Hydrocodone, the main ingredient in Vicodin, has a powerful euphoric effect. The more you abuse Vicodin, the greater your dependence, the better chance you have of developing a serious addiction.
Getting help for this addiction is possible; thousands of people beat it every year. However, the best way to beat it is to stop it from escalating in the first place.
Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused medications.
Even when taken as directed by a physician, opiates like Vicodin can be incredibly risky: dependence is guaranteed—that’s how the treatment works—and for many, that means a temptation to misuse.
Tolerance and dependence don’t necessarily indicate addiction.
If you’re using Vicodin to get high or just to feel normal despite a desire to stop—you’re probably addicted. Other characteristics of Vicodin addiction include alternating methods administration: smoking, snorting, injecting–whatever delivers the desired effects, even if it’s dangerous. Vicodin overdoses are common, especially in combination with other drugs, like alcohol.
If you’re abusing Vicodin, get yourself into a detox clinic as soon as possible.
Trying to detox on your own is a far-reaching feat, but for no greater end. Under doctors’ supervision, not only will you be safe, but you’ll be made as comfortable as possible–with medicinal aid, if necessary. After detox comes long-term treatment, either inpatient, inside a facility; or outpatient–either in the clinic or somewhere else. Sobriety is a long-journey, and the terrain changes constantly; that’s why aftercare is so important; you need to stay on track, and you probably need help doing it.
If you’re taking Vicodin without a prescription, or taking higher doses than you’ve been prescribed—don’t keep it to yourself. Even if you feel like you truly need to do what you’re doing, there are undoubtedly a dozen safer options for treating pain, no matter how severe.
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