Vicodin Addiction, Treatment & Abuse Effects

Vicodin Addiction Treatment and Side Effects

Vicodin, a combination of hydrocodone (an opioid pain reliever) and acetaminophen, is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain management. Doctors typically prescribe it following surgery, dental procedures, or for injuries and chronic conditions that cause significant pain. The medication changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain signals. The risk for Vicodin addiction has significant potential due to its opioid component.

In 2023, more than 5 million Americans indicated they experienced a prescription use disorder within the past year, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, many people who develop a dependence on the effects of opioids initially receive the medication through legitimate prescriptions. This high abuse potential has led to stricter prescribing guidelines and monitoring in recent years.

The medication carries risks of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. Long-term use or abuse can lead to increased tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same pain-relieving effect. It can potentially result in life-threatening respiratory depression, particularly when combined with other central nervous system depressants. This article will explore the potency and side effects of Vicodin to further highlight the risk for proper treatment when Vicodin Addiction develops.

Vicodin Effects

Along with pain relief, Vicodin provokes strong feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It’s a powerful combination that often leads people to disregard the dangers. This is especially true if you have an existing, undiagnosed, or untreated co-occurring mental health condition. Always take Vicodin as prescribed and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following side effects, or if they worsen over time:

• Fainting
• Seizure
• Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Changes in mood or mental state – agitation, confusion
• Constipation
• Difficulty urinating
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sleep apnea
• Stomach or abdominal pain

Signs of Vicodin Abuse and Addiction

Because it’s so habit-forming, the signs of Vicodin abuse and addiction are often missed by the user until it’s too late. Keeping a drug journal where you record pain levels and dosages is useful in spotting any harmful trends around your behavior towards Vicodin. If you recognize any of the following behaviors in yourself or loved ones, you may want to speak with a doctor or contact the addiction specialists at Muse Treatment:

• Changes in exercise and sleep habits
• Decreased libido
• Drug-seeking
• Getting sick with the flu more often
• Intense cravings
• Not paying bills
• Shoplifting or stealing from family, friends, or work
• Tolerance – taking higher or more frequent doses
• Unusually poor hygiene
• Weight loss
• Withdrawing from friends and family

Vicodin abuse, even if it’s your first time, is dangerous and potentially fatal. Taking someone else’s prescription, acquiring it through false means, exceeding prescribed levels, and taking it with or while on other substances are all examples of drug abuse. Taking Vicodin with other drugs or medications is the most dangerous because it drastically increases your risk of overdose. If you or someone around you is experiencing an overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately. Take any and all necessary harm reduction measures for which you are qualified until help arrives.

Knowing when to call improves the chances of there being no permanent damage and could save a life, maybe even yours. Call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately if either you or someone around you begins to show any of the following signs of overdose:

• Abdominal cramps
• Blue-tinged lips or nails
• Changes in consciousness or responsiveness, coma
• Cold, clammy skin
• Confusion
• Difficulty staying awake
• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea and vomiting
• Problems with breathing – slow, shallow, or no breathing
• Seizures
• Uncontrolled muscle twitches
• Weakness
• Weak pulse

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms

If you’re addicted to Vicodin then you already have an idea of what withdrawing on your own will be like. You feel it between every use. That’s why choosing a qualified detox center is so important. Many treatment facilities today offer medical detox programs to help you through the process. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medication may reduce any anxiety or discomfort, allowing your body to heal itself. Some common symptoms of withdrawal from Vicodin include:

• Anxiety and agitation
• Chills
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Yawning
• Deep muscle or bone pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe abdominal cramps

Long-Term Side Effects of Vicodin Abuse

The lasting effects of Vicodin spread across a wide variety of your organs and systems, but you can still get help. Plenty of addicts who reached this stage, with one or more lasting effects, have gone on to lead happy, productive lives after getting clean.

• Chronic constipation and damage of the intestinal tract
• Damage to the cardiovascular system
• Difficulty urinating – increased risk of urinary tract infections leading to kidney damage and failure
• Hearing loss
• Jaundice
• Liver damage and failure – from acetaminophen
• More frequent respiratory infection
• Reproductive problems

Is Vicodin the Strongest Painkiller?

