As with the abuse of any other prescription drug, the primary issue associated with Vicodin addiction treatment is the continued denial of the problem by the patient. And the problem is more severe than anticipated as in majority of the cases Vicodin was originally prescribed by the doctor. A Vicodin addict continues to abuse the drug even when he no longer requires it, sometimes even without the prescription of a medical professional. Not to mention, Vicodin addiction can lead to severe damaging effects on the addicts mind as well as body. And in majority of the cases, it is not the addict who suffers exclusively. The family members and the loved ones of the patient go through equally difficult times during the addiction period.

Vicodin is undoubtedly one of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in the United States. It is an opiate derivative and hence its effects are very similar to other opiate derivatives such as heroin and cocaine. Vicodin is closely associated with drugs such as Loricet, Loritab Percodan and Oxycontin as all these are opium-derived pain killers. Though Vicodin is highly effective as an analgesic, it is highly addictive. Another downside to the usage of Vicodin is that its withdrawal symptoms are very similar to the pain it is supposed to alleviate.

Vicodin is abused orally by chewing, crushing or snorting. Some of the common side-effects of Vicodin are nausea, dizziness, sedation, constipation, vomiting and respiratory depression. The side-effects of Vicodin abuse become more evident and damaging with the advent of time. While the side-effects experienced during initial stages of Vicodin addiction are shallow breathing, decreased heart beat, nausea and dizziness, the side-effects experienced during the advanced stages are blurred vision, hallucinations and ineptness.

Since Vicodin is an opiate base analgesic, it is highly recommended that the withdrawal is done under a professional's medical supervision. Some of the common Vicodin withdrawal symptoms are restlessness, muscle pain, bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, goose bumps, and involuntary leg movements, watery eyes, running nose and eyes, loss of appetite, irritability, panic, nausea, chills and excessive sweating.

Vicodin addiction has a devastating effect on the physical, mental and psychological aspects of an individual's life. More often than not, Vicodin addiction also has drastic effects on the personal and professional life of the addict. It is quintessential that a Vicodin addict is helped with the right treatment. Vicodin addiction treatment usually starts with a detoxification process which is later followed by an intense treatment and rehabilitation. While the detoxification process cleanses the addict's body of the physical traces of the blood, the treatment programs aims at providing the patient with the right tools, support and resources to get rid of the menace.