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Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction has been in the news in recent years. Radio personality Rush Limbaugh admitted to misusing this drug. But what is vicodin, and what kind of addition does it produce?

Vicodin is a powerful painkiller. It consists of acetaminophen, which most people know as Tylenol, and hydrocodone, an opium-based cough suppressant. The acetaminophen stops pain-causing prostoglandins and the hydrocodone binds to pain receptors to block pain.

Most people who become addicted start by using it after an accident or surgery. But because this drug is an opiate, its use can easily result in an vicodin addiction similar to heroin. Patients quickly build up a tolerance, and require more of the drug to satisfy their needs. This is especially true for people who develop chronic pain which is why it is sometimes called accidental addiction, since the person did not intent to take vicodin for recreational use.

Once a person has developed the addiction, he will keep taking the drug to avoid the symptoms of withdrawal. These symptoms are very unpleasant. They include pain, cold sweats, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, panic attacks, and depression. Continued use of vicodin leads to more tolerance and the need for larger doses. A vicious cycle develops that is very difficult to break.

Besides the debilitating effects of the addiction, people can go to the length of breaking the law to get vicodin. Many lives have been ruined this way and it makes you realize that their is little difference between becoming addicted this drug and the illegal equivalents.

The only treatment for a vicodin addiction is to go through withdrawal. Some people try to do this on their own, but few succeed as the symptoms quickly become unbearable for most who attempt it. The better alternative is to go to a rehab facility where patients can be monitored by medical professionals. Some addicts can stop cold turkey, but others may take up to thirty or more pills a day, and have to cut down gradually.

Vicodin is a two-edged sword, that can alleviate and also cause pain so treat it with the respect it deserves.

A popular prescription drug which is being prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain is creating Dilaudid Addiction among many of its users. Dilaudid is an opiate which also goes by the name hydromorphone and is much more potent than morphine. It is often prescribed to ease painful dry coughs and for patients suffering from cancer.

This is a very addictive drug, and it is possible to develop this addiction to dilaudid in a few weeks if you are taking high doses. Over medication of dilaudid can also lead to addiction. People who are alcoholics and drug users are more susceptible to dependency on this drug. Dilaudid can be administered orally through pills or syrup and intravenously and some addicts crush the pills and snort the drug to get a faster high.

Dilaudid works by altering the perception of pain and creates a feeling of euphoria in the brain. This sweet numbness is felt within fifteen minutes after taking this drug and the longer the time of drug usage the harder it becomes to accomplish the high. The futile attempts to chase the high will start the dangerous cycle of physical and psychological dependence. It is easy to develop a tolerance for dilaudid and this cause some people to become addicted without their knowing what is happening to them. They only become aware that they have a problem when their doctor refused to refill their prescription and they find themselves desperately shopping for a doctor to prescribe their drug.

The physical symptoms of the addiction to dilaudid can include drymouth, muscle and bone pain, dizziness and some obvious signs are cardiac arrest, shock, coma and a loss of skeletal muscles. Pshychological symptoms are brutal bouts of insomnia, withdrawal from relationships and restlessness.

Dilaudid addiction help

This is a serious addiction and a person who is addicted should seek treatment. It is possible to quit this addiction, but it should not be attempted cold turkey. A dilaudid addict will experience withdrawal symptoms within five hours after their last dose. The symptoms of withdrawal can continue for a few weeks; depending on the duration of the drug therapy.