Vicodin is a prescription painkiller developed for the management of chronic, acute, or even moderate pain. It is made up of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid which activates the same neuro receptors of the brain as opiate drugs like heroin.
Due to its high dependency levels, it is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Vicodin tablets can be swallowed, mixed with drinks and alcohol, crushed and snorted, or even injected. Teens with substance abuse problems often tend to steal, trade, or sell their prescriptions for profit in black markets to obtain drugs of their choice.
Though it may be difficult to recognize Vicodin abuse, it becomes evident after you know how to recognize the signs of Vicodin abuse. Here are some major signs of Vicodin abuse:
Parents need to be careful while dealing with Vicodin abuse amongst teenagers. Parents need to watch out for frequent intake of prescribed Vicodin at irregular times of the day, combing of medicine cabinets in the house, or frequent complaints of pain in order to obtain a prescription.
Withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin addiction include:
The two active ingredients of Vicodin have complimentary functions, but they are both painkillers. While acetaminophen treats the fever and pain, hydrocodone binds with the neuro receptors thus numbing the pain.
Due to the sense of euphoria Vicodin produces, people with prescriptions also tend to get addicted to the drug. Over a period–of–time, the body develops a tolerance to the drug thereby demanding a stronger dose to experience the expected “high.” Stronger or more doses of Vicodin are very dangerous for the liver and mixing Vicodin with either alcohol or other drugs may prove to be fatal.
Treatment for Vicodin addiction depends upon the intensity and frequency of the drug abuse. A holistic treatment program for Vicodin addiction includes medication, a supervised detox program, counselling, and therapy sessions. A detox treatment process includes a set of interventions that remove toxins from the body with the help of medications and 24/7 supervision by a nurse while detoxing. This also helps effectively reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure medical stabilization of the patient.
Adeona Healthcare, the leading mental health and addiction treatment provider for teens aged 12-17, understands that each teen is special and unique in their own way. That is why, we offer a comprehensive treatment policy that includes not only peer group therapy but also amalgamates individual therapy, one-on-one therapy, family therapy, and other alternative therapies like yoga, exercise, and art therapy. Different combinations of therapies can help a teen gain control over their impulses, vent their feelings, and share their emotions and thoughts, thus allowing them to let go and accept themselves gradually.
Our multidisciplinary team is committed to the recovery of our young patients. For more information about our teenage rehab facilities, call our 24/7 helpline 888-379-9360 and speak to a member from our admissions team. You can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.
