Vicodin Detox Centers

Vicodin & Lortab: Partners In Crime

Vicodin and Lortab are well-known prescription medications, primarily used pain for relief. Although they have different names, they are both essentially the same drug branded and packaged in different ways. Both Vicodin and Lortab contain the active ingredient hydrocodone, a powerful opioid. Opioids like Vicodin and Lortab can be extremely addictive, even when taken as prescribed. Once someone becomes addicted to Vicodin, the risk of drug tolerance and/or dependency increases. Getting help from a Vicodin detox center can be the safest and most effective way to overcome addiction. It’s never too late to take the first step toward recovery.

When Is A Vicodin Detox Center Recommended?

Professional detox is always recommended for those who desire to quit using Vicodin/Lortab. The importance of seeking professional care in this process increases greatly based on the extent of misuse (duration of use, amounts used, etc.). There are 3 situations in which Vicodin detox centers can be especially critical:

History of Relapse

Anyone who has tried to quit in the past, but found themselves unable to quit, or were unable to remain free of drugs, should seek the help of Vicodin detox centers. Vicodin and Lortab are powerful narcotic drugs, and quitting can be incredibly challenging, both mentally and physically. Quality medical care and purposeful therapy interventions can minimize the pain and improve the odds of lasting recovery.

Co-Occurring Physical Health Issues

Prolonged use of Vicodin can negatively affect the body in substantial ways. During detox, the entire body will be adjusting to functioning without the help of the drug. In most cases, the body will begin restoring normal function, and while this is happening, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and increased blood glucose levels may be the result. Vicodin/Lortab detox will disrupt the bodies of even the healthiest people. For anyone with a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, there is danger in attempting to detox without medical supervision.

Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues

Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are all very common symptoms of Vicodin/Lortab withdrawal. These symptoms can be problematic on their own, but when they are combined with existing mental illness, they can make life downright insufferable. The pre-existing illness and the withdrawal symptoms can amplify each other and make the entire experience more unpleasant, while also increasing the risk of suicide. Vicodin detox centers will not only have doctors and staff psychiatrists who can help treat these symptoms medically, but they will also provide access to various forms of therapy that work to address some of the underlying mental illness symptoms. No one has to go through this alone. Mental health is a serious topic that demands serious attention, and Vicodin detox centers will be ready to help.

The Intake Process

The intake process will be part of a series of “firsts” on the road to recovery. It’s important to remember that simply walking in the doors of a Vicodin detox center is a vital first step. From there, the staff will work to gather personal information, assess the situation, and initiate treatment as soon as possible. Individual processes may vary, and the condition of the person entering the detox facility may affect the intake experience, but the basics remain the same:

1. Check-In: Paperwork will be completed at this time. The staff will need to gather information on insurance, primary care providers, and emergency contacts. In some cases, health history documents must be completed at this time.
2. Assessment: Someone will check vital signs like blood pressure and body temperature, and will likely draw some blood for toxicology tests. The medical staff will also be looking for symptoms of detox. Sweating, shaking, restlessness, and yawning are among the visible signs that someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This is also the time when the staff will ask questions to determine the nature of the addiction. If the medical staff can determine the scope of the past drug use, they can more accurately predict a timeline for symptoms to come and go.
3. Begin Treatment: Once the staff has enough information, they can begin treatment. The exact first steps would vary from person to person based on what needs are most urgent, but stabilizing the patient, and initiating medical treatment will be the top priority.

In the end, the intake process is all about establishing a baseline of understanding, and a starting off point for effective care.

Medical Monitoring of Vicodin Detox

Medical monitoring is an essential element of a Vicodin detox center. 24/7 observation and care will provide peace of mind during the most difficult days of detox. While very rarely fatal, Vicodin/Lortab can be an extremely uncomfortable and painful experience. Medical monitoring during the most active phases of detox will be important to ensure symptoms are treated as efficiently as possible.

To a certain degree, the symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal are unavoidable, but their severity can depend on many factors including medical history (pre-existing conditions, including mental health) and the history and extent of Vicodin use. The most dangerous symptoms will be watched closely:

• Vomiting and Diarrhea. Without close medical care and interventions, these symptoms can be deadly. Dehydration is a real threat at this stage.
• Hypertension (elevated blood pressure). Blood pressure spikes can cause fainting and may increase the risk of stroke. Hypertension can be treated easily but the risks must be monitored closely.

