About Opiate Addictions

More and more individuals are living daily with widespread chronic pain, which may become so debilitating, it is difficult to hold down a job or function normally. Routines such as dressing, teeth brushing, and even combing one’s hair can hurt, and there may even be mornings when getting out of bed seems a daunting task. A family physician may diagnose the pain as from an injury, arthritis or autoimmune disorder. He then may prescribe a medication called Hydrocodone, which is a combination of acetaminophen and an opiate.

In the beginning, a small dose will work to control pain for up to six hours, but after a month or more, a higher dose may be needed. This is because a patient may easily become immune to the medication’s effects. For those individuals, asking their physician to increase the dosage, running out of medication before the month is up, or searching on the Internet for the drug or elsewhere, means Vicodin addiction treatment may be necessary.

Vicodin goes by the names Hydrocodone, Hydrocet, Lorcet, Lortab, and Norco to name a few. Because it is an opiate and narcotic, it is used to stop pain and calm the mood by binding pain receptors in the brain. Because Hydrocodone is mixed with acetaminophen, it is more difficult to abuse it for fear of overdose, but when it is abused, it can be tragic because high doses of acetaminophen cause liver damage over a period of time. Some addicts will try to remove the acetaminophen using a process to separate it from the opiate.

Treatment centers are invaluable at helping an addict overcome addiction and return to a productive, drug free life. At first, medications will be given to help ease the withdrawals during the transition toward better health. Counselors will be available to help delve into what caused the addiction and any addictive personality traits. Group therapy may also be available along with family involvement and encouragement. Addictions are challenging, but with the right care and a willingness to get clean, one can overcome addictions.

Learn more about Vicodin addiction treatment [http://www.spiritualriver.com/vicodin-addiction-treatment/] and also about methadone abuse [http://www.spiritualriver.com/methadone-abuse/].