What Is Naltrexone? 

Naltrexone is a medication that the Federal Drug Administration approved to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. People often take opioids to feel the euphoric effects that the drug produces, but naltrexone blocks these effects so that the user cannot experience them. By binding to opioid receptors and blocking them, naltrexone also helps to reduce cravings. It is considered a safe option for individuals with opioid use disorder because it does not have addictive properties.  

You have the option of taking naltrexone in pill form. The dose is 50 milligrams each day, but you may also take an injection of naltrexone, which is an extended-release form. In this case, you would receive a 380-mg injection into your muscle every month. Lastly, you may be able to receive implantable pellets, and they are another extended-release option.  

Benefits of Naltrexone Therapy

Naltrexone treats people with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, but it is for a segment of the population who has been through a detox program and is in treatment to help them move forward on their journeys to sobriety. Naltrexone assists them in continuing to abstain from opioids or alcohol by eliminating cravings for their drugs of choice and blocking the effects of drugs or alcohol while they are recovering. It is instrumental in helping people remain sober in the long term.  

Therapists include naltrexone in the treatment plans they develop for their clients with opioid use or alcohol use disorder. Along with the medication that gives them the positive benefits described above, these clients also receive counseling in their treatment programs. They may also participate in behavioral therapies that treat substance use disorders.  

Potential Side Effects of Naltrexone 

You may experience side effects while taking naltrexone. Naltrexone side effects include the following: 

• Rash
• Joint or muscle pain
• Drowsiness
• An increase or decrease in energy levels
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Fearfulness
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping or pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea

If any of the above symptoms are very severe or they do not seem to be going away, you must inform your physician.  

The following naltrexone side effects are serious, so you should not wait to inform your doctor if you experience them: 

• Severe vomiting with or without diarrhea
• Blurry vision
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Confusion

You must stop taking naltrexone if you experience the following naltrexone side effects: 

• Jaundice of the eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Light-colored bowel movements
• Pain in the upper portion of the stomach that lasts longer than a couple of days
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Excessive tiredness

You must report the naltrexone side effects listed above to your physician immediately upon experiencing them.  

Is Naltrexone Right for Me? 

You or your loved one may be recommended for naltrexone treatment if alcohol dependence is moderate to severe. Criteria for being a good candidate for naltrexone include drinking alcohol on more than 50% of days in the year, consuming more than five drinks daily, experiencing alcohol-related issues, and having a history of unsuccessfully attempting to quit drinking. If you tried to quit drinking in the past and failed but are highly motivated to succeed in reducing or stopping your consumption of alcohol, considering naltrexone treatment would be an excellent plan for you.  

Your physician will require you to abstain from alcohol before you can begin treatment with naltrexone. If you can abstain for several days before your treatment starts, this will indicate that you are motivated enough to begin treatment with naltrexone.  

Should I Take Naltrexone? 

Before you ask this question, you must consider the following. Naltrexone may or may not be appropriate for you even if you fit the description above. Before you commit to naltrexone therapy, discuss this issue with your doctor first. Naltrexone therapy may be the perfect solution for you, or your doctor may have an option that may be better.  

The Effectiveness of Naltrexone 

Naltrexone is an effective treatment for alcohol use disorder. It is also prescribed to prevent relapse in people who have completed an opioid detoxification program. To obtain the greatest effects, the person must be involved in a comprehensive management program that provides the person with additional support. Research studies conducted on naltrexone demonstrated that it is effective for the treatment of alcohol use disorder if people also receive counseling and psychosocial support.  

Success Stories From Those Who Used Naltrexone 

Many reviews posted on WebMD demonstrate the effectiveness of naltrexone for treating alcohol or opioid use disorders. For example, one person stated that he drank heavily every day for the past 12 years, but he “desperately wanted to quit.” After beginning treatment with naltrexone, he needed less than 24 hours to make a positive difference. He took the first pill in the middle of having a drink, and it stopped his desire to continue drinking within 30 minutes. He doesn’t even have any cravings.  

Another user has been taking naltrexone for one month. During that time, he didn’t have the desire to drink any alcohol. Unlike the first testimonial, this user has experienced some cravings, but he stated that they were decreasing in severity. This former drinker used to consume one or two bottles of wine daily for the past 10+ years. He is experiencing a few minor side effects, such as ringing in the ears, low libido, and foods tasting different, but he isn’t experiencing as much depression. He stated that he is less emotional but experiences anxiety at times. He believes that naltrexone must be a miracle because he has not had one drink since taking it, and he was at an extremely high level of consumption.  

This last person was wary of taking naltrexone, but he is glad that he decided to do it. He states that he has had an alcohol use disorder for most of his life, but when he is taking naltrexone, he can reduce his consumption to a normal level. He also states that the cravings he experiences are relatively minor. He gives naltrexone the credit for being able to work in a career he loves and giving him the ability to improve his life.  

Most of the reviews for naltrexone were excellent, but there were a few lower reviews. For effectiveness, 81 people gave it five-star reviews while 32 people gave it one-star reviews. Also, 11 people gave it two-star reviews, 23 people gave it three-star reviews, and 28 people gave it four-star reviews. The majority of reviewers were happy with the results they received from this drug, so it may be worth a try for you as well.  

Treatment Considerations and Options 

You may receive naltrexone at Granite Recovery Centers. Your therapist will prescribe the dose that you will need to treat your alcohol use or opioid use disorder. This may be one tablet each day, one tablet every other day, one tablet every three days, or one tablet a day except Sunday. 

Naltrexone cannot help you if you do not take part in the therapy sessions that you receive in the treatment options you have at Granite Recovery Centers. The first step in your treatment for your alcohol or opioid use disorder would be to complete the detoxification program. Then, you may enter the inpatient addiction treatment program, where you will receive counseling, group sessions, and education programs.  

If you receive naltrexone medication for addiction, you must not take either prescribed or illicit opioid drugs. If you were to take these drugs at low doses, the naltrexone would prevent you from feeling the effects. If you were to ingest opioid drugs at high doses while on naltrexone, you would be in danger of experiencing a serious injury or falling into a coma. You might even die.  

The Benefits of Personalized Treatment Plans 

You are not like anyone else in the world. Each person is different, so drug and alcohol treatment centers must treat each addiction with a personalized treatment plan. For example, your personal history, social factors, and co-occurring mental health conditions play a role in the reason that you became addicted to alcohol or opioids. These differences require personalized treatments, so that is why we will get to know you and your history before we develop your treatment plan at Granite Recovery Centers. This ensures that our therapists address all of your issues in your therapy sessions and make sure that we can heal you in every way.  

The Role of Naltrexone in Achieving Lasting Sobriety 

Naltrexone is a medication that is highly advantageous to those experiencing alcohol use or opioid use disorders. It is instrumental in keeping you on your way to sobriety after you complete the detoxification process. Because you are taking naltrexone, you are less likely to relapse and return to substance use.  

Although naltrexone treatment options give you hope that you will be able to stop your use of alcohol or opioids sooner rather than later, it is a medication that does not work for everyone. You must gather as much information as you can from professionals before you will be able to begin naltrexone for addiction treatment.  

You will find the support that you need to select the appropriate naltrexone treatment options. Once you find them, you will be on your way to sobriety with determination. 

The post Exploring Naltrexone: A Comprehensive Guide to Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Disorders appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

What to Know About Dilaudid Addiction and Treatment

Dilaudid is a powerful prescription painkiller. When users develop a tolerance to the drug, they often start taking more and more and develop a dependency. The best way to end this cycle of addiction is to get proper addiction treatment. Read on to learn more about this drug and where you can turn if you or a loved one needs help with opioid addiction.

What Is Dilaudid?

Dilaudid is a semi-synthetic opioid for pain relief that is also known as hydromorphone. The drug was first synthesized in Germany in the early 20th century and first marketed in the United States in the 1920s.

Dilaudid is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It can be used before or after surgery, as well as during labor and childbirth. It’s also prescribed to manage cancer-related pain, chronic back pain, and other medical conditions that might require long-term use.

How Does Dilaudid/Hydromorphone Work?

Dilaudid affects the central nervous system, which is how it works to relieve pain all over the body. It does this by activating opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. In particular, the drug acts on the mu opioid receptors, which play a big part in controlling our perception of pain.

Due to the effects of Dilaudid on mu opioid receptors, you will experience a warm, euphoric feeling when using this drug. It can also slow breathing and heart rate, so people using Dilaudid must take their dosage orally as directed to avoid any negative side effects. In addition, it has a long half-life, so it builds up in your system over time, requiring that you take more of the drug to achieve the same results.

How Common Is Dilaudid Abuse?

When taken as prescribed, Dilaudid is very safe when used responsibly. However, when abused, it can become extremely dangerous and addictive. According to recent statistics, approximately 2 million people in the U.S. misuse opioid prescription medications and/or heroin.

The danger of addiction to opioid pain medication is high, and it becomes even higher when drug abusers combine Dilaudid with other drugs such as alcohol. This combination increases the risk of serious injury or death, but people who use Dilaudid for recreational purposes often mix it with alcohol anyway because they believe it will reduce negative side effects such as nausea and drowsiness.

The problem with Dilaudid often starts when people try to get rid of their pain but need more and more to feel the same effects. It also happens when people misuse the drug, such as by crushing up the tablet and injecting it into their veins, which is extremely dangerous.

