worry about financial woes.

During the patient's hospital stay, nutritionists will work to introduce foods and supplements which help restore the body's hormonal balance without dependency on drugs. The body is an amazing creation that has the capacity to heal itself once opioids and other addictive narcotics have been removed. A structured diet plan helps patients recover from the inside out from prescription drug abuse. In a clinical setting, people are more apt to respond favorably to Vicodin addiction treatment. A controlled environment without access to prescriptions or suppliers enables patients to stabilize both physically and psychologically. Counselors, nutritionists, and social workers will help patients prepare mentally, physically, and emotionally to cope with life's situations outside of the hospital; and some individuals may be required to follow up with a 12-step recovery program in their local area. Faith-based programs offer individuals the opportunity to discover and apply Biblical principles to establish and strengthen an inner reserve and resolve to avoid chemical dependency.

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