Vicodin is one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers that, if left unchecked, can lead to opiate dependency. Here’s a handy guide that should tell you everything you need to know about Vicodin addiction.
Vicodin is one of the most widely abused prescription drugs in the entire United States.
Originally designed to assist with the pain that results from surgery or traumatic injury, many become dependent on the euphoric feelings which can result from abusing this drug recreationally.
Vicodin addiction is prevalent among Americans of all ages from teens, to professional adults and even senior citizens.
Addiction to opioid painkillers, such as Vicodin, are the main priority of public health delivery systems. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that 91 people die every day from addiction to opiates such as Vicodin.
Treatment for Vicodin addiction is essential for most people to be able to return to normal and productive lives.
Keep reading to learn more about what Vicodin addiction is and how you can overcome it!
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a narcotic painkiller which is a combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone.
Acetaminophen is also known as APAP and paracetamol and is used to treat moderate pain and fever. It is a common over-the-counter medication and is the active ingredient in Tylenol.
Hydrocodone is also known as dihydrocodeinone and is a prescription grade synthetic opiate which is derived from codeine. It is a common prescription medication and is used orally to treat moderate to severe pain.
The combination of Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone is part of what makes Vicodin addiction so detrimental to health. Both of these drugs are toxic in varying degrees and can lead to severe health problems or even death if abused.
Vicodin use can lead to dependency. Vicodin addiction whether from lawfully prescribed or illicitly obtained medications can threaten health in a number of serious ways.
How Does Vicodin Addiction Begin?
Many of the people who become addicted to Vicodin and other opiates originally received these medications through legitimate prescriptions from their doctors. In most cases, injuries resulting from sports or physical activity on a job precipitate use and eventual abuse of Vicodin.
Other people become addicted to Vicodin after purchasing it illicitly on the street. Many dealers have access to these medications through doctors who prescribe them unlawfully or people who choose to sell them to help make ends meet.
Regardless of how addiction begins, receiving treatment is extremely important due to the detrimental and potentially deadly health outcomes that result from long-term use.
It is important to be aware of the stages of change in addiction recovery. Overcoming addiction may not be easy but it can be accomplished.
MUSE Treatment can help your family overcome addiction!
What Effects Will Vicodin Abuse Result in?
Vicodin use and abuse will result in many clearly noticeable effects.
Most of these will be present from the first instance of use:
- Feelings of euphoria
- Itching
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Prolonged use and abuse over time can result in:
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Liver damage
- Jaundice
- Nutritional shortfalls
- Urinary system failure
What Happens During a Vicodin Overdose?
A Vicodin overdose occurs when too much of the drug is consumed either on its own or in combination with another substance.
Because Vicodin depresses the central nervous system, it can be extremely dangerous to consume this drug with other substances that do this as well.
Combining Vicodin with alcohol, other opiates or barbiturates vastly increases the potential for a drug overdose to occur. A Vicodin overdose is extremely serious and requires immediate medical attention.
The following symptoms can result from an acute Vicodin overdose:
- Extreme Nausea or Vomiting
- Very Small Pupils
- Dangerously Low Blood Pressure
- Exhaustion
- Slowed Pulse
- Shallow or Incomplete Breathing Patterns
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
What Symptoms will Vicodin Addicts Show?
Vicodin addiction will result in many clear symptoms.
Being aware of these could help you to protect a loved one before their addiction threatens their future any further.
Nonetheless, in many cases, addicts learn how to manage symptoms and seek to keep these hidden from friends, family and professional colleagues.
The following are clear indicators of Vicodin addiction:
- Strong desire to use Vicodin
- Frequent discussion about Vicodin or other Opiates
- Noticeable increase in tolerance to Vicodin (Greater amounts sought either legitimately through doctors or purchased on the streets)
- Persistent drowsiness or a noticeable drugged appearance
- Frequent itching
- Nausea
- Inability to focus on activities of daily living
- Frequent changes in mood, friends or interests
- Anxiousness, irritability or irrational decision making
- Lack of interest in anything other than using Vicodin
- Constipation
- Frequently seeking out new ways of securing Vicodin (This could include doctor shopping or driving to open drug markets in search of Vicodin)
Because Vicodin addiction can result in many negative health outcomes as well as threaten success in academic and professional settings, it is important to seek treatment.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting the following symptoms, it is important to explore drug treatment options.
What Treatment Options are Available for Vicodin Addiction?
MUSE Treatment offers comprehensive addiction treatment for every stage of recovery.
Whether you need to detox from Vicodin, receive in-patient support or you are interested in participating in an outpatient program, there are options which can assist you and your family today.
MUSE Treatment also offers medication-assisted treatment programs and sober living homes, effective options depending on the severity of the addiction and preferred treatment methods. Regardless of what kind of addiction support you need, MUSE has the ability to help you overcome your battle with substance abuse.
Dealing with addiction is never simple but with the support of a multi-disciplinary care team on your side, you can be assured that you are able to access the best possible treatment to address your addiction.
The best treatment option is the one that helps you to live your life to your fullest!
Contact MUSE Treatment Today
If you or someone you know is suffering from Vicodin addiction, you should reach out to us today.
We have addiction specialists standing by and looking forward to assisting you with any questions you might have about entering into the recovery process.
You don’t have to go through this on your own, we are here and look forward to helping you access the treatment you need.
Contact us today to speak with an opiate addiction specialist!