People who take Dilaudid for recreational purposes do so because of its ability to make them feel euphoric and carefree. Since the drug is very powerful, it can cause respiratory depression, which can be fatal. Additionally, if someone has ingested too much Dilaudid, their lips will become extremely dry, and breathing will become difficult if not impossible.

What Are the signs of Dilaudid Abuse?

Dilaudid is commonly abused by taking it orally, placing it in the cheek, and letting it dissolve slowly. Others crush up the tablet into a powder and then snort it or inject it. Several signs can indicate that you have become addicted to Dilaudid. These include:

• Having a hard time cutting back on the amount you’re using
• Spending a lot of time using Dilaudid, thinking about how to get more, and recovering from its effects
• Using Dilaudid even though it’s causing problems in your life
• Failing to meet your responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as muscle aches and pains, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, insomnia, runny nose, and yawning
• Developing a tolerance and needing more to get high
• Neglecting personal hygiene and grooming habits

Side Effects of Dilaudid Abuse

People who are dependent on Dilaudid may experience short-term side effects. The most common include:

• Excessive nausea
• Sleepiness
• Itching
• Vomiting

In addition, Dilaudid can cause much worse long-term side effects. For instance, Dilaudid abusers may be at risk for:

• Collapsed veins because of repeated injections in the same area over time
• Organ damage due to dangerous methods of getting high
• Heart failure and heart attack
• Liver damage and liver disease
• Lung disease and pneumonia due to smoking opiates too quickly

Dilaudid Withdrawal Symptoms

People who have been abusing Dilaudid over a long period will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. The withdrawal symptoms from this medication might include:

• Aggression
• Muscle aches and pain
• Insomnia or restlessness
• Fever, chills, or sweating

Dilaudid Withdrawal Timeline

While it can vary depending on a person’s physiology and level of addiction, the withdrawal symptoms from Dilaudid typically follow a similar timeline. Users can expect to experience the following:

• 6 hours: Early symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.
• 10 to 12 hours: Runny nose and watery eyes along with goosebumps and night sweats
• 14 to 16 hours: Restlessness and muscle aches and pain
• 1 to 2 days: A peak in the abovementioned symptoms
• 3 to 4 days: Lingering nausea and body aches that gradually diminish

Following the initial withdrawal period, people may experience depression that can last for several weeks or more. Some experts say that most addicts will stay in this stage for up to a month before they start feeling better.

Dilaudid Withdrawal Detox Treatment

The best treatment is to stop the abuse of Dilaudid before you experience withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor tells you that you need to detox, they may prescribe phenobarbital for seizures and clonidine for high blood pressure. These medications are sometimes used for withdrawing people from opioids like Dilaudid. Other than these two medications, your doctor may also prescribe other prescription drugs for anxiety or depression.

There are several ways to detox from Dilaudid, but medical detox is always advised. Medical detox is beneficial because it can help you feel more comfortable as your body rids itself of the drug. It will also ensure that you have medical personnel nearby in case of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

What Happens in Medical Detox?

In medical detox, there will be doctors and nurses available to monitor everything about your health, including your vital signs such as blood pressure and pulse. In addition, you will be prescribed medications that can help you feel better when you’re in the early stages of withdrawal.

For instance, if you’re vomiting, you’ll get anti-nausea medication. If you have muscle aches, the doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. The goal of medical detox is to make sure that your withdrawal is as safe and easy to handle as possible.

Going to Rehab for Dilaudid Addiction

After detoxing, it’s time to seek counseling for drug addiction. If you’re addicted to Dilaudid, it is very likely that you have a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, or anxiety. This is because people often use drugs to self-medicate.

In rehab, your counselor will help you address any underlying mental health conditions so that you can live a healthier, happier life. If necessary, you will be prescribed medications to treat these conditions, which can help you avoid relapse following treatment.

In addition to counseling, rehab provides a social network where you can interact with other people who have issues similar to yours and who are also recovering from substance use disorder. This gives you a chance to build a community of friends who can help you stay sober in the future. Through support groups, you’ll learn how to deal with triggers that may lead you to use again.

Rehab is your best option when it comes to overcoming an addiction. It’s essential for anyone who has abused Dilaudid on a long-term basis because they will most likely have weakened their body, making it harder for them to stop taking the drug.

Continued-Care Options for Dilaudid Addiction Treatment

One of the best ways to ensure a lifelong recovery from addiction is to follow up your initial care with continued-care options. These programs provide a step-down option from residential treatment or inpatient rehab so that you can remain sober while living at home. Continued care allows you to stay on track after leaving a structured environment. By continuing to receive support, you’ll be more likely to find long-term sobriety.

You can choose to enroll in an outpatient program where you can continue the work you started in inpatient treatment. You’ll learn how to identify triggers that could lead you back into the cycle of addiction. You’ll also learn to deal with triggers through individual counseling and group sessions where you can express yourself freely and safely.

In addition to outpatient treatment, you can participate in community support groups for those recovering from substance use disorder. In these groups, you’ll be assigned a sponsor who can help you with your recovery process. Your sponsor will provide guidance, accountability, and support to make sure that you continue on the right path after treatment.

Through aftercare programs, you may also be able to access other services such as sober living and employment if needed. This can make it easier for you to start fresh after successfully fighting drug addiction.

If you need help with a Dilaudid addiction, Granite Recovery Centers is here for you. We offer the best care in the industry to make sure that your recovery is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. With our personalized approach, comprehensive therapy programs, and quality medical staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we can take on your entire rehabilitation process. Call us today for more information about how we can help!

The post Dilaudid/Hydromorphone Addiction Treatment appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Vicodin is an opioid painkiller than can be addictive if abused, and if someone develops an addiction the safest way to get well is by tapering your use. It’s important to know how opioids work so that you have a full idea of the process.

Opioids, the family Vicodin belongs to, bind to the receptors on the nerve cells to relieve pain, but they also produce other effects. When people take opioids, they experience an extremely pleasant euphoria. Because opioids carry a high potential for misuse, the DEA classified them as Schedule II drugs. This means that there is a high potential for misuse but that there is also the possibility of severe physical or psychological dependence.

Vicodin is a combination drug that contains hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Vicodin as a Pain Reliever

Physicians prescribe hydrocodone to relieve severe pain that is continuous. Therefore, it is not prescribed to treat pain as needed, and the prescription cannot be refilled. The conditions it can treat include sports injuries and pain caused by cancer.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever that relieves mild to moderate pain. It doesn’t require a prescription, so you can purchase it at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Hydrocodone relieves pain, but Vicodin manufacturers add acetaminophen because the acetaminophen adds another pain-fighting component to the medication, so it relieves pain better than hydrocodone on its own.

Other medications also contain a combination of opioids and acetaminophen. One of those is Percocet. Percocet contains acetaminophen, but it also has oxycodone as its opioid pain reliever. Sometimes, people get these two medications mixed up, but Vicodin is hydrocodone and acetaminophen, and Percocet is oxycodone and acetaminophen.

The Potential for Abuse

As is the case with all opioids, hydrocodone binds to the opioid receptors in the brain for the purpose of killing the pain. This is a great thing if you are experiencing pain for a short period of time, but if the pain continues, there is a danger of developing a dependence on the drug.

The reason that the danger exists is that opioids cause people to experience a refreshing feeling of euphoria in addition to pain relief. It’s very tempting to increase the amount of Vicodin so that they can experience these sensations even more often, so people begin to misuse them. Even if they take Vicodin only as their doctors prescribe it, they can still be susceptible to experiencing addiction, accidental overdoses, and even death.

Opioid Overdoses

In 2019, approximately 50,000 people died from overdoses caused by opioids. The public health and social and economic welfare of Americans are in jeopardy because of this crisis. It doesn’t just include illegal substances, such as fentanyl and heroin; it also includes prescription opioid medications.

According to the CDC, prescription opioid misuse leads to an economic burden equal to $78.5 billion every year. This number includes the lost productivity of workers, the cost of their medical treatment, and the costs accrued in the court system.

Other eye-opening statistics tell us important things about this crisis. For example, after obtaining a prescription for opioids, 4% to 6% of this population moved on to taking heroin. In addition to that, 21% to 29% of people given an opioid prescription to treat chronic pain end up misusing the medication. The answer to the opioid crisis for a lot of people is to seek help at a drug treatment center.

One way to overcome an addiction to Vicodin is to taper off of the drug. If you or a loved one are interested in tapering off of Vicodin, you must contact a medication treatment center where you can receive a Vicodin taper schedule that will help you overcome your addiction.

Tapering Off of Vicodin Slowly

If you or a loved one are addicted or dependent on Vicodin, you will experience some unpleasant symptoms even if you have only been taking the drug a couple of weeks. As your body becomes accustomed to receiving the drug, it lets out signals that encourage the user to continue to supply it with more of the drug. These signals are what are known as “withdrawal symptoms.”

