Doctor Gregory House, the lead character on the popular FOX series House, is not the only man suffering from an addiction to opiates. Although the character is a manifestation of the producer’s creative juices, the addictive symptoms he exhibits are quite similar to the very real symptoms experienced by real-life addicts.

If you are questioning whether or not you have a problem with Vicodin, chances are you probably do have an issue. What starts out as a recreational, weekend activity insidiously evolves into a full-blown addiction. In the case of Vicodin, which is a powerful opiate pain-reliever, users can become viciously addicted to the opiate narcotic in a short amount of time.

Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction

An addiction to Vicodin is characterized by the compulsive need to seek out and take Vicodin despite an onset of negative consequences, such as:

• Deteriorating physical health
• Perpetuated feelings of depression and anxiety
• Broken relationships
• Financial hardship

Essentially, if you continue using Vicodin despite your best efforts to stop and find that you have acquired a tolerance to the drug, you are more likely addicted to Vicodin. Vicodin addicts experience harsh withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of drug use. Vicodin addiction withdrawal symptoms are a key indicator of an addiction. Withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Gastro-intestinal distress
• Headaches
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Agitation and restlessness
• Loss of appetite and/or weight loss
• Mood swings

The backlash of symptoms from Vicodin withdrawal raises the importance of seeking professional treatment for a Vicodin addiction. Professionals at a residential rehab center can prescribe counter-indicative medications in order to mitigate the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Detoxifying from chemicals in a medically supervised setting is highly recommended. If you fall into the category of any of the following, you should seek professional treatment via an inpatient or outpatient treatment program:

1.     A desire to stop taking Vicodin met with the inability to stop on your own volition

2.     A tolerance to the drug; you must be higher doses in order to feel the same effects, often taking astronomical doses in a given day

3.     Withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use (i.e., if you run out of Vicodin, you begin to sweat, shake and feel nauseous)

Seeking Vicodin Rehab Help

Seeking Vicodin rehab treatment for a substance abuse problem is a noble action item. The stigma surrounding the disease of addiction has decreased in recent years. Scientific and psychological communities recognize addiction as a legitimate disease – a physical craving, a mental obsession and a spiritual malady – not merely a lack of willpower or a moral failing as has been the misconception historically.

If logistically and feasibly possible, consider inpatient rehabilitation for an opiate addiction. When in doubt, seek Vicodin abuse treatment. There are several types of residential drug rehab centers to treat a range of drug addictions. A few types include:

• Rehab centers specifically designed for women
• Teen rehab centers
• Christian rehab centers
• Substance abuse treatment centers for couples
• Natural detoxification and rehabilitation centers

The latter type of rehab boasts homeopathic remedies in the treatment of the disease of addiction. Naturally occurring substances such as herbs are administered to flush the body of chemicals without the use of Western medicine.

The Goal of Vicodin Rehabilitation Treatment

Despite the type of drug treatment program chosen, the ultimate objective remains the same across the spectrum – recover from Vicodin addiction. Emotional and spiritual healing are integral parts of the process as well. Although it may seem unreasonable to leave work, academics and family members behind, the outcome of a successful rehabilitation program – guiding Vicodin addicts toward a healthy and fulfilling life — is well worth the temporary, associated costs. There is no substitute for recovery from addiction in a safe, drug-free environment brimming with clinicians, therapists and resident assistants ready to help clients throughout the process.