Vicodin addiction is more common than many people believe, and this form of substance abuse often begins with a legitimate prescription.
About Vicodin
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription opioid painkiller that combines acetaminophen and hydrocodone. It can be useful in treating moderate to severe pain but has a very high potential for addiction. It is not intended for regular use and is most often prescribed for pain resulting from an injury or recovery from a surgical procedure.
There are three common formulations of Vicodin.
- Vicodin contains 5 mg of hydrocodone and 300 mg of acetaminophen.
- Vicodin ES contains 7.5 mg of hydrocodone and 300 mg of acetaminophen.
- Vicodin HP contains 10 mg of hydrocodone and 300 mg of acetaminophen.
As defined by the United States Controlled Substances Act, Vicodin is considered a Schedule II drug. Drugs in this classification have a high potential for abuse and can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, especially when they are not used exactly as prescribed.
Signs of a Vicodin Addiction
Addiction to Vicodin often develops gradually. A person may see how effective the drug is at relieving pain and decide they’d get even more of a benefit by increasing their dosage. Or, they may start taking the drug regularly as a way to destress and relax regardless of whether they’re experiencing any pain. They might try to rationalize their usage by claiming they wouldn’t have been prescribed the medication if it wasn’t safe.
Some signs a person may be developing an addiction to Vicodin include:
- Experiencing cravings for Vicodin
- Feeling powerless to control their Vicodin usage
- Believing they need Vicodin to feel “normal”
- Mixing Vicodin with alcohol or other drugs
- Seeing multiple doctors and visiting multiple pharmacies to maintain a steady supply of Vicodin
- Buying Vicodin on the black market
- Declining performance at work or school
- Trouble maintaining relationships with friends and family
- Financial troubles related to spending too much money on Vicodin
- Stealing from others to obtain pills or money to buy more Vicodin
Some physical symptoms associated with Vicodin addiction include:
- Severe mood swings
- Slow heartbeat
- Headache
- Constipation
- Lightheadedness
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Constricted pupils
- Confusion
- Seizures or convulsions
Some people with severe Vicodin addiction may turn to snorting or injecting the drug to get a stronger high. Or, as their tolerance increases to the point where it’s hard to obtain a strong enough dose of Vicodin, they may start using heroin.
Potential Long-Term Consequences of Vicodin Addiction
An addiction to Vicodin can cause severe consequences that affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Untreated substance use disorders can lead to job loss, divorce, loss of child custody, estrangement from family and friends, bankruptcy, or incarceration. Taking high doses of Vicodin can lead to liver failure due to the acetaminophen contained in the drug. A fatal overdose is also a real possibility, especially if Vicodin is being combined with alcohol or other drugs.
It is important to remember that addiction is a chronic, progressive illness. Even if a person has yet to hit a “rock bottom” moment, they are on a dangerous path that won’t get better without treatment.
How Mountain Laurel Recovery Center Can Help
Detox is the first step in the process of recovering from Vicodin addiction. Since opioid withdrawal is associated with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and trouble sleeping, Mountain Laurel Recovery Center recommends a medically managed detox where vital signs can be monitored and measures can be taken to ensure safety and comfort. Our inpatient detox treatment includes 24-hour nursing care with access to a team of support staff and physicians to meet anticipated and/or unanticipated medical needs. The length of time a person needs to complete detox will vary based on prior patterns of substance abuse, but most withdrawal symptoms associated with Vicodin addiction will disappear within 10 days of the last drug use.
While detox helps rid the body of addictive substances, it is not a cure for a substance use disorder. Inpatient residential treatment at our Pennsylvania drug and alcohol addiction treatment facility includes access to individual, group, and family therapy designed to build the foundation for lasting sobriety. Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine, methadone, or other drugs may be recommended as well. We provide a safe and supportive atmosphere designed to help each client tap into their inherent potential for change and growth, regardless of what challenges they’ve faced in the past.