People across Washington State and the United States take Vicodin every day. The commonly prescribed painkiller is found in pharmacies and on the street. People may take Vicodin for a range of physical and emotional pain. Unfortunately, like other opioids, Vicodin is highly addictive. The safest way to prevent or stop Vicodin addiction is through integrative treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with Vicodin, the team at Northpoint Seattle can help. Our outpatient clinic provides integrative approaches to Vicodin and other opioid addictions with substance abuse treatment programs in Seattle and Bellevue. Call us now at 888.483.6031 to enroll in our Vicodin addiction treatment program serving Seattle and beyond.
What Is Vicodin?
Vicodin combines acetaminophen (Tylenol) and the semi-synthetic opioid hydrocodone. Prescribed for various kinds of pain, people take Vicodin every day, whether recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain. Like other opioids, Vicodin reduces pain and causes a sense of euphoria. When crushed, Vicodin enters the bloodstream quickly, stopping pain and increasing feelings of joy and pleasure.
While many people take Vicodin for physical pain, it is often abused to self-soothe mental and emotional pain. By releasing dopamine in the brain, people enjoy a sense of euphoria that numbs the symptoms of co-occurring disorders and unresolved trauma. Whether someone is taking more Vicodin than prescribed, using someone else’s prescription, or buying Vicodin on the street, it’s common to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and prolonged stress.
Understanding Vicodin Withdrawal
Like other opioids, the brain and body can become dependent on Vicodin quickly. This can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms when Vicodin leaves the bloodstream or if someone attempts to quit taking Vicodin cold turkey. Withdrawal effects are similar to other opioids and include:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
- Increased tearing
- Insomnia
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Dilated pupils
- Goosebumps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Withdrawal, also called “dope sickness,” is often the first sign of Vicodin addiction. The more frequently someone takes Vicodin, the higher their tolerance becomes. This means they need higher doses for the same effect. This can quickly lead people to crush, snort, or mix Vicodin with alcohol and other drugs. It can also lead to illicit opioids like heroin or street fentanyl.
Long-Term Effects Vicodin
The combination of long-term acetaminophen and hydrocodone use can cause a range of health problems beyond addiction. Taking Vicodin long-term can cause:
- Permanent liver damage
- Depressed respiration
- Sleep-disordered breathing
- Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal dysregulation
- Mood disturbances
- Coma
- Seizures
Vicodin can worsen pre-existing co-occurring disorders. Frequent use can increase depression and anxiety, especially between doses. While many feel that Vicodin can help their mood and pain, these effects are temporary. Long-term damage, on the other hand, can be permanent or long-lasting.
Integrative Outpatient Treatment for Vicodin Addiction and Other Opioids in Seattle, WA
Vicodin may seem benign because it’s combined with acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. Unfortunately, Vicodin can be addictive and harmful as illicit opioids like heroin. At Northpoint Seattle, we believe in comprehensive outpatient treatment to help our community recover from opioid use. Vicodin is just one component of the opioid crisis. Northpoint Seattle serves clients in Seattle and Bellevue with our flexible integrative treatment programs.
Northpoint Seattle puts dual diagnosis first, helping clients understand the root cause of Vicodin addiction. Our individual, group, and family therapy programs help people reconnect and work through addiction recovery together. With PHP, IOP, and other outpatient programs, Northpoint Seattle can help you and your loved ones recover with safe and affordable Vicodin addiction treatment.
Call Northpoint Seattle Now to Get Started with Vicodin Addiction Treatment
Call Northpoint Seattle today at 888.483.6031 to learn more and find the right Vicodin or opioid outpatient program for you.