Vicodin addiction often goes unnoticed. However, if Vicodin addiction continues to go unrecognized, a loved one could be at serious risk of experiencing a tragic overdose. Vicodin addiction may not only feel defeating for the individual facing it but can be devastating to family members as well. Therefore, it can be helpful for clients and family members to learn how to recognize the warning signs of Vicodin addiction. Avalon Malibu’s Vicodin Rehab Center can help people effectively overcome addiction, avoid relapse, and achieve a better quality of life.
What Is Vicodin?
Hydrocodone, a prescription drug commonly used for pain management, can also be referred to as Vicodin. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vicodin is commonly prescribed to treat severe chronic pain and is one of the most frequently authorized painkillers in the United States. If Vicodin is used for a prolonged period, however, a person may be at risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). This drug is commonly abused as it has the power to depress an individual’s central nervous system and create a sense of calm and well-being.
Vicodin Addiction Statistics
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is common for individuals to abuse alcohol and Vicodin together. All age groups may be prescribed this medicine and subsequently develop a dependence on it. Additionally, this drug is commonly encountered in dosage form in illicit traffic.
The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) reported that In 2017, there were 740 single exposures, one,810 total exposures, and one death associated with Vicodin abuse in the U.S. These statistics reflected a slight decrease compared to 2016 exposures. A separate NSDUH survey highlighted that approximately six.9 million individuals in the U.S. at the age of 12 or older abused hydrocodone that year. Although Vicodin abuse has recently declined over the years, OUD remains a prevalent issue today.
Warning Signs of Vicodin Addiction
OUD typically progresses and gets worse without professional treatment and support. Although there is no direct cause of OUD, several factors come into play. For example, genetics, social pressures, environmental stressors, psychiatric problems, and personality characteristics can play a significant role in Vicodin addiction. Warning signs usually occur that signal that an addiction is developing. It can be helpful to learn to recognize the symptoms of Vicodin addiction to catch it and receive help before it is too late. Paying attention to physical, emotional, and behavioral changes is of utmost importance.
Common warning signs of Vicodin addiction in a loved one include the following:
- Frequently appearing drowsy
- Small pupils
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Impaired judgment
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muddled thinking
- Shallow breathing and slow heart rate
- Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, and giddiness
- Withdrawing from friends and family
The Impact of Vicodin Addiction on Families
Family remains the main source of nurture, socialization, and attachment for humans. The effects of Vicodin addiction can negatively impact the entire family, including the emotional and behavioral family dynamics. Children and adult family members involved in addiction often endure poor outcomes. Therefore, the impact of Vicodin addiction on the family as a whole can be detrimental as well and merits immediate attention.
Each family member may be uniquely affected by their loved one’s addictive behaviors. It is common for family members involved to blame themselves for their loved one’s addictive behaviors. Addictive behaviors may consist of stealing from loved ones, lying, or withdrawing from family members. Severe Vicodin addiction can often leave family members experiencing the following:
- Unmet developmental needs
- Impaired attachment
- Relationship problems
- Academic challenges
- Economic hardship
- Legal problems
- Abuse, neglect, or violence
- Emotional distress
- Mental health complications
Benefits That Can Come From Seeking Professional Support
Knowing that Vicodin addiction can lead to irreversible physical health complications and even death, families need to take the right steps to manage this addiction and regain control of life. It can be challenging to accept this condition and surrender to professional care.
Family support may offer the encouragement people need to safely transition into addiction and mental health treatment. When people who are experiencing problems with addiction begin to respond to treatment, their family soon begins to experience relief as well. Other advantages that can come from entering treatment include:
- Reduced stress within the household
- Improved communication
- Conflict resolution
- Better emotion regulation
- New and improved coping strategies
Exploring Avalon Malibu’s Treatment Options
Moreover, exploring different techniques and methods at Avalon Malibu may not only address a client’s concerns but their entire families’ needs as well. Each family member can work together as a whole to heal from the effects of Vicodin addiction.
Effective methods for treating Vicodin addiction to assist in overcoming Vicodin addiction at Avalon Malibu include but are not limited to:
- Detox
- Couples and family therapy
- Group therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Motivational enhancement therapy
- Mindfulness practices
- Acupuncture
- Psychodrama
- 12-step support groups
- Non-12-Step support groups
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare planning
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Happiness is a choice at Avalon Malibu. You can resolve to choose gratefulness over regret until joy becomes your default setting. At our Malibu rehab center, we embrace symptom as a doorway to freedom. We offer evidence-based substance abuse treatment modalities with a customized treatment plan tailored to meet clients’ needs. We apply a variety of methods that have been proven to be effective. As a result, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals recover successfully from addiction. Addiction not only challenges the person who’s struggling – its impact reaches friends, family members, coworkers and others whose lives intersect with an addicted individual. Call Avalon Malibu at (844) 857-5992 for emotional and professional support with overcoming Vicodin addiction together.Â
