One of the fastest growing drug problems in the United States is Vicodin abuse and 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.
What are the Different Types of Vicodin Abuse Rehab?
Individuals who decide to enter Vicodin rehab (or have that decision made for them by family and friends) have a choice of two types of treatment facility: inpatient and outpatient.
Inpatient Vicodin rehab has the individual living onsite 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 cleanse itself of harmful drug toxins. Once detox is complete, patients at the inpatient drug rehab center begin counseling. Through individual, group and family counseling, the recovering Vicodin addict is able to learn the reasons why they abuse this medication – and learn strategies to help them stay “clean” moving forward. The final piece to the puzzle is aftercare – a variety of programs designed to help the individual make a smooth transition back into daily life – and cope with the stressors and distractions that often lead to relapse. This all occurs in a communal setting where the individual receives round-the-clock care and forms an important support structure with her fellow patients.
Outpatient Vicodin rehab offers the same core treatment programs as inpatient care, but the individual does not live at the facility. Instead, men and women attend counseling during the day and in the evening, and then return home or to a sober living facility. 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 leading to drug abuse and addiction, having them return there each evening threatens the progress they are making during the day.
How long are Vicodin Abuse Rehab Programs?
Most drug rehab programs that address Vicodin addiction or abuse last between one and three months. There are also long-term programs geared towards those with a history of relapse or other addiction-related issues. These programs are generally inpatient 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 loot 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. More and more major insurance companies are now including drug addiction treatment as part of their coverage.
Also, a number of facilities are working with private lenders to provide patients with financing options. These loans may not remove the 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 Vicodin Abuse and Addiction Treatment
Among teenagers and the elderly, there are few drugs creating as many problems as Vicodin. Adolescents are obtaining the drug through their own parent’s medicine cabinet, or even on the Internet – where thousands of illicit pharmacies sell the drug to anyone with a credit card number and a mailing address. The elderly are obtaining the drugs as a means of coping with chronic pain or pain associated with surgery recovery. Both groups use the drug because they mistakenly think that because a doctor prescribes Vicodin that it is less dangerous than say, heroin. Vicodin addiction treatment programs point out that nothing could be further from the truth. These life saving rehab centers address the seriousness of Vicodin addiction and help the individual stop using today – and learn how to keep from using this dangerous opiate in the months and years following treatment. There is growing concern about Vicodin addiction in this country, and drug rehab centers are the only thing that stands between many individuals and a life lost to addiction.