There are many other symptoms of Vicodin or Lortab detox that will be closely monitored. Although less dangerous, they are by no means less painful. Cold and flu-like symptoms are the most common:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Muscle/joint aches and pains
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Insomnia

Mental wellness will be observed and treated as well. Typical symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings

Although the list of side effects and medical dangers may appear intimidating, detox isn’t likely to be dangerous with the assistance of Vicodin detox centers.

Medications Used By Vicodin Detox Centers

Medical therapy can help ease the pain of Vicodin and Lortab detox. Medications can be used to treat both physical and mental symptoms. The exact medications and their doses will vary from person to person, but there are some common medications used during this time:

• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication used for managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine works by binding with opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t produce the “high” commonly associated with Vicodin or Lortabuse. Buprenorphine is typically combined with naloxone to help prevent misuse. Buprenorphine would be prescribed as part of a long-term treatment plan.
• Methadone: Methadone is FDA-approved and has a long history and proven track record of treating opioid use disorder. Though commonly associated with heroin use, methadone can be effective in treating withdrawal symptoms as part of a long-term treatment plan for Vicodin/Lortab detox.
• Lofexidine: In 2018, the FDA approved the first non-opioid medication for the treatment of opioid withdrawal in the form of Lucemyra. This medication can help most of the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Aside from medications specific to opioid detox, there are many other medications that can help treat individual symptoms as they arise. Some of these may include:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants may be prescribed to correct the brain chemistry that can be responsible for depressed moods. One of the most common biological reasons for depression during Vicodin/Lortab detox is an imbalance in serotonin, and the most prescribed antidepressants will work to improve the serotonin response in the brain. Antidepressants can also be used to treat chronic anxiety.
• Anti-Anxiety Medication: Anxiety will be prevalent during the early days of Vicodin/Lortab detox. As mentioned, some antidepressants can be prescribed to treat chronic anxiety by improving brain chemistry and neural connections. There are additional medications that can be used to treat acute anxiety symptoms. These medications are typically taken on an as-needed basis.
• Sleep Aids: Sleep patterns will be completely disrupted during Vicodin/Lortab detox. Sleep aid medications may be prescribed to promote healthy sleep. Most sleep aids are non-habit-forming and safe to take during detox.

Therapy During Vicodin Detox

Talk therapy during Vicodin/Lortab detox an invaluable, and often overlooked component of long-term recovery. Talk therapy can take many forms, and when combined with medical therapy, can dramatically improve the chances of recovery. Patients in Vicodin detox centers will have access to therapy during their time at the facility. Some of the forms of therapy offered would include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most common forms of talk therapy used today. This evidence-based form of therapy is so effective because it helps participants address the patterns of thoughts and beliefs that lead to certain behaviors. CBT can provide tools for dealing with adversity and challenges (coping skills), situational awareness (cravings and risk reduction), and problem-solving skills. The gateway to CBT provided during Vicodin or Lortab detox will remain an integral part of the recovery process

12 Step Programs

Vicodin detox centers will offer access to 12 step programs that have been helping people recover from addiction for decades. 12 step programs are abstinence-based and focused on spiritual growth through fellowship and service. 12 step programs are led by peers – those who suffer from the same addiction to Vicodin – and meetings can be found in nearly every major city during all of the hours of the day. Help is never far away with 12 step programs.

Support Groups

Vicodin or Lortab use is a problem that affects people from all walks of life, and in some communities, there can be a deep social stigma surrounding drug use and addiction. Support groups provide a sense of belonging and connection. When combined with other forms of therapy, support groups can fill a critical need in addiction recovery.

Continuing Vicodin or Lortab Addiction Treatment

Completing Vicodin detox is a major milestone in recovery, but detoxifying the body of drugs is only a step in the overall journey. It is typically recommended that ongoing intensive therapy be incorporated following detox. Vicodin/Lortab outpatient treatment is a vital next step. Intensive Outpatient Treatment will offer ongoing therapy and addiction treatment on a scheduled basis, with the flexibility to attend therapy on a schedule that aligns with work, school, or other obligations. Whatever the next step may be, recovery begins with a quality detox experience.