If you want to know if you or a loved-one is indeed an alcoholic or drug addict – it’s important that you know what the drug addiction signs and alcoholism symptoms are.
Now I could give you a whole list of bulleted signs here, but I’m not going to do that (if you want that feel free to visit my website) – because rather than give you a whole bunch of symptoms, I want to give you what I believe is the most telling one.
Most people think alcoholism or drug addiction is a function of how much you drink or how often you use drugs. I don’t think that’s the case however.
It will of course be obvious to you at certain times that a person is suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. A drug addict for example will be so advanced in their addiction that their life simply revolves around their habit and doing anything else is almost impossible.
Similarly the alcoholic will be so far down the road with their alcoholism that they don’t have a life anymore – it’s totally fallen apart – relationships, job, practically everything.
However, many suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction, aren’t that advanced yet with their addiction. Therefore you want to recognise the symptoms of drug addiction and alcoholism early.
So the most important sign of alcoholism or drug addiction – is that your life starts to become effected by your using or drinking – and that you are increasingly struggling to cope with things on a daily basis.
You begin to become more preoccupied about your next drink or when you’ll use again, relationships begin to suffer, everyday stuff like work becomes more of a struggle – and so drinking or taking drugs becomes an emotional comfort that feels like it helps you manage better.
The problem is, that it is usually difficult to pick up on this alcoholism or drug addiction symptom, because it happens quickly and if often subtle. Denial usually prevents you seeing what is happening in your own case unless you are able to be really honest with yourself – or if it’s a person you care about, look out for changes in attitude, behaviour or mood.
There are numerous alcoholism symptoms are drug addiction signs – but if you can pick up on this one and hopefully catch it early – a successful recovery will be far easier.
Posts Tagged ‘Alcoholism Addiction’
Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocondone. This powerful pain killer is semi-synthetic that is derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine. The drug hydrocondone binds to the pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord, subsequently reducing the sensation of pain.
Acetaminophen can control the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain. Vicodin is perfectly safe as long as it taken as prescribed. If Vicodin is taken in a larger dose or for longer than the prescribed duration, it is addictive.
Vicodin comes in tablet, capsule and liquid form.
This drug is becoming one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Its misuse is as harmful as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.
Effects of Vicodin
Vicodin is similar to codeine and is almost equal in strength to morphine in producing opiate-like effects. Continuous use may result in requiring larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. Long term use can result in physical dependence. The body adapts to the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if the presence of the drug is removed.
Symptoms of Addiction
Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to Vicodin are also addicted to other substances. One indicator is alcoholism or addiction to another substance. Studies show that 83% of Vicodin addicts are addicted to some other substance as well. Also, most often the addicted person is someone who can afford to pay for medication or is privately insured.
Vicodin is use to the treatment of pain. For this reason, people who can afford to seek medical treatment are more likely to become addicted. The most common source of pain reported is in the head and neck. Though the medical issue was addressed when the patients complained to their physicians, addiction was not a concern. Using Vicodin for chronic pain, real or imaginary, can and has lead to drug addiction. Additionally, patients with chronic pain are at risk for withdrawal from the drug which in many cases can be deadly if the prescription is discontinued for any reason. It is for this reason that many patients who experience chronic illness do not want to use prescription medication.
If the following symptoms are noticed, there is genuine reason to believe the person is addicted to Vicodin:
Anxious feeling about getting a prescription refilled before it runs out Tendency to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effect or to take it more often than prescribed Unable to quit the medication even if there is a sincere wish to do so or feeling guilty about taking Vicodin Committing illegal acts to acquire Vicodin such as juggling doctors or buying Vicodin on the street Thinking about the medication upon awakening or the patient’s Vicodin use has become in issue with friends and loved ones.
If any of these apply to you or to someone you love, then you may want to seek treatment for addiction right away. If you think you are addicted either physically or emotionally to Vicodin, talk to your doctor, a counselor or a substance abuse professional as soon as possible to avoid the inescapable dangers of Vicodin addiction. The Farley Center and Williamsburg Place are available to help. Their staff is caring and supportive. They understand and they want to help. Call the Farley Center at (800) 582-6066 for a free assessment interview and to get immediate referrals to a professional in your area.