When you stop providing the body with Vicodin, you may experience the following symptoms in the short term

• Yawning
• Sweating
• Runny nose
• Sleeplessness
• Watery eyes
• Muscle pain
• Anxiety
• Agitation

Later withdrawal symptoms include the following:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Goosebumps
• Dilated pupils
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping

This type of withdrawal is considered to be worse than the others except for alcohol and benzodiazepines. It is known as “cold turkey,” and when people go through it, they experience the symptoms listed above, and they can be unbearable. When you taper off of Vicodin, you avoid the vicious withdrawal symptoms listed above, and it leads to a life without a dependence on Vicodin. It is not something that you can do overnight, but it can be done.

Detoxify by Going Cold Turkey

If cold turkey is a horrible thing to experience, why do people choose to do it?

Some people don’t like the idea of taking a long time to wean themselves off of opioids. Other people don’t believe that tapering off is easier than stopping cold turkey. The danger of quitting drugs abruptly is that if you can’t stand the withdrawal symptoms, you will return to using the drugs, and this can delay your recovery.

How to Taper Off of Vicodin

If you have been taking Vicodin for at least two weeks, this is enough time for you to need to taper off of the medication. When you are tapering off of Vicodin, you are relieving your body of its dependence or addiction slowly. As people slowly reduce their use of Vicodin, their bodies become accustomed to smaller amounts of the drug. This helps you avoid the withdrawal symptoms listed above.

Your physician may develop a taper, but this will depend on how long you have been taking the medication. It also depends on the amount of medication you have been ingesting. Tapering off in this manner can take several weeks or months.

During the taper, your physician will need to monitor your temperature, blood pressure, and pulse on a regular basis. Your doctor may also require that you submit a urine sample so that they can monitor the other medications in your system. If you are in pain, you will need an alternative to the opioid that you have been taking. You may experience some withdrawal symptoms during this time, but your doctor can prescribe medications that will relieve these.

Social Support

Sometimes, the tapering off process can become difficult. You may need to enlist the help of your physician or another support group so that you can continue with the process. Some people obtain counseling at this time that they continue after the taper is finished. Before you decide to taper off, make sure that you tell your friends and family members. They can also provide support for you during this time.

Tapering Off the Correct Way

If you are looking to taper off of Vicodin, the best place to do so is in a drug treatment center. In some cases, physicians can offer their patients an at-home taper if they are addicted to Vicodin. However, this is not typically regarded as the best method.

Some people are taking Vicodin recreationally, so they are not under the care of a physician. The best place for these people is a drug treatment center with help from medical professionals. Besides that, if you are a recreational user of Vicodin, you cannot necessarily obtain the specific amount of the drug that you need to create the most effective taper. If you have a prescription, you are at liberty to reduce your dose according to your doctor’s instructions.

Possible Difficulties

Tapering off of a substance isn’t easy, so it isn’t a good idea to do this without the supervision of a physician. It will be difficult for you to decide by how much you are going to lower your Vicodin dose, but the medical community suggests that people begin this project slowly. For example, they would advise that people reduce their doses by 10% each week.

In the event that you are uncomfortable with this process and you want it to be over quickly, you may be able to reduce your dose every two days at a rate of 25%. For the most part, the medical community states that people should not taper off Vicodin on their own. To ensure that everything will go according to plan, they must do it in a drug treatment facility.

Our Detox Program

Detoxifying yourself can be a daunting process, but it isn’t something that you have to do on your own. At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer our clients our medication-assisted treatment program. This program provides you with medications that relieve you of the withdrawal symptoms that opioids cause so that you can continue further into the treatment process. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

People are often concerned when they hear that they will be taking medications during the drug detox program. The drugs that you will receive reduce the withdrawal symptoms and the cravings that you will experience. So the expectations for the medications that you receive to fight your substance use disorder are entirely different from what you expect to experience from taking Vicodin.

After you complete the detoxification process, you or your loved one may enter our inpatient treatment program or our intensive outpatient treatment program. If you are concerned about your ability to keep from taking the drug, an inpatient program would be the best option for you. If you have extensive support among your family and friends, an outpatient program may be right for you.

Granite Recovery Centers

We know that recovery is an ongoing process, so you may need a more structured environment to ensure that you remain sober. We can also offer you sober living options that will provide you with more independence but also with the support that you need to keep things moving in the right direction. Sober living homes provide you with an environment free of all drugs and a place where everyone can lean on the staff–and each other–when they need to do so.

All of those who graduate from one of our treatment programs have access to our aftercare options. If you don’t opt for one of our sober living options, our alumni program is a good place to find other people who are also working on their sobriety, and you will be provided with plenty of information while you’re in treatment so that you can continue to make progress on the 12 Steps after you leave.

If you or a loved one would like to stop taking Vicodin for good, contact us at Granite Recovery Centers.

The post How To Taper Off Vicodin appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

For example, marijuana is known for having a scent that is herbal, earthy, and woody. It might have a scent that can carry hints of the smell of plums, apple, lemon, or diesel. When dried, marijuana has a smell that is stronger than many other dried plants.

Meth can emit powerful odors when being produced or when being smoked. These odors range in smell and can be compared to ammonia, rotting eggs, or cat urine.

Powder cocaine has a sweet smell, almost like flowers. However, when people purchase cocaine off the street, they are typically not getting pure cocaine. Additives are mixed into the drug. These additives can give it a chemical or metallic odor. Some of the more common additives mixed in with cocaine include talcum powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and flour.

Crack cocaine, when it is not cooked, also has a flowery scent. When heat is added, the odor changes to that of burning plastic.

What about heroin? If a loved one is using heroin, is it possible to identify it by its smell?

How to Describe the Unique Smell of Heroin

Heroin generally smells like vinegar. The smell results from the chemical processes that are used when preparing the drug.

Heroin is derived from morphine. Morphine comes from the milky sap of poppy plants naturally found in opium, and poppy plants are typically grown in Columbia and Asia. Heroin manufacturers make morphine more potent by boiling it with acetic anhydride. This creates a chemical reaction that leads to the distinctive vinegar smell of morphine.

The purer the heroin is, the less likely it is to have a vinegar smell. Black tar heroin, typically produced in Mexico and distributed south of the Mississippi, has a pungent vinegar smell because it is full of impurities.

Solid forms of heroin are not as potent as pure heroin. As a result, those who manufacture the drug mix it with other additives to strengthen the high that the user gets. Ultimately, it is the additives that give heroin its pungent smell.

What Is Heroin?

The scientific name for heroin is diacetylmorphine. Heroin can vary in appearance from a brown or white powder to a black substance that has a sticky texture. The latter substance is called black tar heroin. Heroin is also referred to as smack, horse, hell dust, and the big H. Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Using a form of heroin that is mixed with crack cocaine is called speedballing.

What Are the Effects of Heroin?

Upon entry into the brain, heroin is converted to morphine. It quickly binds to opioid receptors.

When a person uses heroin, he or she typically feels a rush that is an intensely pleasurable sensation. Factors that influence the intensity of the rush include the quantity of the drug taken and the speed with which the drug binds with the opioid receptors.

A heroin rush is typically accompanied by:
• Dry mouth
• Heaviness in the extremities
• Warm flushing of the skin

Less common effects of heroin include:
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Severe itching

Once the initial effects have passed, heroin users are tired for several hours. Their mental function is blocked, and their heart and respiratory functions slow down. These effects can lead to coma, brain damage, and death.

Opioids, like heroin, affect multiple parts of the brain and the nervous system. Heroin can depress breathing by influencing the neurochemical activity in the brainstem. The brainstem is part of the control mechanism for body functions, including heart rate and breathing.

Opioids encourage the user to continue to take the drug because it impacts the limbic system that handles emotions. It can also interfere with pain signals transmitted through the spinal cord to the body.

Repeated heroin use can change both the physiology and the structure of the brain. The results are changes to the hormonal and neuronal systems. It is difficult to reverse these changes.

Some studies have suggested that long-term heroin use affects the brain’s white matter. This can lead to a decreased ability to make decisions, an inability to regulate behavior, and uncontrolled responses to stressful situations.

Heroin produces severe and intense physical dependence and tolerance. When a person becomes tolerant to heroin, he or she needs an increasing amount of the drug to achieve the same effects. With physical dependency, the body becomes accustomed to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms are felt if the drug is reduced abruptly.

Withdrawal might happen in as little as a couple of hours after the last time the drug is taken. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
• Anxiety
• Diarrhea
• Hot and cold flashes
• Insomnia
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Perspiration
• Watery discharge from eyes and nose

Major withdrawal symptoms will reach their peak between 24 and 48 hours after the last dose of heroin. However, people can experience withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months.

The longer a person uses heroin, the higher the risk of developing heroin use disorder. Such a disorder goes beyond typical heroin use. It is a chronic disease that causes a person to relapse into taking the drug even after he or she has stopped. It is beyond physical dependence. People with heroin use disorder have an uncontrollable drive to seek the drug irrespective of the consequences.

Heroin is unbelievably addictive no matter how it is administered. Different routes of administration may let heroin reach the brain faster and may increase the chances of developing heroin use disorder. Once a person reaches the point of a heroin use disorder, accessing the drug becomes his or her only purpose in life.

At Granite Recovery Center, we understand how challenging it can be to break free from substance use disorder. Our facilities cater to individuals looking to break free from drugs like heroin. We have created a safe place that allows you or your loved one to go through the detox process with dignity. Once detox is complete, we will work to create a rehab program designed to help you on your path to long-term sobriety. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Heroin Use and Prescription Drug Misuse

OxyContin, Demerol, and Vicodin are some opiates that are prescribed to help with pain. Many assume that using prescription pain relievers is safer than using a street drug, like heroin, because it is medically prescribed. However, when prescription opioids are taken in a way that was not intended by the doctor or are taken by someone for whom they were not prescribed, the health effects can be severe. These can include overdose and death.

