Vicodin Addiction: Abuse, Symptoms, Treatment and Recovery

is vicodin addictive

Peer pressure and lack of social support also increase the risk of addiction. It’s a prescription opioid that can lead to physical dependence which, in some cases, may lead to addiction. If you feel you’re starting to crave the drug even at times when you feel little or no pain, talk with your doctor immediately. They can work with you to avoid developing a hydrocodone addiction. Once a physical dependence on Vicodin develops, addiction becomes more likely.

Social behavioural signs of Vicodin abuse

Physical dependence is characterized by the body adapting to the drug over time, requiring more of it to achieve desired effects. This can occur even when you take the medication exactly as prescribed. Tolerance to the drug can develop quickly — in some cases, within a week. You may feel you need to take increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects you felt when you first started the medication. Hydrocodone works by attaching to specific opioid receptors is vicodin addictive in the brain and blocking pain signals. At the same time, it causes the release of dopamine — a “feel good” hormone — throughout the body.

Overprescription and Vicodin Addiction

If someone chooses to treat their addiction, working with medical professionals will allow them to analyze the patient’s situation to determine the best way to wean them off the drug.
The first step in treating Vicodin addiction is usually detox, where the body is cleared of the drug, physical dependence disrupted, and the body’s healing initiated.
Opioid rehab and treatment is the most effective approach to overcoming addiction.
But they can also include more serious symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Up to 131 million Americans were, oftentimes unnecessarily, prescribed Vicodin in 2011.

When prescribed by a medical professional, the drug comes as a tablet or an oral liquid.
Vicodin contains the active ingredients hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
One potential side effect of Vicodin is an increased pain sensitivity, called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH).

Co-occurring condition management

Distance should not stand in the way of a drug-free life.The Recovery Village has locations nationwide to help assist those struggling with a Vicodin addiction or any other substance use disorder. Vicodin can be a dangerous medication alone, but combining it with other drugs or alcohol can make it even more dangerous. As a result, it is important to be cautious when taking other medications with Vicodin.

Side Effects of Hydrocodone

According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the effects of hydrocodone last from four to six hours. Whatever the underlying issue is, the feeling of euphoria will be more favourable to them than living with these problems. Therefore, once the Vicodin abuse begins, Vicodin addiction is not far behind.

is vicodin addictive

Overdose

Vicodin withdrawals can be intense and painful, and many people will continue using Vicodin just to avoid them. Vicodin is currently labeled as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Agency after being changed from Schedule III in October of 2014. Abuse of Vicodin includes any type of use without a prescription or use other than directed by a doctor. If attending a treatment center offered by The Recovery Village is not an option, try looking through our online facility locator to Alcoholics Anonymous find a center closest to you.

is vicodin addictive

Vicodin is a prescription opioid prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain, but many people abuse it for its euphoric and relaxing effects. It’s important to know the signs of a Vicodin addiction so you can get help for yourself or a loved one. Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid, typically prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. Unlike natural opiates morphine and codeine, hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid. Generally, doctors may decide to write a hydrocodone (brand name Vicodin®) prescription to treat short-term pain following dental surgery or for injury-related pain. However, due to the addictive nature of opioids, regular use of hydrocodone can be habit-forming.