
Medically Reviewed By: Benjamin Caleb Williams RN, BA, CEN
Written By: Gary Bowers
Article Updated: 01/22/2021
For someone who has become addicted or dependent upon Vicodin, quitting can seem like an overwhelming obstacle. Many who suffer from addiction to opioids like these fear the pain of withdrawal so much, they continue to use, even when they want to quit. Detox from these drugs can be done safely with medical supervision, and Vicodin detox centers are here to help. Here, we will take a look at when a Vicodin detox center may be recommended, the intake process, and what treatments these facilities provide.
In This Article:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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 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:
In the end, the intake process is all about establishing a baseline of understanding, and a starting off point for effective care.
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:
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:
Mental wellness will be observed and treated as well. Typical symptoms include:
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.
Vicodin Withdrawal TimelineMedical 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:
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:
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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