In recent years, prescription drug addiction has been on the rise. Vicodin is a prescription pain-reliever that is frequently abused. As with any opiate, Vicodin can become addictive over a relatively short period of time. If you suddenly stop taking Vicodin or even try to reduce your dosage, you may be unable to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms may occur. While not everyone who stops using Vicodin goes through withdrawal, it has become an increasingly troublesome problem.
Time Frame
Someone who starts taking Vicodin to relieve the pain of an injury or a chronic condition can slide into drug dependency in as little as two to eight weeks. In such a case, withdrawal symptoms will start within six to twelve hours and continue for about four or five days. However, withdrawal is not usually a life-threatening process. As the body adjusts to the lack of opiates, unpleasant symptoms and discomforts will gradually decline.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal include goose bumps, abnormal skin sensations, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, anxiety, shivering, increased perspiration, stomach and muscle cramps, sleep disturbances, diarrhea, chills, involuntary leg movements, increased sensitivity to pain and irritability. Although these symptoms are relatively short-lived and nonlethal, they can be extremely difficult to handle. Some people find that the symptoms are so problematic, that they will relapse and fall back into the cycle of addiction.
Solutions
Many people try to simply stop taking their medication "cold turkey." Abrupt discontinuance may lead to worse symptoms, however. If you are trying to stop taking Vicodin, you should discuss the situation with your healthcare provider. He can show you how to slowly taper your dosage and keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum. If you cannot overcome the urge to take the medication, you may need to be in a more controlled setting.
Supervised Treatment
Supervised treatment may be needed for withdrawal if your addiction is longstanding or if you can't get the support you need at home. The staff at a hospital or treatment center will usually supply medications to reduce symptoms as well as measures designed to increase your comfort during the withdrawal process. Maintenance programs are added to help prevent relapses.
Further Resources
Even when your initial withdrawal symptoms have subsided, insomnia, lethargy and depression may last for months. In addition, some people find it difficult to cope with their pain and disabilities. Other factors such as financial worries and interpersonal conflicts may have been caused by or contributed to the addiction. Ongoing support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery and counseling can help. For further resources, consult your mental health center or your healthcare practitioner.
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