Prescription opioids and their misuse can open the door to heroin use. There are reports that some people have switched from prescription drugs to heroin because it is less expensive and easier to get a hold of.

The Medical Complications of Chronic Heroin Use

Regardless of how a person takes heroin, he or she will face medical complications. These include constipation and insomnia.

Lung complications, including tuberculosis and pneumonia, might result because of the deteriorating health of the heroin user and because heroin depresses a person’s respiration. Mental health disorders, including antisocial personality disorder and depression, can be linked to chronic heroin use.

The medical complications vary based on how the drug is administered. If a person snorts heroin, he or she may damage the mucosal tissues in the nose and might perforate the nasal septum.

Injecting heroin can lead to scarred or collapsed veins. Bacterial infections, abscesses, soft tissue infections, and infections of the blood vessels and heart are all possible medical complications for chronic heroin users.

Heroin is often cut with substances that the body cannot readily dissolve. These substances can clog blood vessels, which might affect the kidneys, brain, or liver. They may infect or even destroy patches of cells within vital organs. Heroin’s effect on the immune system can lead to rheumatologic issues.

Sharing needles can lead to deadly infections, such as HIV and certain forms of hepatitis. Injecting heroin puts a person at risk of many blood-borne viruses that can be transmitted to sexual partners or to children when they are born.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin withdrawal symptoms will vary from person to person. The length of time that a person misuses heroin, how it was used, and the quantity of heroin used are factors that influence how the body and the brain respond to the lack of heroin. As a result, the length of withdrawal, and its severity will vary from person to person. If an individual has a history of mental illness or if he or she has gone through opioid withdrawal in the past, the withdrawal experience may be more intense than that of others.

Heroin depresses the functions of the central nervous system. These include blood pressure, heart rate, temperature regulation, and respiration.

It also binds itself to opioid receptors. This causes the brain to produce a higher level of chemicals responsible for feeling pleasure. During heroin abuse, there is a rush of pleasure. During withdrawal, the symptoms experienced are just the opposite. The euphoria, sedation, and reduced heart rate experienced during a high are replaced with anxiety, bad mood, rapid heart rate, and other symptoms.

On its own, going through withdrawal from heroin is not considered life threatening. However, it includes psychological and medical symptoms that can produce life-threatening complications.

For example, the depression felt during withdrawal may make a person suicidal. Therefore, heroin should not be stopped cold turkey. The best way to break free of heroin safely is to do so with the support of medical health professionals. Our professional staff at Granite Recovery Center has the tools and training needed to ease withdrawal symptoms and to make the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible.

Heroin Detox

Heroin is a short-acting opioid. This means that it takes effect in the bloodstream quickly, but it also leaves the bloodstream quickly.

Detox helps manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Medical detox can be the most comfortable way to cleanse the body of heroin. Medical detox would begin before the heroin completely leaves the system, and it would take between five and seven days. Individuals who heavily depend on heroin may require up to 10 days to detox.

Medical detox uses medications and therapy to help the brain and the body recover from dependence on heroin. Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and breathing are all monitored to help keep a person safe and healthy through the detox process.

According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, approximately 517,000 Americans are dealing with heroin addiction. Heroin is a schedule one drug, so it has a high rate of abuse and a high potential for addiction. There is no medical use for heroin in the United States.

Granite Recovery Center Can Help You Break Free From Heroin Addiction

Granite Recovery Center wants to help you start your journey to recovery. We have over a decade of experience transforming the lives of individuals struggling with drugs and alcohol. Our clients are from New England and beyond.

At our center, we focus on evidence-based clinical psychotherapies. We offer a comprehensive 12-step curriculum. We are a fully staffed treatment center, so we can provide a full continuum of care. Services we offer include medical detox, extended care, medication-assisted therapy, sober living, primary residential treatment, and intensive outpatient counseling.

We have been very successful in doing what we do. There is an ever-growing alumni community that verifies the success of our methods. We look forward to working with you or helping your loved one. We can help you or those you love to develop the skills to break free from addiction and to enjoy life without worrying about substance use.

The post What Heroin Smells Like & What to Look For appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, so it binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. This has the effect of blocking the effects that other opioids produce. One feature of naloxone is to make sure that those administered this medication cannot crush and snort it. This would lead to addiction rather than help them recover from their addictions.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid antagonist, and it reduces the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that people experience in rehab. It is also an excellent tool for preventing people from misusing opioids. Buprenorphine is an opiate, but since it is a partial opioid antagonist, the effects it causes are not as severe as the ones that morphine and heroin cause. It has the effect of blocking full opiates from binding to the receptors in the brain.

Suboxone is widely used in drug treatment centers and has been shown to keep people addicted to opioids in treatment for more than six months so that they can complete their recovery journeys.

How Long Should Someone Take Suboxone?

Suboxone that is given in a treatment setting serves the purpose of preventing people from experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms due to addiction. Suboxone is classified under Schedule III of the Schedules of Controlled Substances. This means that drugs in this category have the potential to promote abuse, and they may cause the user to develop a low to moderate physical dependence. They also present a high chance of psychological dependence.

The fact that Suboxone is a controlled substance makes people wary of taking this drug to help them with their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Although this drug is on the Schedules for Controlled Substances, it is still approved by the FDA. Therefore, a doctor can prescribe it, and a pharmacist can dispense it.

If a person stops taking Suboxone before the physician’s directions, the person is in danger of returning to opioids to alleviate their withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, it may not be a good idea to take Suboxone for too long if it is at the expense of finding other solutions to a person’s drug addiction or dependence. When it is safe to start reducing the Suboxone, the patient’s physician will set up a schedule for this purpose.

Treatment With Suboxone

Some people believe that treatment with Suboxone means that people are trading opioids for Suboxone, and this makes some people afraid to take this drug. It can be extremely uncomfortable to undergo the withdrawal process, but administering Suboxone can make this part of the process much more comfortable for people. Otherwise, people typically have strong desires to return to their drug use when they are experiencing distressing withdrawal symptoms, which would prevent them from moving forward with their recoveries.

At Granite Recovery Center, we offer our clients medication-assisted treatment in our drug detox program. Our specialists prescribe FDA-approved medications to help our clients tolerate the withdrawal process. At the same time, individuals recovering from addiction need to regain their strength, so we provide holistic treatments for this purpose. Our therapists are also available to determine whether there is an underlying condition contributing to the substance use issues so that it may be treated.

Ultimately, Suboxone is recommended for individuals going through detox and other treatment to improve their chances of quitting opioid use for good.

What Is Dependence on Opioids?

The National Institute of Drug Use has stated that opioid dependence is a “long-term brain disease.” It comes about when someone takes opioids, which cause changes in the brain over time. When dependence occurs, the person needs to start taking more of the drug in order to experience the same effects that were experienced the first time.

When people are dependent on opioids, they experience the following:

• They continue their use of opioids even though this is causing negative consequences for them.
• They stop spending as much time with friends who are not also using opioids.
• They often miss work, and if they don’t have a job, they aren’t looking for one.
• They spend most of their time procuring, using, and recovering from their opioid use.
• They would like to quit, and they try to do so many times.
• They take more of the drug than they planned to take, and they take it for a longer period of time.
• They experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug, or they take other drugs to relieve these withdrawal symptoms.

What Is Opioid Addiction?

When people take opioids, the drugs cause the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that make the body feel great. They disguise painful feelings as they increase pleasurable feelings and leave behind a strong sense of well-being. These feelings wear off, and people want them to return. This is how an addiction begins.

As time goes on, people begin to crave the drug, and this continues to occur even though the person may experience negative consequences from the use of the drug. They begin to develop a tolerance for the drug, which means that they must increase the amount of drug that they ingest because their bodies are slowing down the release of the endorphins. If they take a larger dose when this occurs, then they can experience the good feelings that they had when they first took the drug.

Once people reach the point where they are addicted to opioids, it is very dangerous for them to suddenly stop taking the medication. Withdrawal can cause adverse reactions in the body, which is why addiction specialists may use Suboxone to help a person taper off his or her use of opioids and undergo treatment.

Some people are against Suboxone because it’s possible to become dependent upon it. However, the properties of the drug make it useful to treat opioid withdrawal and cravings. Administering this drug properly under medical supervision can allow a person to safely go through detox of opioids and then be able to address the underlying cause of addiction.

Suboxone Treatment

At Granite Recovery Center, our medical professionals may recommend treating your opioid addiction with Suboxone. This drug is known as a “maintenance medication,” so it is prescribed for the treatment of opioid addiction. Our medical professionals might prescribe you a continuous dosage of Suboxone so that your chances of relapsing and returning to opioid usage will be significantly reduced.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has stated that people can reduce their abuse of opioids when they receive proper treatment with Suboxone. If patients stop their use of Suboxone, then they might return to their opioid use. Therefore, many medical professionals recommend that those addicted to opioids remain on Suboxone for the duration of their treatments. This is the reason that some people believe they are being told to treat their drug addictions by becoming addicted to another drug.

