One of the fastest growing drug problems in the United States is Vicodin addiction. Men and women of all ages, many of whom never used illicit drugs in their lives, are finding themselves addicted to this powerful prescription painkiller. Once an individual has come to terms with their Vicodin abuse problem, it is absolutely vital that they seek treatment before the drug threatens to destroy everything in their life that they hold dear. According to the NIDA (National institute on Drug Abuse), regular Vicodin use and abuse can lead to a physical dependence – and eventually addiction
What Are the Different Types of Vicodin Rehab?
Individuals who decide to enter Vicodin rehab – or have that decision made for them by family, friends or the legal system – have a choice of two types of treatment facilities: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient Vicodin rehab has the individual living at the treatment facility for a month or longer. These programs begin with drug detox – where the individual stops taking Vicodin in order to allow their system to clear out all the Vicodin. Once detox is complete, patients at the inpatient drug rehab center begin counseling. Through individual, group, experiential and family counseling, the recovering Vicodin addict is able to learn the reasons behind why they abuse this medication – and learn strategies to help them stay away from that use moving forward. Aftercare is a key component of the rehab process. It includes a variety of programs designed to help the individual make a fluid transition back into daily life. All this treatment occurs in a communal setting where the individual receives day-and-night care. During this time, the addict can also form an important support structure with fellow patients.
Outpatient Vicodin rehab offers the same core treatment programs as inpatient care, but the individual does not live at the facility. Instead, patients attend counseling during the day and sometimes into the evening. Once they are finished with their therapy, they return to their homes or a sober living home. Outpatient drug rehab is generally less expensive than inpatient treatment but the individual must be able to handle life in their home environment during treatment If the individual’s home life is contributing to their drug abuse and addiction, having them return there each evening threatens the progress they are making during the day.
How Long Are These Rehab Programs?
Most drug rehab programs that address Vicodin addiction or abuse last at least 30 days. There are also long-term programs geared towards those with a history of relapse or those suffering from mental health issues in addition to addiction. These programs are generally residential in format and can last a full year or longer. It is worth noting that only the most serious cases of Vicodin addiction or abuse require the services of a long-term drug rehab program.
Paying for Vicodin Addiction Rehab Costs
Many individuals who become addicted to Vicodin will deplete their family savings in order to obtain more and more of the drug (the black market cost of Vicodin can be as high as $10 per pill). This causes a problem when it comes time to pay for drug rehab, especially inpatient care that can cost several thousand dollars per month. To help, many recovering addicts turn to their insurance carrier. Talk to your provider as many plans include at least partial coverage for addiction treatment or rehab stays.
Also, a number of facilities are working with private lenders to provide patients with financing options. These loans may not remove the entire burden of paying for Vicodin treatment but they help families get back on their feet financially before the final bill is due.
The Importance of Abuse and Addiction Treatment
Among teenagers and the elderly, there are few drugs creating as many problems as Vicodin is. Adolescents are obtaining the drug through their own parents’ medicine cabinets or even via the Internet where thousands of illicit pharmacies sell the drug to anyone, with no prescription or proof of age required. The elderly are obtaining Vicodin in order to cope with chronic pain or pain associated with recovery from surgery. Both groups of people often use the drug because they mistakenly think that because a doctor prescribes Vicodin, it is less dangerous than a drug like heroin. Vicodin addiction treatment programs point out that nothing could be further from the truth. These treatment centers address the seriousness of Vicodin addiction and help the individual stop using today. They also help patients learn how to keep from using this dangerous opiate in the months and years following treatment.
If you know someone who is abusing Vicodin, it’s time to get them the help they need. Recovery is possible. You just have to take that first step to reach out for help. Call us today.