How does Vicodin detox work? What happens during Vicodin rehab? What can I (or my loved one) expect from a Vicodin rehab program? Does Duffy’s treat a Vicodin addiction? This is the last post in our Vicodin series: 101, 201, 301
Vicodin Detoxification
If you’ve ever tried to withdraw from Vicodin by yourself, you know it can be very painful. This is because Vicodin contains strong opiates. And opiates interfere with your brain’s reward center and your pain messaging system, making quitting vicodin both hard and painful.
Why is Vicodin So Hard to Quit?
Your body produces natural endorphins–the chemical that makes you feel good and happy–but opiates, the key product in Vicodin–can mimic natural endorphins quite successfully. The problem is, the longer you have these synthetic “endorphins” in your brain, the less natural endorphins your body produces. The result is that as soon as you quit taking your Vicodin, your body immediately feels depressed. Your immediate reaction is to return to feeling normal, so you take more pills. But the problem is, that over time, your Vicodin becomes less effective at producing these synthetic “endorphins” and you have to take a higher dosage to feel normal.
Why is Vicodin Detox Painful?
In addition to leaving you depressed when the pills are no longer in your system, your body itself will become extremely sensitive to pain. This happens because opiates in Vicodin at times block or re-interpret pain signals in your brain and spinal cord. When opiates are removed, your body begins to experience pain–but you often feel more pain than you would normally. Some people describe the experience as their “whole body hurting.”
Is Suboxone an Option for Me?
One effective method for treating Vicodin addiction is to triate off, perhaps with the assistance of a drug. One such common drug is Suboxone, a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone can help to effectively block the pain of withdrawal. Not everyone will want to use Suboxone–so this is a conversation you will want to have with the physician who is overseeing your detox.
How Does Vicodin Detox Works?
While the prospect of going through the pain of detox may be frightening, withdrawing from prescription drugs is not life-threatening. In Duffy’s, a doctor will work with you to create a customized detox plan, tailored to provide you with the safest, most comfortable process for your needs. Your initial assessment may include questions such as
- How much Vicodin did you take daily?
- Did you use alcohol or other drugs while taking Vicodin?
- Have you been through detox before?
The staff and even other guests, who have successfully detoxed, will be there to support you as you take this crucial first step in recovery.
How Long Does Vicodin Detox Last?
The length of detox depends on various factors, such as how long the addiction lasted. Guests at Duffy’s are usually able to complete detox within 2-3 days.
Vicodin Rehab
While detox will remove Vicodin from your body, detox cannot remove the desire to use again.
If you want to find freedom and hope in a new life, free from an addiction, you will need to uncover the underlying issues that led to the addiction in the first place. In treatment at Duffy’s, trained counselors, working 1-on-1 with you can help you to understand your disease and create a customized treatment plan. Duffy’s program is based on the 12-step philosophy and includes thorough educational workshops as well as confidential counseling. Duffy’s also includes
- Relapse prevention plan of action
- Aftercare curriculum and free visits
- Health and wellness resources, such as excellent food, swimming and tennis
Recovery is a daily process, but the longer you can stay away from Vicodin, surrounded by caring counselors and friends, the easier it will be to experience a life, free of addiction, after leaving rehab. Therefore, longer treatment programs (60-90 day rehab) are associated with a higher success rates than shorter rehabs (28 days).
See here for a comprehensive list of Duffy’s programs and services.
Are you ready?
If you or somebody you know is struggling with Vicodin addiction, we encourage you to seek help at Duffy’s. Call us at 707-348-4874 or click here to make a reservation today.