Vicodin Addiction

Prescription Vicodin Addiction

Prescription drug addiction, particularly Vicodin addiction is an escalating problem in the United States. Though you may consistently read about illegal drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, you may be surprised to find out that prescription drug addictions, such as Vicodin, may soon be one of the most abused drugs. The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration has stated that Vicodin, or hydrocodone, is quite possibly the leading drug in prescription drug addictions. Within the last ten years, the prescription drug addiction to Vicodin has nearly quadrupled.

Warning Signs of a Prescription Vicodin Addiction

Increased amount or frequency – Someone taking a prescription drug, like Vicodin, for an extended period of time will become tolerant to the prescribed dose, and will need more of the prescription drug to feel the same effects. If you notice someone you know who prescribed to prescription drugs suddenly start to increase their dose or take it more often, it is probably due to an increased tolerance and a good warning sign of a prescription drug addiction.

Changes in Personality – Similar to other drug addictions, a change in an individual’s normal behavior, is often an indication of addiction, in this case, a prescription drug addiction. You may notice a shift in their mood, energy or motivation and their normal habits and daily routines may take second chair to the Vicodin and the “high” that results from the drug.

Withdrawal from Family, Friends or other Social Activities – An individual with a developed prescription drug addiction sometimes will suddenly lose interest in many of their usual social activities and friendships. Family may also become less important to the individual.

Prolonged Use Even After Recovery – If the person recovers from the injury or problem they were using the Vicodin for, and is continuing to take the prescription drugs or requesting prescriptions, this is often a sure sign of a prescription drug addiction, such as Vicodin. They might make up excuses claiming they are still in pain or that they need to medication for just a little longer.

Visiting Numerous Doctors to get Prescriptions – Someone with a prescription drug addiction will often times spend a great deal of time visiting different doctors in an attempt to get another prescription for prescription drugs. If you notice that the person seems to be preoccupied and almost obsessed with finding a way to obtain more prescription drugs, this is a sign that the drug has taken control of their priorities and a prescription drug addiction may be in full swing.

Prescription drug Addiction Treatment

There are addiction treatment centers across the United States, and they all offer many different treatment options for prescription drug addictions. Treatments Vicodin addictions can consist of one-on-one counseling, group meetings, family counseling, and other types of counseling when it comes to helping the recovery for not only the individual with pain killer addiction, but their whole family as well. By allowing the family to heal together along with the patients, it makes getting rid of the pain killer addiction easier on everyone involved.

The after-care is a huge part of the Vicodin addiction treatment, which is extremely beneficial. After-care is for the patient to continue receiving support after they have received treatment for their prescription drug addiction, in an attempt to continue helping them overpower their addiction. The behavior of an individual is often one biggest contributing factors of an addiction, and is no different with Vicodin addiction. By altering certain behaviors that an individual associates with the use of prescription drugs, and continuing to be supportive to the individual after they complete their treatment, there is hope that the person will feel confident enough never to have to use their drug of choice again.