Well-meaning friends and family members may pressure their loved ones to stop taking Suboxone because they are still involved in a drug addiction. These people do not understand how Suboxone works, so they might be inadvertently causing their loved ones to return to their former drug use.

Can You Become Addicted to Suboxone?

Because it is possible to develop a Suboxone addiction, the concerns described above are valid. The medical community must also consider the fact that some people enter into treatment with Suboxone as a way to obtain the drug rather than as a way to overcome addiction. If this is a person’s motive, the treatment may not work.

Can You Stop Suboxone Without Help From Your Doctor?

In most cases, physicians place their patients on Suboxone without determining an end to the prescription. As long as people remain under the care of their physicians, this is a safe thing to do. The medication allows these patients to overcome their psychological addictions to opioids and to pick up the pieces of their lives again.

If someone falls victim to the pressure that other people place on them to discontinue use of Suboxone, then they could experience unbearable withdrawal symptoms. The cravings for opioids would return, and these cravings have been known to get even stronger after Suboxone treatment. This could lead to another opioid addiction that would be even worse. For this reason, it’s important to consult a doctor about discontinuing Suboxone use.

Suboxone Myths

Suboxone use in treatment programs lowers the risk of overdose by 50%, so it is a very valuable tool to use in a rehab facility setting. However, some people resist this treatment because of the following myths:

Myth #1: People Should Only Take Suboxone for a Short Period of Time

Evidence does not show that long-term use of Suboxone is negative. This medication can be thought of in the same way people think of medication that treats diabetes: Patients diagnosed with diabetes must take insulin for the rest of their lives. Some people may need Suboxone treatment for a long period of time to ensure that they don’t relapse and resume opioid use.

Myth #2: If You Aren’t Obtaining Therapy for Your Addiction, Treatment With Suboxone Isn’t Enough

Since only 10% of the people in need of treatment for a substance use disorder receive help, it would be a huge improvement if more people could obtain medication-assisted treatment for their substance use disorders. It is true that medication along with therapy and support groups would be optimal for treating substance issues, but if a person can only have one thing, medication would be a valid treatment. Treatment with Suboxone may be the only option for a person depending on his or her situation.

Myth #3: You Can Overdose on Suboxone Just as Easily as You Can Overdose on Opioids

This actually isn’t true at all. It’s very difficult to overdose on Suboxone. Because Suboxone is a partial opiate receptor agonist, the substance is incapable of activating all of the opioid receptors. Suboxone doesn’t present the risk of slowed breathing that heroin does. If Suboxone were implicated in an overdose death, it was because the person was also ingesting benzodiazepines at the same time. If this is the case, it was the benzodiazepines that caused the person’s breathing to slow down.

Myth #4: People Are Abusing Suboxone

It is possible to abuse Suboxone, but as was mentioned before, Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. Therefore, it cannot create the high that oxycodone or heroin can. “Abuse” of Suboxone often means that people are taking it without a prescription to ease their withdrawal symptoms. It’s important to take Suboxone under a doctor’s supervision.

Myth #5: Suboxone Use Cannot Be Considered Recovery

In the past, substance misuse was treated by abstaining from ingesting any substances, but many addiction specialists are now taking a different approach. Substance use disorder is seen as a medical condition that needs a medical solution. Therefore, specialists use medications to regulate their patients’ brain chemistries. The medication is sometimes seen as a treatment for a chronic condition if a person has a severe addiction that will require long-term treatment. Withdrawal symptoms present a barrier to true recovery, so alleviating these symptoms is an important step.

When Should You Stop Suboxone?

Sometimes, people need to stop taking Suboxone. They may need to stop taking Suboxone during pregnancy, while nursing a baby, or before a surgery. Suboxone may even result in allergic reactions or other symptoms that require medical attention and cessation of taking the drug. These symptoms include:

• Hives
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing
• Overdosing on the drug

With Suboxone treatment, some people manage to turn their lives around entirely and to continue without opioid use. When they demonstrate that they can live their lives without drugs for the long term, their doctors may decide that they can allow them to taper off of Suboxone. This is possible for you to do, but it’s important to have professional assistance throughout the process. A drug addiction treatment facility can offer guidance and professional recommendations about how to taper off Suboxone treatments completely.

Granite Recovery Center

If you or your loved one cannot be treated with Suboxone to help with an opioid addiction, we have alternatives that we can try. At Granite Recovery Center, we can also give our clients Vivitrol or methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms and to prevent relapses. This occurs in our drug detox program. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency. After you or your loved one is finished with the detoxification process, we will continue to treat you for your substance use disorder in our inpatient treatment program or on an outpatient basis. Our goal is to help you live a healthy, sober life again.

If you are ready to embark upon a new life, contact us at Granite Recovery Center today.

The post How To Stop Using Suboxone appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Hydrocodone is classified under schedule II of the Schedules for Controlled Substances. Therefore, this drug has been determined to present a high potential for abuse by users, and it also is very likely to lead to serious psychological or physical dependence.

When people misuse Vicodin, the biggest concern is that they will overdose on the drug. Therefore, the medical community advises patients to have naloxone available when they are taking opioid products.

What Is Naloxone?

Naloxone is a medication that can immediately reverse an opioid overdose. As an opioid agonist, naloxone binds to opioid receptors, and this blocks the ability of opioids to do so. This is a fast-acting medication that can cause the person to quickly begin breathing normally again. It will even work if the person has stopped breathing entirely in some cases. For the best results, people must take this medication when the symptoms of overdose first begin.

Symptoms of overdose on hydrocodone include the following:

• Seizures
• The inability to wake up
• Extreme sleepiness
• Blue, clammy or cold skin
• A slowing heartbeat or a heartbeat that has stopped
• Difficulties breathing
• Stopped, shallow or slow breathing
• Smaller or larger pupils

Hydrocodone works on the central nervous system to change the way that the user perceives pain, and acetaminophen works to relieve the pain.

Liver Damage With Consumption of Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen

The danger associated with acetaminophen is not related to addiction or dependence. The danger for those taking acetaminophen is the fact that it causes liver damage. The damage can be severe enough to require the person to need a liver transplant if the person takes too much. It can also cause death.

In addition to physical dependence, addiction, and overdose, there is also the possibility of liver failure.

What Is Liver Failure?

Liver failure is a condition that can be deadly, so it requires immediate medical attention. In most cases, liver failure occurs over several years after people use too much medication. As the person uses too much acetaminophen over the years, the liver becomes damaged and is unable to work as well as it did in the past.

The liver can succumb to this damage in a rapid manner in what is known as “acute liver failure.” This occurs when people take large doses of acetaminophen. With this condition, the liver begins to stop working in days or weeks.

The Effects of Vicodin

Vicodin comes as a tablet, syrup, or capsule that must make its way through the body until it reaches the brain. That’s when the medication’s effects can occur, but it usually takes about 15 minutes. It takes about 60 minutes for the person to experience the full effects of the medication, but this is too long for some people to wait.

People have discovered ways that Vicodin can begin to work more quickly. One way to do this is to crush the pills, form a solution, and smoke the solution or inject it into their veins.

How Do You Smoke Vicodin?

To smoke Vicodin, the user must crush the pills and apply heat to the powder so that the smoke can be inhaled. Inhaling Vicodin in this manner makes it possible for the drug to enter the bloodstream through the nose and reach the brain in a much faster manner than taking a pill.

The result of administering Vicodin in this way is that the drug’s effects do not last as long as they do when people take it in the manner that it was prescribed.

Smoking presents other dangers that taking a tablet does not present. Manufactures add fillers and binders to Vicodin as they are making it so that there is no danger when taken orally. When taken by way of inhalation, the body also inhales these fillers and binders, and it cannot absorb them. Instead, these fillers and binders cause damage to the body.

Other Ways to Increase the Effects of Vicodin

People do not limit themselves to taking Vicodin by simply inhaling it. They look for even more ways that they can enhance the experience they get from taking Vicodin, and one thing they choose to do is combine it with marijuana.

Using Vicodin is likely to cause impairments, but when you combine it with marijuana, you will experience even greater impairments. Marijuana can also cause the Vicodin to work differently.

Vicodin’s Side Effects

Vicodin also causes several side effects. These include narrowed pupils, itching, rash, difficulties with urinating, dry throat, extreme sadness or extreme happiness, anxiety, unclear thoughts, dizziness, and constipation.

In addition to the side effects listed above, marijuana may cause serious side effects. These include tightness in the chest, low libido, menstrual irregularity, male sexual dysfunction, or breathing that is slow or irregular.

You may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, loss of coordination, muscle stiffness or twitching, shivering, rapid heartbeat, confusion, sweating, fever, hallucinations, agitation, weakness, and loss of appetite.

Obtaining Treatment for a Substance Use Disorder

Sometimes, people are reluctant to enter drug treatment. You may have heard that someone went to rehab and relapsed after leaving the treatment center. Maybe you had that experience, and you don’t think that treatment is going to work for you. Drug treatment is an ongoing process, and recovery is a state that you will be in your entire life.

Substance use disorders are like medical conditions. For example, if you have a diagnosis of diabetes, your doctor cannot “cure” you, but you can manage your disease. If one treatment isn’t working well for someone with diabetes, then the doctor tries another treatment. This is the same thing that you must do when you have a substance use disorder.

