Vicodin Withdrawal
Vicodin is one of the most commonly abused prescription pain
medications today. One of the most widely prescribed medications,
Vicodin and its related medications, loricet, loritab percodan, and
oxycontin are opioid-based pain medications. Vicodin is a derivative
of opium, which is also used to manufacture heroin. Individuals with a
Vicodin addiction become deeply depressed, and their thinking,
attention, and judgement become impaired. Their thoughts dwell on the
next high, although they tell themselves they are still taking Vicodin
for pain or to avoid the withdrawal symptoms. Individuals with a
Vicodin addiction often truly feel physical pain, but it is
psychologically produced.
Individuals with a Vicodin addiction crave more Vicodin and tolerate
greater amounts of the drug to achieve their high. Vicodin addictes go
to great lengths, even breaking the law to get Vicodin. They continue
abusing Vicodin even though they suffer negative physical and social
consequences. Individuals with a Vidocin addiction are often aware of
thier addiction, but may be too embarrassed or stubborn to admit it.
If a regular Vicodin user stops taking Vicodin, he or she will
experience Vicodin Withdrawal within six to twelve hours but the
symptoms are usually not life-threatening. The intensity of Vicodin
Withdrawal depends on the degree of the Vicodin addiction. For
example, the symptoms of withdrawal from Vicodin may grow stronger for
twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a
period of seven to fourteen days.
The symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include but are not limited to:
restlessness
muscle pain
bone pain
insomnia
diarrhea
vomiting
cold flashes
goose bumps
involuntary leg movements
watery eyes
runny nose
loss of appetite
irritability
panic
nausea
chills
The length of time these symptoms persist also varies. A small habit
may result in a short withdrawal period of 3 or 4 days and only
produce a few symptoms. Larger habits may cause symptoms that last for
weeks. The typical opiate withdrawal period is around 7 days, with the
most intense symptoms peaking about 72 hours after last use. Because
of the length of the physical and psychological withdrawal process, it
is extremely difficult for people to get through it without the help
of a detox center. Most people will break down after 2 or 3 days and
return to using drugs.
Some detox centers do not medicate their patients during withdrawal.
This unpleasant method is known as "cold turkey" and here at Club Soba
Detox, we don't believe in it. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can produce
potentially dangerous health situations including elevation in blood
pressure and dehydration. Left untreated, the pain of the withdrawal
symptoms can make it psychologically difficult to stay in the
detoxification facility and makes the client more likely to leave
detox prematurely.
That said, other detox facilities will overmedicate patients to the
point where they are incoherent throughout their stay. They will
medicate with large doses of other opiates or methadone for 7 days and
discharge the patient with minimal follow-up. Substituting other drugs
for the opiates only delays the onset of withdrawal symptoms. The
person will leave the program feeling fine, but fall back into
full-blown withdrawal as the detox medications wear off.
At Club Soba Detox, we use a mainly buprenorphine-based medication
that effectively manages opiate withdrawal symptoms. This medication
allows our clients to remain comfortable and alert during their stay
with us. We supplement the buprenorphine with a number of other
medications to treat any discomfort that may arise. Buprenorphine also
allows the client to leave detox with virtually no withdrawal
symptoms. This treatment has been highly effective in treating
dependence and addiction to synthetic opiates including Vicodin.
Soba Living is licensed by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs
