Vicodin addiction is an addiction to hydrocodone, which is the
chemical name for the substance that makes up the opiate part of a Vicodin
tablet. The remainder of Vicodin is comprised for acetaminophen, more commonly
known by its commercial name; Tylenol. Hydrocodone is a derivative of opium and
is chemically very similar to heroin, both being opiates. Other drugs or
medicines that contain hydrocodone have different commercial names,
such as Lortabs, but are all comprised of the same opiate derivative;
hydrocodone. It is this compound that has the addictive effect that all opiates
demonstrate. Vicodin is not nearly as strong as morphine or heroin, but once
someone begins to take multiple does of Vicodin, the withdrawals and recovery
from this opiate is the same as it is for any of the stronger opiates, but
there is a relationship between opiate strength and the severity of the
withdrawals and hydrocodone is the mildest of the commercially sold
opiates.
In fact, it is common and unfortunate, that many persons
that need Vicodin drug rehab are referred to methadone
programs in order to detoxify from their milder opiate addiction. This in
unfortunate because these persons are soon addicted to methadone, which is the
hardest of all opiates to ultimately kick or withdrawal from. Many persons that
have taken this advice and used methadone as a cure for their
Vicodin addiction have later discovered that they now feel incapable of ever
getting off of methadone. So, first of all, if you are looking for a treatment
for your Vicodin addiction, DO NOT consider taking the methadone substitute
route. It will only lead you deeper into addiction.