Treatment at Granite Recovery Centers

At Granite Recovery Centers, our physicians are trained to treat physical addiction and dependence on several substances. If you need to go through the detoxification process in our drug detox program, this is what you will do first. It is a medication-assisted program in which our physicians prescribe medicines that help you undergo the withdrawal process as comfortably as possible. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

The work of overcoming your psychological addiction begins after the toxins have been removed from your body. When this happens, you are no longer in danger of experiencing the symptoms of withdrawal. Our therapists will offer you clinical psychotherapy to help you overcome your addiction or dependence.

If you need an inpatient treatment program, we can offer you a 30-day, a 60-day or a 90-day drug rehab program. If you already had treatment in an inpatient treatment facility, we can place you in our aftercare program that will continue your treatment and help you step back into your life again. You will receive guidance that you need to make sure that you can continue on the road to sobriety.

If you want to give treatment a try, contact us at Granite Recovery Centers.

The post Dangers of Smoking Vicodin appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Suboxone was not initially intended to be used for addiction. The drug buprenorphine was created in the mid-60s as an alternate pain reliever to morphine. At the time, morphine was known to have dangerous side effects as well as being very addictive. Buprenorphine was introduced as a way to reduce pain without all the side effects or possible addiction.

Early on in its creation, researchers did have initial ideas that the drug could possibly help those addicted to narcotics. Although this was known, it would take another 30 years before buprenorphine would be offered as a way to help treat addiction.

What Does Suboxone Do?

Suboxone is the combination of a partial opioid agonist (buprenorphine) and opioid antagonist (naloxone) that helps to reduce the effects of cravings and withdrawal symptoms as an individual goes through a detox program. It can be prescribed and dispensed in a physician’s office via buprenorphine waiver certifications. Although Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance that is made up of buprenorphine and naloxone, it is still misused. Naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist and is paired with buprenorphine to deter abuse; therefore, its risk for abuse is low but still possible. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Other forms of buprenorphine include controlled substances such as Subutex (tablets), Zubsolv (tablets), Bunavail (buccal film), Probuphine (implant), and Sublocade (extended-release injection). As for Suboxone, it generally comes in a sublingual film that is placed in the mouth under the tongue. It is held there until it has fully dissolved.

In recent years, Suboxone has become a part of the opioid epidemic because, when paired with other substances, it can cause intoxication. Suboxone on its own cannot generally cause intoxication for those who are opioid-dependent.

Side Effects: Common and Serious

Common Side Effects

• Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Fever, muscle aches, and cramps
• Dilation of pupils or blurred vision
• Sweating, tremors, and heart palpitations
• Inability to pay attention

Serious Side Effects

• Pain at the site if injected
• Respiratory issues or distress
• Itching, swelling, pain, and nerve damage for implants
• NAS-Neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborn babies
• Adrenal insufficiency

Suboxone and Pregnancy

Noted above, NAS is possible with the use of Suboxone. Mothers who use Suboxone have a risk of their child having this syndrome. NAS symptoms include tremors, seizures, hyperactive reflexes, tight muscles, high-pitched or excessive crying, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, sweating, fevers, and trouble sleeping. Children with NAS tend to feed poorly and can also be at risk for several types of birth defects such as:

• Glaucoma
• Congenital heart defects: abnormal heart formation and structure
• Hydrocephaly: an excessive buildup of spinal fluid that sits on the brain
• Gastroschisis: a hole in the abdominal wall where the baby’s intestines stick out
• Spina bifida: the spinal cord does not develop properly

In cases of heroin addiction, medical providers may recommend Suboxone because it is safer to expose the fetus to that rather than heroin.

How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?

The period of time that Suboxone stays in the body is 37 hours. For Suboxone to be completely out of your system will take up to eight days. After that, Suboxone is, generally, no longer detectable in the body.

Testing for Suboxone includes blood, saliva, urine, and hair. Blood testing has a very small window of detection but can be used two hours after ingestion. As for other testing methods, continue reading below for further information.

Saliva Testing

Saliva tests are the most convenient, non-invasive way to detect Suboxone. Saliva testing can be done within a few days or up to a week post use.

Urine Testing

Testing via urine is the most common form of detection for Suboxone. Buprenorphine is detectable in urine within an hour of ingestion. Suboxone will show up in urine for up to two weeks from last use for heavy users of the drug.

Hair Follicle Testing

Suboxone is detectable in hair follicles for up to three months from last use. This form of testing is not the most reliable and is not used very often.

Factors Affecting How Suboxone is Metabolized

There are several factors that will affect how long Suboxone stays in your system, and they have to do with when the drug test is taken, the dose, hydration, a person’s metabolism and overall health, their body mass/fat index, and the amount of exercise they participate in daily.

In regards to a person’s metabolism, if it is fast, the drug is broken down and metabolized quickly. A person’s metabolism is dependent on age, gender, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. To note, if the liver has any previous issues or damage, Suboxone may stay in the system longer. If this is the case, the detection window can last for weeks after the last use.

Treating Opioid Use Disorder With an Opioid

Because opiate addiction is so strong, the safest and best way to provide treatment is through weaning off with a similar yet diluted drug. Someone who has possibly become mentally and physically reliant on opioids is in danger of overdose. This can happen either unintentionally or when taken with other drugs or alcohol.

Addiction to opiates not only requires therapy, counseling, and support but also a medication-assisted treatment program.

Someone who does not have a tolerance to opioids could find themselves experiencing euphoric effects when taking Suboxone. Most often, Suboxone mixed with alcohol or other drugs can cause intoxication or overdose. Symptoms of overdose include

• Seizures
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Coma or death
• Depressed breathing
• Slowed heartbeat
• Loss of physical coordination
• Irritability, mood swings, and anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Unable to remember things or concentrate

There are several drugs that do not mix with Suboxone, and they are benzodiazepines, antidepressants, hormonal contraceptives, barbiturates, and phenobarbital. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium are some of the most dangerous drugs to mix with Suboxone. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications, and when mixed with Suboxone, they can lead to hospitalization or death.

Detoxing From Suboxone

Being dependent on Suboxone, physically or mentally, will require detox, treatment, and aftercare. A detox program with medical professionals monitoring intake and gradually coming off Suboxone will be the first step in recovery.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Suboxone

Withdrawal can take up to a month to subside. The first 72 hours of Suboxone withdrawal can be the hardest. Below, we have provided a general timeline of symptoms. Remember that every person’s body is different, and experiences will vary. In some cases, certain symptoms can last either weeks or months.

• 72 hours – Acute physical symptoms (nausea, vomiting, headaches, digestive distress)
• 7 days – Sub-acute physical symptoms (body aches/pains, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, irritability)
• 2 weeks – Psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, hard to concentrate)
• 1 month – Psychological symptoms (depression continues, cravings)

The time it takes for withdrawal symptoms and cravings to pass will be based on a few things, such as how long someone has used Suboxone and the amount and if their addiction includes other substances or alcohol.

For many with opioid use disorder, the use of Suboxone is temporary and generally comes without any risk as long as the medication intake is being monitored and not abused.

When the medication that is supposed to be helping with treatment becomes the object of addiction, the process in which one comes off Suboxone will be slow and gradual, and a new path of recovery will be charted.

Treating Suboxone Addiction

As mentioned above, recovering from Suboxone addiction may require medication-assisted treatment to help deal with withdrawal symptoms and the cravings that exist with opioid use disorders. Inpatient detox and rehabilitation will help if the addiction is acute.

For sub-acute addiction, there are outpatient programs after detox. Both of these programs will include monitoring and administering Suboxone. This will allow the individual the ability to come off the medication slowly as they focus on their recovery.

Determining if an individual should participate in a medication-assisted treatment program will require knowledge of time passed since last use, if the individual is using other medications, and if the individual is a danger to themselves or others.

It is also important to establish if the person needs a medical intervention based on their use of Suboxone. If addiction to Suboxone occurred during treatment for another addiction, then an intervention may be needed.

Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation Programs

Inpatient treatment is often needed more so than outpatient in regards to Suboxone addiction. Relapse prevention provides the patient a residential facility to stay in while they take part in therapies such as behavioral, holistic, and psychotherapy.

Therapy and counseling can be done solo or in a group, along with helping patients build life and community skills and exercise. Sessions with patients are generally focused on recovery and utilizing a 12-step curriculum.

Relapse Prevention

Considered a broad category of skills, relapse prevention is key to helping addicts recover. Factors such as stress, a person’s attitude, mental health, environmental, and social all play a role in the risk of relapse.

At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer a variety of programs and therapies to help with Suboxone addiction. From 24-hour support staff to providing safety and structure, our focus is to help you succeed at recovery and gain your life back. Our focus on relapse prevention includes

• Cognitive Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention
• 12-step work
• Teaching Lifestyle Choices and Habits

Aftercare

Granite Recovery Centers provides aftercare and extended care programs to those in recovery so that an individual can transition and gain sober living. Although independent living can be rewarding and exciting, it can also seem daunting, especially at first. Our dedicated staff is here to guide and support you with resources that will help you reach your recovery goals.

Granite Recovery Centers focuses on the patient and their individual needs. From detox to therapy and all the way through to aftercare, we are here to teach you and guide you every step of the way.

