Vicodin is a pain medication that combines hydrocodone, an opiate, and acetaminophen, which is less powerful but acts to intensify the effect of opioids. Vicodin acts as a depressant of the central nervous system, inhibiting the feeling of pain. Along with Percocet, Vicodin is the most commonly used prescription painkiller in the US, but due to the addictive properties of hydrocodone, the abuse of Vicodin has a negative effect on general health. Some of the side effects of Vicodin abuse include irregular heartbeat, mood swings, depression, confusion, changes in auditory and visual senses, and in particular, liver disease due to acetaminophen.
The feeling of lightheadedness and euphoria produced by Vicodin results in heavy use, and ultimately addiction, and severe physical and psychological dependency.
Vicodin Overdose Symptoms
Symptoms of Vicodin overdose can manifest with blood in the urine, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and changes in consciousness. If these symptoms occur, you must call for immediate help because these are life-threatening emergencies.
Treating Vicodin Overdose
Vicodin addiction, for many people, goes untreated until it is too late. The best way to overcome dependency is to enter a Vicodin detox and rehab treatment. Sunrise Detox Millbury offers an opioid rehab treatment that includes Vicodin medical detox with medications that counteract the effects of Vicodin and relieve withdrawal symptoms during the detox phase. We also provide cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling that includes in-depth information and strategies for a wholesome lifestyle after completing Vicodin detox.
In addition to the damage Vicodin dependency causes the body, it also puts people at risk for mental health problems such as chronic depression. At Sunrise Detox Millbury, both co-occurring disorders are treated, thereby reducing the risk of relapse after Vicodin detox and addiction recovery.