How to Detox From Vicodin Safely
Vicodin is a combination drug of hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. It is a potent drug to relieve moderate to severe pain.
Due to the high possibility of abuse and physical dependence, the DEA has listed it under the Schedule II category.
Hydrocodone acts on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to provide analgesia. This action is responsible for the feelings of euphoria in people who are addicted to Vicodin.
8-12% of people prescribed opioid analgesics like Vicodin end up abusing them. Understanding the health risks and the detox process is vital because Vicodin has a strong potential for addiction.
What is a Vicodin Detox?
Vicodin detox is the process of slowly weaning yourself off of the opioid. This is often accomplished with an opioid taper (Subutex, Suboxone) and other medications that assist in withdrawal symptoms in inpatient detox facilities.
Understanding the detoxing process from Vicodin is essential for safe withdrawal from the drug. Here are some things you will want to consider when detoxing from Vicodin:
- Do not abruptly stop taking Vicodin without consulting your doctor first
- You can become dependent on Vicodin even after a few doses, so tapering off the drug is essential
- A detox may be uncomfortable; with people complaining of flu-like symptoms, this is normal, and the detox process is relatively safe
- The best course of action would be to detox from Vicodin under the supervision of a doctor or a treatment professional. Zinnia Health can help you with this process and help you get through the withdrawal process
How Long Will a Vicodin Detox Last?
It takes an average of one to two days after your last dose for Vicodin to be cleared from the body. This timeframe can vary depending on how high the dosage is and how sensitive the Vicodin test is, either through urine or a blood test.
People who take Vicodin may experience withdrawal symptoms even after just a few doses. This is why it’s important to withdraw from the drug under medical supervision.
Abruptly stopping the drug can lead to an increased risk for seizures and other serious side effects, including death.
Answering these questions may help determine the severity and length of time for withdrawal:
1. How long have you been using Vicodin?
People who have been taking Vicodin for a long time may find the detox process more challenging. This challenge is caused by the changes in the nerve receptors that have been brought about by prolonged use of the drug. However, people who have been using Vicodin for a shorter time may find it easier to withdraw from the drug.
2. What dose of the drug did you take?
Determining the dosage and tolerance of the drug may help determine the severity of the withdrawal symptoms. The lower the dosage and the less frequent the administration, the easier it may be to withdraw completely.
3. How severe is the addiction?
People who have severe addiction may develop a high tolerance to the drug. It has been suggested that opioid replacement therapy may be a good option for people addicted to Vicodin. In addition to medical treatments, psychological assistance may be needed to withdraw from Vicodin successfully.
4. Cold turkey or tapering off?
Going cold turkey is not ideally recommended for people who have been using Vicodin for an extended time. Tapering off will allow your nervous system to adjust to functioning without the drug. As your body adapts, the withdrawal symptoms are likely to subside.
5. What are other contributing factors?
Genetic factors and personal habits may also affect sensitivity to drug withdrawal. No two people can be expected to react the same way to detox treatment.
These extensive variables make it hard to set a definite time frame for withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak from three to five days after the last Vicodin dose.
These symptoms may carry on for several weeks or months as your body adapts to not having the drug in your system.
Support is available for people who want to detox from Vicodin, and you can contact Zinnia Health for help.
What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms During a Vicodin Detox?
Some of the common symptoms associated with Vicodin withdrawal are the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loose stools
- Flu-like symptoms (chills, muscle aches, fatigue)
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
What Types of Treatment Are Used During a Vicodin Detox?
Medical management and lifestyle modifications are essential in safely detoxing from Vicodin. Buprenorphine and methadone are often used to treat Vicodin withdrawal.
Lifestyle modifications and inpatient detox therapies to help with detoxing from Vicodin can involve the following:
- Individual therapy
- Drinking more water
- Group therapy
- Exercise
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Meditation
- Yoga
Long-term treatment is essential for people who have been dependent on Vicodin for a long time.
Treatment does not end with detox, as you will need continuous support to overcome withdrawal symptoms and possible relapse.
It is essential to keep off Vicodin during your withdrawal period to ensure that your treatment is effective. If not, the cycle may begin again, and you may use the drug again.
Can You Detox From Vicodin at Home or Not?
Due to the severity of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, at-home detox from Vicodin is not typically recommended.
If you are prescribed Vicodin by your doctor, you may be able to discuss gradually decreasing your dose over time.
However, if you have been abusing your medication, or taking it with other substances, it is extremely important that you are honest with your doctor.
Inpatient Vicodin detox is the best path forward if you have found yourself addicted to this medication.
How to Find a Vicodin Detox Center Near Me
Zinnia Health has made it easy to find a Vicodin detox center near you. We offer addiction treatment programs at facilities around the country.
To find one near you, click here and type in the kind of treatment you’re looking for and your state.
If you’re ready to stop using Vicodin or other drugs for good, Zinnia Health is here for you. We offer medically supervised detox at our treatment centers around the country.
Getting off the Vicodin high can be a challenging process. However, with the right resources and a sound support system, you can kick the habit and live a fulfilling life without the need for Vicodin.
Determining the best treatment process is the key to safely detoxing from Vicodin.
If you’re considering stopping Vicodin, talk to a health professional who can guide you through a safe detox process. Zinnia Health has health professionals who can help you recover from Vicodin addiction safely and effectively. Reach out to Zinnia Health to start your recovery today. Call (855) 430-9439 to speak with us.
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