Is Vicodin an Opioid or Opiate?

Most people know that Vicodin is a brand-name painkiller that requires a prescription to buy. Beyond that, the majority of people don’t know which drugs Vicodin contains. Also, many of them can’t answer the question, “Is Vicodin an opioid?” To answer this question, it’s essential to learn the difference between these types of drugs. Then you’ll know if you’ll need an opiate addiction rehab center in Southern CA.

Opiate Drugs

Firstly, let’s learn a bit more about opiates. In short, this term refers to substances that naturally come from the opium poppy plant. This plant naturally contains morphine and codeine. Pharmaceutical companies extract these chemical compounds to make prescription medications.

Generally speaking, codeine and morphine are the most commonly known opiates. However, opium poppy naturally contains other drugs. Thebaine and papaverine are two examples.

Opioid Drugs

Is Vicodin an opioid? Answering this question requires an understanding of opioids in general. There are two types, which are synthetic and semi-synthetic. Synthetic opioids are entirely man-made, while semi-synthetic opioids are hybrids that contain natural and man-made compounds.

For example, methadone and fentanyl are examples of synthetic opioids. On the other hand, heroin and oxycodone are examples of semi-synthetic drugs. Some of these drugs, such as heroin, have no practical medical use.

Is Vicodin an Opioid?

Now, it’s time to answer the question, “Is Vicodin an opioid or opiate?” The drug comes from a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Since it’s a man-made product, it falls under the synthetic category. More specifically, it’s a semi-synthetic drug because it contains some natural ingredients.

Also, the two drugs that Vicodin contains work in different ways. Firstly, hydrocodone reduces pain. Acetaminophen, which people can buy over the counter, is a fever reducer and pain reliever. In general, hydrocodone interacts with the central nervous system, while acetaminophen reduces pain further.

Is Vicodin Addictive?

Unfortunately, “Is Vicodin an opioid or opiate?” doesn’t change the fact that it’s addictive. In fact, it doesn’t take long for people to build a tolerance and start abusing the drug. When the abuse starts, addiction quickly follows. Despite that, doctors prescribe this medication regularly.

Thankfully, people can get treatment for opioid or opiate addiction. However, they shouldn’t try to overcome it on their own. They have to reach out for professional help at a substance abuse treatment center that puts their needs first. Only a rehab center can provide the tools that they need to change their lives.

Don’t Let Vicodin Addiction Ruin Your Life

Are you looking for an opioid or opiate addiction rehab center Southern CA has? If so, you can learn more about Vicodin and opioids at Phoenix Rising. We provide effective rehab programs. A few of the programs that we offer include:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Dual diagnosis treatment
• Sober living program
• Detox
• Residential treatment program

Fight back against Vicodin addiction with our help. Learn more about is Vicodin an opioid during your treatment. Reach out to our helpful staff today at 8552328211 for more information.