If you take Vicodin chances are you are dependent on it, if not addicted to it. Vicodin is a highly addictive opiate that causes problems in many people around the country. The worst part about stopping Vicodin use is the Vicodin withdrawal symptoms.
Treating these symptoms is the only way to successfully get off Vicodin.
Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal
Vicodin withdrawal has a very specific set of symptoms that are common to all opiates. According to the National Library of Medicine, these symptoms come in beginning and late stages and can occur if you are addicted to Vicodin or are trying to cut back.
Beginning Symptoms of Withdrawal
Beginning stages start between 6 and 12 hours after the lowered or last dose of Vicodin. These are:
- insomnia
- anxiety
- cravings
- muscle aches
- joint pain
- agitation
- yawning
- sweating
These stages often continue into the later stages of withdrawal.
Late Stage Symptoms of Withdrawal
Loss of pleasure is a late stage symptom of Vicodin withdrawal.
The late stages start a few days after the last or reduced dose. The later symptoms of withdrawal are:
- abdominal cramping
- diarrhea
- dilated pupils
- aggression
- irritability
- nausea
- vomiting
- depression
- loss of pleasure
Although these symptoms do not seem severe by themselves, they can be extremely painful and disturbing. Many people who try to withdrawal alone find themselves going to a hospital because of them.
To find a treatment center to help you with these symptoms call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? . We can help you get through all of the stages of withdrawal.
Treating Just the Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal
In some cases, doctors treat just the symptoms of withdrawal as they come on. They do this with medications like:
- anti-nausea
- anti-emetics
- anti-diarrheals
- other over the counter medications
It is important not to treat the pain with an opiate pain killer since that is just furthering the addiction. This is the most difficult way to withdrawal from Vicodin because of the risk of relapse.
Treating Vicodin Withdrawal with Medication
Many treatment centers will treat the withdrawal symptoms with a opiate replacement medication. These medications help stop withdrawal and cravings so you do not have to suffer. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these medications are:
Some of these are maintenance medications that treat chronic pain and the withdrawal. These medications are only available when you are in treatment for Vicodin addiction. They are highly controlled and offered at specialized treatment facilities.
Is Vicodin Withdrawal Dangerous Without Professional Treatment?
Treating Vicodin Withdrawal in a Treatment Center
One of the best options for treating Vicodin withdrawal is in a treatment center. There are two main types of treatment centers, inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient treatment centers are residential facilities and have a high success rate due to the intensive treatment. You also will not have the drugs, your dealer, or your triggers surrounding you while you are in withdrawal.
Outpatient treatment centers are effective but you are still exposed to the things that caused you to start using Vicodin in the first place. You visit these treatment centers daily, monthly, or weekly depending on your treatment phase and the level of your addiction.
Regardless of the type of treatment center you will have access to:
- symptom treatment
- medication for withdrawal and maintenance
- counseling services
- doctors
- support staff
Finding a treatment center that provides these services gives you the best chance of treating your Vicodin withdrawal without a relapse. To find the right treatment center for you call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? .
