Vicodin is a drug used to treat pain in people. Since vicodin is a strong painkiller, it is often used to treat moderate to severe pain caused due to injuries or after surgery. Here, the users must keep in mind the fact that vicodin can be extremely addictive when taken longer or in higher dosage. Hence, its use should be restricted for the short term only else you will develop a dependency to the drug.

Here is a quick review about how vicodin abuse affects the body of the sufferer and what takes you to the road of recovery.

The Short Term Effects of Vicodin

The effects of Vicodin are not similar to everyone. It significantly varies from person to person. However, vicodin addicts often experience the following effects when take it for the short term:

• Brain Fog
• Anxiety
• Lethargy
• Fear
• Sleepiness
• Constipation
• Mood Swings
• Suppressed Respirations
• Slowed Heart Rate
• Difficulty Urinating
• Euphoria Then Depression

People who take the drug for the extended period of time become more tolerant t its short term effects. This is the reason that the addicts who have developed the dependency to the drug begin to take more than the prescribed by their doctor.

Withdrawal Symptoms –

People who have been addicted to the drug have to go through the nasty phase of withdrawal when they stop using vicodin. The withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin are quite similar to heroin. The primary symptoms associated with its withdrawal are:

• Nausea
• Restlessness
• Overall Discomfort
• Difficulty Eating
• Trouble Sleeping
• Vomiting
• Shaking
• Sweating
• Diarrhea
• Cold Sweats

Treatment and Recovery –

The treatment of vicodin addiction starts from proper detoxification. It is done in a controlled setting under the supervision of health care professionals that is safer and more comfortable than trying to detox at home. The process of detox also decreases the cravings for the drug that are a part of withdrawal.

Once a person is done with the process of detox, almost half of the treatment is done and the real treatment of medication, therapy, counseling etc. starts. Residing in the sober living environments of a rehab center where such treatments can be given to the patients is helpful for staying clean and coming up free from the risk of relapse.

Summing up –

So, if you or any of your loved ones is struggling with the addiction to Vicodin or other opiate, get in contact with a reputed rehabilitation center to get the recovery. Making the decision to get help is the first phase of treatment.