Located in the New England area, our facilities in New Hampshire are filled with dedicated professionals who are passionate, educated, and well versed in addiction and every phase of recovery. If you are struggling with addiction, please call us.

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The problem comes when people continue to suffer, take Vicodin outside of the prescribed limits, and ultimately obtain additional doses of Vicodin illegally. In addition to pain relief, the drug can produce mind-altering effects like euphoria, so it is often abused. The abuse of Vicodin can lead to severe side effects, dependence, addiction, overdose, and even death. If you or a loved one is struggling with a dependence on Vicodin, please seek immediate help.

Granite Recovery Centers offers a holistic and effective approach to recovering from substance abuse and dependence, including addiction to Vicodin.

Short-Term Side Effects of Vicodin

Vicodin is prescribed by doctors because it effectively treats a patient’s pain. There are legitimate injuries and illnesses where Tylenol and Advil are not enough, and opioid painkillers like Vicodin are medically recommended. When you cannot control your pain, your quality of life can suffer drastically.

Along with being an effective painkiller, however, Vicodin also carries with it various other side effects due to both short-term and long-term use. These side effects can vary in seriousness and can grow worse over time. Some of the most common side effects of short-term use include:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Slowed breathing
• Impaired judgement
• Loss of consciousness

Long-Term Side Effects of Vicodin

While some of the side effects listed above are very serious, the long-term side effects of Vicodin use can be more dangerous and life-altering. When people are addicted to a drug like Vicodin, the only way that they can feed their addictions is typically to get into the world of procuring illegal drugs. This brings a host of dangers added to the side effects related to Vicodin use.

The following is a list of more serious side effects that are seen with long-term Vicodin use:

• Slowed or irregular breathing
• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Fast heartbeat
• Shivering
• Severe muscle stiffness or twitching
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Irregular menstruation
• Decreased sexual desire
• Chest tightness

It is important to note these potential side effects because people who become dependent or addicted to Vicodin become masters at hiding their addictions. They come up with excuses to mislead those they love so that their addictions remain hidden. The side effects above are serious, and one of the most overlooked side effects is that the addicted individual does not seem like the person you knew before he or she started misusing Vicodin.

Can You Overdose on Vicodin?

One of the major problems with opioid use in general and Vicodin use specifically is that these drugs change the chemistry of your brain over time. In short, that means as prolonged use of Vicodin occurs, you will need a larger dose to achieve the same level of effectiveness. The problem with using larger doses is that this can easily lead to an overdose.

Many people associate an overdose with death, but that is not always the case. Vicodin is a dangerous narcotic and can lead to a lethal overdose, but a nonlethal overdoes is far more likely. A non-lethal overdose of Vicodin is still a very serious condition and should be treated immediately. Here are some signs of an overdose if one or more of these symptoms is present in a person you suspect is abusing Vicodin:

• Seizure
• Unconsciousness
• Coma
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Liver failure
• Jaundice
• Cold or clammy skin
• Blue fingers and lips
• Vomiting

If you see any of these severe symptoms, you must act quickly. Call 911, and make sure you do not let the Vicodin user talk you out of the seriousness of the situation. An overdose can lead to death if untreated.

Recognizing Abuse of Vicodin

It can be difficult to recognize when either you or someone you love is abusing Vicodin. First of all, drug abuse signs can vary greatly depending on multiple factors, including but not limited to:

• The type of drug used
• The length of time the drug was used
• Doses prescribed vs. doses used
• Frequency of use
• The person using the drug

There are also both physical and behavioral signs to look for that point to drug addiction. Many of these signs and behaviors are present with addiction in general, regardless of the drug being used. Some of the physical signs to look for are:

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Dilated pupils
• Abrupt and noticeable weight changes
• Change in perceived behaviors

Behavioral Signs

Some of the behavioral signs to look for are:

• Drop in attendance or performance at work or school
• Increase in secretive or suspicious behavior
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, or hobbies
• Unexplained change in personality
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts
• Appearance of being fearful, anxious, or paranoid with no reason
• Excuses for being chronically late or canceling appointments at the last minute

While these are more general warning signs for drug abuse in general, they are applicable for Vicodin specifically. Noticing these signs in a friend or loved one is difficult to begin with, and even when these signs are recognized, it is often challenging to know how severe the addiction may be.

Seeking the help of a mental health professional who adheres to the standards set in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders is an important step. This information, updated every few years, is the authority on mental illness in the United States. An expert in this field can give you an unbiased diagnosis of the severity of the addiction and what type of help is needed.

Getting Help

When you or a friend or loved one is struggling with an addiction to Vicodin or another drug, finding help is key. The experts at Granite Recovery Centers would love to help, but there is a often a necessary first step to get an addicted individual into a drug rehab program. If someone you love is abusing Vicodin, it is time for action; an intervention may be exactly what you need.

An intervention is simply asking for help from others to convince your loved one to get into a program that can help him or her get clean. During this event, you simply sit the person down and help him or her see how the addiction has impacted both his or her life and the lives of others. The hope is that this realization will convince the person to voluntarily seek help in the form of inpatient rehab, and that is where Granite Recovery Centers steps in.

There is a right and a wrong way to do an intervention. Trying to plan one without the help of a professional or the guidance of a counselor may do nothing more than push the person farther away from the desired goal of rehab. We would highly recommend hiring someone with great references to help walk you through this process.

Drug Rehab

We are in the midst of a national opioid crisis in America. The number of lives affected by the abuse of prescription painkillers and other addictive substances is staggering and is increasing by the year. If you find yourself or a loved one in the midst of this type of struggle, finding the right drug rehab facility is vital.

Addiction is a full-fledged disease. It affects the brain, putting it in the same category as other mental illnesses in need of medical treatment and counseling. Addiction is not a weakness, and it is not a moral failing by the person affected; it is a disease that the individual needs to be healed of.

Because no two drug addictions are the same, there is no such thing as an effective “cookie cutter” approach to beat addiction. There are numerous factors to take into account as well as many effective therapies and approaches to consider. The length of the program, its scope, the type of follow-up an individual needs, and many other considerations are things to take into account when finding the right drug rehab facility.

Inpatient or Outpatient

Maybe the most important consideration when investigating drug rehab options is whether or not inpatient rehab is needed. There are clear pros and cons to both options, but the key is deciding the right option for each situation. For instance, if a person has a supportive home life and the ability to focus all of time and strength for specific period of time on recovery, outpatient rehab could be a great option. On the other hand, if the person’s home life has been instrumental in his or her turning to drugs, then inpatient rehab is the clear choice. Other factors to consider include:

• The severity of the addiction
• What treatments health insurance will cover
• The proximity of a facility to the person’s home
• The family and job situation of the individual

More than anything else, you want to make the right decision. Individuals can find Vicodin on the streets or through a prescription, so keeping away from an enabling environment is of utmost importance during recovery. A dependency on Vicodin can lead to severe long-term consequences and even death, so getting that person the help he or she needs is more important than any other consideration.

Granite Recovery Centers

At Granite Recovery Centers, we offer a holistic approach to drug rehab. We have both inpatient and outpatient programs, and we learn about and study each person’s situation prior to laying out a plan of action. Often, a medical detox is necessary to begin the process, so our experts offer this option at our facilities. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

We can walk the addicted individual and his or her family through every step of defeating a Vicodin dependency. Drug addiction is a type of mental illness, so our professional counselors and doctors will walk through treatment of this illness with the patient. We also offer counseling for family members and friends of Vicodin users to help them understand the road to recovery that their loved one is on. There are 12-step programs, exercise programs, holistic therapies, and family involvement activities as well at our facility to help recovering individuals get back on track with their lives.

Our goal is to help a person recover from old habits that threatened his or her health and well-being. Granite Recovery Centers staff can help walk each individual down the own path to sobriety and help him or her re-enter society free from Vicodin dependency.

The post Side Effects of Vicodin Abuse appeared first on Granite Recovery Centers.

Vicodin is a medication containing hydrocodone, which is a pain-relieving opioid, and acetaminophen, which is a non-opioid pain reliever, used to treat moderate or severe pain. It is typically prescribed to people with acute pain from injuries, chronic pain, and after major surgery. Vicodin’s dangers come from the components that make up the drug. Acetaminophen affects the liver because of the release of harmful byproducts when being processed. Excess acetaminophen can result in liver tissue damage and scarring, leading to interference with liver functioning. Eventually, a person may need a liver transplant.

Typical liver damage cases involve taking 4,000 mg or more of acetaminophen daily. Due to this, the FDA prohibited the marketing of products with over 325 mg of acetaminophen in 2014. Previous products had 500-750 mg of this substance.

Vicodin misuse raises the chances of developing addiction and, in turn, increases the probability of an overdose and health issues linked to long-term use. Using any prescription drug beyond the doctor’s recommendations can have adverse effects on your health.

History of Vicodin

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the health care community that prescribing opioids to relieve pain would not cause addiction. This led to an increase in opioid prescriptions by medical providers, which caused widespread misuse and diversion before it was fully understood that the medications were highly addictive.