No, Vicodin is not the strongest painkiller. While it’s a powerful medication, there are several more potent opioid painkillers. Here’s a general comparison of common opioid strengths:

Weaker than Vicodin

• Codeine
• Tramadol

Similar strength to Vicodin

• Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen)

Stronger than Vicodin

• Oxycontin (extended-release oxycodone)
• Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
• Morphine
• Fentanyl (significantly stronger than morphine)

The strength of a painkiller isn’t always the most important factor in treatment. Doctors consider many factors when prescribing pain medication, including:

• The type and severity of pain
• Risk of side effects
• Potential for addiction
• Patient’s medical history
• Duration of needed treatment

Often, the best painkiller is the one that effectively manages pain while minimizing risks and side effects, not necessarily the strongest one available.

Are Percocet and Vicodin the Same?

Percocet and Vicodin are both prescription opioid pain medications, but they contain different active ingredients. Percocet combines oxycodone with acetaminophen, while Vicodin contains hydrocodone plus acetaminophen. While both are effective for managing moderate to severe pain, they can have different effects and side effect profiles for different patients.

Both medications carry similar risks and side effects, including drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and the potential for physical dependence and addiction. Due to these risks, both are classified as Schedule II controlled substances and may require prescription drug rehab in Los Angeles to overcome once dependence sets in.

The acetaminophen component in both medications can cause liver damage if taken in excessive amounts or combined with alcohol. Always follow prescribed dosages and never combine these medications with other central nervous system depressants. Percocet and Vicodin should only be taken under proper medical supervision due to their potential for dependence and other serious risks.

Can You Take Two Vicodin?

People should only take the amount of Vicodin prescribed. A qualified healthcare provider must determine the proper dosage based on the patient’s medical condition, pain level, body weight, tolerance, and other factors. Any changes to prescribed dosing should only be made under medical supervision.

Taking more Vicodin than prescribed increases serious risks, including severe respiratory depression (dangerously slowed breathing), liver damage from the acetaminophen component, increased side effects, and a higher risk of overdose, which can be fatal.

The standard prescribed dose already carries risks of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and constipation. If you feel your prescribed dose isn’t adequately controlling your pain, please speak with your doctor about adjusting your pain management plan safely rather than modifying the dose yourself.

Does Vicodin Make You Sleepy?

Yes, Vicodin’s drowsy effects occur because hydrocodone, like other opioids, acts as a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down brain activity and nerve signaling throughout the body. The drowsiness can range from mild sleepiness to pronounced sedation, and this effect is typically strongest in the first few hours after taking the medication.

The sedating effects of Vicodin can be dangerous when combined with other activities or substances. Due to impaired reaction time and coordination, driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks requiring alertness should be avoided while taking Vicodin. The drowsiness can become more intense if Vicodin is combined with other sedating substances like alcohol, sleep medications, or anti-anxiety drugs, which is why such combinations should be strictly avoided.

Overcome Vicodin Addiction With Support From Muse Treatment

When faced with an overwhelming Vicodin addiction, the first step typically involves prescription drug detox in Los Angeles, where addiction specialists can help patients manage withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. During this process, medical staff monitor vital signs and may prescribe medications to ease symptoms like anxiety, nausea, and body aches. This supervised approach significantly increases the chances of successful detoxification compared to attempting to quit alone.

Following detox, comprehensive treatment often includes both individual and group therapy sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms, while support groups provide community understanding and shared experiences. Family therapy is another helpful program, as addiction affects not just the individual but the entire support system.

Finding appropriate treatment is crucial for long-term recovery success, which is why Muse Treatment is here to serve anyone looking to overcome their drug addiction. Our professional treatment facility with experienced medical staff has proven success rates in treating opioid addiction. We also offer aftercare planning to help prevent relapse, including ongoing therapy, support group recommendations, and strategies for managing chronic pain without opioids if needed.

The proper professional support can make the difference between struggling with addiction and building a sustainable recovery. Please contact Muse Treatment in Los Angeles at 800-426-1818 for support on beginning a healthier, sustainable drug recovery.

External Sources

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Opioids
• CDC – About Prescription Opioids
• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Only 1 in 5 U.S. adults with opioid use disorder received medications to treat it in 2021