Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin® detox is treatment for addiction to the brand name prescription painkiller Vicodin®, a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrocodone, which is prescribed for moderate to moderately severe pain. Vicodin® is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form and is taken every 4-6 hours by mouth. Since hydrocodone is an analgesic opiate (closely linked to Morphine) and can be habit forming, care must be taken to follow the doctor's instructions. Vicodin addiction can occur from a larger or more frequent dose is taken, or taken for longer than the doctor has prescribed.

Vicodin® addiction is on the rise in the U.S. as sales and production of hyrdocodone have increased significantly in recent years—nearly 400% between 1990 and 2000—along with diversion and illicit use. Currently, about 20 tons of hydrocodone products are used annually in the United States . Generally, Vicodin® addiction occurs by oral rather than intravenous administration.

Vicodin detox can be difficult because the drug falls into the opiate category (naturally occurring constituents of opium), causing both mental and physical addiction. Opiates travel rapidly through the bloodstream to the brain, where they stimulate opiate receptors, triggering intense feelings of pleasure and reward. (The hydrocodone in Vicodin® creates sensations of pleasure by stimulating the body’s production of Dopamine. It binds to the pain receptors in the brain so that the sensation of pain is reduced.) This quick high is followed a state of relaxation and contentment that lasts for several hours. Concurrently, opiates act directly on the respiratory center in the brainstem, causing a decrease in the breathing rate of the user. When Vicodin® and/or other opiate-derivative drugs are used incorrectly, this breathing slow-down can be dangerous and even fatal.

Vicodin® detox methods differ. Many traditional treatment centers have focused on talk therapy and the psychological aspects of addiction, while others treat the often unbearable symptoms of withdrawal. The rate of success with traditional methods, however, has been low.

A newer and quicker method of Vicondin® detox is Accelerated Neuro-Regulation (ANR), a rapid drug treatment that is being used with increasing success for opiate dependency. ANR, also known as the Waismann Methodsm (formerly rapid detox), treats Vicodin® addiction as a physical disease that can be overcome with advanced medical techniques. ANR eliminates the cravings that often accompany traditional opiate detox treatments. The Waismann Methodsm has been clinically proven to be effective for Vicodin® addiction. In fact, ANR clinics have reported success rates of nearly 64% in treating a variety of opiate addictions, including Vicodin® addiction.

If you or someone you know may be addicted to Vicodin, contact the Vicodin detox experts today and break the chain of opiate dependency.