In 2019, according to the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid-related overdoses killed almost 50,000 individuals in the United States. Addiction and misuse of opioids is a severe crisis that affects many families in the country and causes a significant economic burden of $78.5 billion annually. Among the different forms of opioids, Vicodin is one of the popular choices, with Americans consuming about 99% of the global supply. While a vote for the FDA to limit the sale of Vicodin in the United States has been passed, the drug is still available.

How to Use Vicodin

Before you take Vicodin, make sure you carefully read the guidelines and patient information and consult your physician or doctor for clarifications. The dosage is usually based on the patient’s medical condition, their response to treatment and weight. Ensure that you do not exceed the dose, take it beyond the recommended time or increase the frequency.

Pain-relieving medications deliver the best results when taken immediately rather than waiting until the pain worsens. The doctor may prescribe long-acting opioid drugs for ongoing pain, so you only have to use them for breakthrough pain. Ask a doctor about how and if you can safely use Vicodin with other medications.

If you suddenly stop using Vicodin, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, especially after using it in high doses or over a long time. It is better to lower the dosage slowly. Do not hesitate to tell your pharmacist or doctor if you experience any withdrawal symptoms like watering eyes, restlessness, trouble sleeping, anxiety, runny nose, sweating, diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, sudden behavioral changes, or suicidal thoughts.

Side Effects of Vicodin

Using Vicodin may cause some side effects, including nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, vomiting, and constipation. Some of these side effects can decrease after using the medication for a while. If they worsen or persist, it would be best to inform your doctor. Exercising, drinking enough water, and taking fiber-rich foods will help prevent constipation. Taking laxatives may also be necessary, but be sure to ask for your doctor’s recommendation. When getting up from lying down or sitting, do it slowly to avoid lightheadedness and dizziness.

Some of the severe side effects are hallucinations, sleep apnea, mood, and mental changes, difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, weight loss, unusual fatigue, and appetite loss. Other severe effects include drowsiness, fainting, shallow or slow breathing, and seizures. In these cases, seeking medical attention is a necessity.

While Vicodin is not associated with intense allergic reactions, get medical assistance if you experience itching, trouble breathing, severe dizziness, or rashes or swelling, particularly in your throat, tongue, and face. Make sure your doctor knows about your allergies and medical history because Vicodin may have inactive ingredients that can cause health problems, including allergic reactions.

How Vicodin Is Taken

A drug’s delivery mode affects how fast it gets into your bloodstream. Vicodin is usually in tablet form and taken orally, so the medicine is dissolved in your stomach, the intestines, and the liver for processing before reaching the brain and taking effect. A person starts feeling the pain relief approximately 20-30 minutes after taking the drug.

When dissolved or crushed and mixed with water to create a solution before being injected, snorted, or smoked, the absorption period shortens drastically and produces a euphoric, intense high. These forms of intake, especially injection, put you at more risk of an overdose. Injection offers the fastest means of delivering the drug to your brain. When hydrocodone hits your brain at once, it can severely interfere with the central nervous system.

Effects of Snorting Vicodin

Besides causing a fast and unpredictable high, snorting Vicodin can damage your lungs, throat, and nose, making it hard to breathe, eat and drink. It can also cause sleep apnea, snoring, congestion, sinus infections, frequent nose bleeds, lung infection, mouth and nose sores, and voice change. Snorting builds your tolerance to Vicodin faster than when taken orally, thus increasing the chances of addiction.

Health Risks of Vicodin Injection

Although it delivers pain-relieving effects faster, injection poses adverse health effects. You will likely develop permanent scars on the injection areas, and using non-sterile needles or syringes can cause abscesses, blisters, and many more skin issues. If your skin is dirty, you may develop an infection.

Sharing or using unsanitized needles or syringes puts you at risk of contracting diseases like HIV, Endocarditis, or Hepatitis C. Endocarditis is an endocardium infection caused by bacteria that can be transmitted by using unsanitary injection equipment. It can be fatal if not treated. You are also more susceptible to addiction and overdose if you inject Vicodin.

Signs of Vicodin Overdose

The symptoms of Vicodin overdose include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weak pulse
• Intestinal spasms
• Low blood pressure
• Coma
• Severe drowsiness
• Shallow or slow breathing
• Bluish fingernails or lips
• Extreme tiredness
• Dark urine
• Yellowing skin and eyes

It is vital to learn to spot these symptoms and know what you need to do in case of an overdose, especially if your loved one uses Vicodin. Consider these symptoms as a medical emergency and seek immediate medical intervention.

Vicodin Addiction

Many people who inject or snort Vicodin effectually develop an addiction to it. This medication falls under Schedule II of controlled substances, having been upgraded from Schedule III in 2014. The DEA voted to impose tighter restrictions to avoid fraud and protect users from misuse or abuse of the drug.

Diagnosing the Addiction

Noticing the signs of Vicodin addiction can be pretty tricky. Certain users can become dependent on the drug without realizing it. While a person accepting that they have a Vicodin problem is a personal matter, loved ones can start the conversation once they notice any addiction signs. It is highly likely that your friend or family member wants to stop using but does not know where to begin or is too scared to seek help.

It is paramount to encourage your loved one to speak to health care professionals because they are better positioned to offer guidance regarding treatment for Vicodin and substance use. Assure your loved one that they have your unconditional support and motivate them to take the step to seek help. Granite Recovery Centers can help make such discussions fruitful and walk you through various treatment options, like our inpatient treatment program.

Criteria for Vicodin Addiction

According to the DMS-5, for a person to receive a substance use disorder diagnosis, they have to meet at least two of the 11 criteria within 12 months. Meeting two or three criteria means the person has a mild substance use disorder, while meeting four or five signifies a moderate case. Six and above is considered severe. The criteria are:

• Taking larger amounts of Vicodin or for longer than prescribed
• Wishing to stop or lower use but failing to do so
• Spending too much time using or recovering from using
• Experiencing urges and cravings
• Failing to handle your responsibilities at school, work, or home
• Continuing use even after it affects your relationships
• Giving up essential occupational, recreational or social activities
• Developing psychological or physical problems
• Needing to use larger quantities to feel the effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using

Treating Vicodin Addiction

Once you develop a physical Vicodin dependence, it will likely lead to addiction. Withdrawing from Vicodin can be painful and intense. Many users keep using the drug so they don’t have to experience the painful experience of withdrawal. Getting professional help is a more effective way to break Vicodin addiction.

The probability of overcoming Vicodin use increases if you join a treatment program and stick to it. Through a medical detox program, you will expel the drugs from your system safely, and the staff will help manage your withdrawal symptoms before going through other treatment forms like therapy. Granite Recovery Centers provides medical detoxification for people who do not need immediate medical intervention, are not a danger to themselves, and are capable of self-evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Medically Assisted Treatment

Substance use treatment centers can provide medications to ease your Vicodin withdrawal symptoms. Prescribing these drugs in conjunction with recovery support and therapy offer the best chance of long-term sobriety. The commonly used drugs are:

• Suboxone: This opioid treats chronic pain, opioid use disorders, and acute pain. It is taken through injection, sublingually or buccally. It activates similar brain receptors as Vicodin to release dopamine and relieve withdrawals.
• Naltrexone: This drug lowers cravings and blocks Vicodin effects in case the person relapses. It also helps alcohol users to stay away from alcohol. You should not use this drug if you are currently using opiates because it can trigger rapid withdrawal symptoms.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is among the most potent forms of counseling for treating Vicodin addiction. CBT helps patients acquire the necessary coping skills to handle life stressors and cravings without relapsing. Patients can also use attention diversion techniques to lower the negative impacts of pain and achieve better pain management.

Granite Recovery Centers combines CBT with other programs like the 12-step curriculum to provide comprehensive treatment. Combining cognitive behavioral therapy with relapse prevention allows patients in addiction recovery to identify situations that make them vulnerable to Vicodin use. Through counseling, you can learn tools to improve various areas of your life, such as your financial status, personal relationships, and employment.

Residential Treatment

The most significant benefit of residential treatment is that it separates you from triggers, which lowers the risk of relapse. Triggers can be people, things, or places that motivate you to turn to drug use. Patients in residential rehab receive support and therapy from trained professionals, increasing the chances of successful recovery. Since people with similar problems will also surround you in an inpatient program, you can motivate and support each other and celebrate every milestone together.

Partial Hospitalization

This approach offers a tailored treatment program with a broad range of recovery and therapeutic support services for Vicodin use disorder. Patients go through different lessons and activities with the guidance of an expert clinician or psychiatrist. Some of the advantages of partial hospitalization include medication management, aftercare planning, case management, recreational activities, family support, and group and individual therapy.

Intensive Outpatient

This type of program treats Vicodin addiction by addressing co-existing mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. The benefits of doing so include developing strategies to manage triggers, understanding the role of exercise and diet in recovery, and improving decision-making, boundary development, and coping skills.

Dual Diagnosis

Prolonged Vicodin dependency increases your vulnerability to mental issues like depression and anxiety. A dual diagnosis treatment program is key to treating Vicodin use disorders comprehensively because addressing one problem and neglecting the mental health component raises the chances of a relapse.

Vicodin can cause adverse impacts on your life, affecting health and also other aspects of daily living. Addiction can even occur when an individual follows the correct prescription because to the way this drug affects the brain. If you or your loved one has an issue with Vicodin use, you can contact Granite Recovery Centers for personalized assistance in overcoming addiction.

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