Vicodin Addiction

When you hear about a person being addicted to prescription drugs, you are most likely to learn that the drug is an opioid.  Opioids are a highly effective class of pain medications with a high risk of addiction. The most commonly prescribed pain medication is Vicodin, also prescribed generically as hydrocodone. Some drug rehab centers have reported that over half their patients have abused or are addicted to this class of pain medication.

Typically, Vicodin is given to patients who have had a physical injury, dental procedure, or surgery. If taken as prescribed, it is a highly effective pain reliever. However, some people who are initially given Vicodin for pain relief find they like the way the drug makes them feel.  If they continue to take the drug after the pain has dissipated, they may develop a dependence and increased resistance to the effects, which leads to the need for higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.

You would think that this addiction would be difficult to feed. However, illegal online pharmacies and even a few unethical doctors have made this highly addictive drug readily available to addicts.  You may have heard the term "doctor shopping."  People who are addicted to prescription pain medication will move from one doctor to another to fill their prescription. 

How to Identify Vicodin or Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone comes in a white, oval pill. The Vicodin brand will say Vicodin on one side of the pill.

Other trademarked names are Anexsia, Dolorex Forte, Hycet, Liquicet, Lorcet, Lorcet Plus, Lortab, Maxidone, Norco, Stagesic, Xodol and Zydone.


 

The Drug
Schedule II narcotic used for pain relief.  Also used as a cough suppressant. Vicodin blocks pain messages to the brain and can cause a pleasurable or euphoric feeling in some people. Many people experience nausea when taking Vicodin, although this effect wears off after a few days. It should also be taken with food (never on an empty stomach).

Some of the side effects of hydrocodones are nausea, confusion, flu-like symptoms, liver and kidney damage, chest pain, skin rashes, wheezing, labored breathing.

Doctors prescribe hydrocodone for severe to moderate pain - for example, for post-surgical pain relief or after dental procedures. It may also be prescribed in an emergency room after treatment for such things as severe spains or bone fracture.

Dangers of Taking Hydrocodone - Vicodin
Hydrocodone is very addictive. Some feel a sense of euphoria. If the person continues to take the drug, they will develop tolerance, meaning they will need a higher dose to get the same feelings that initially attracted them to the drug.  Because withdrawal is extremely unpleasant, most people need a medical intervention to help wean them from Vicodin.

Signs of Use
Slurred speech, slowed motor skills, sleepiness, seemingly "out of it," and insomnia (the drug can disrupt normal sleep patterns) are signs of Vicodin abuse. Irritability is common if the person is between doses, in withdrawal, or not "getting enough" of the drug.

Overdose
Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headache, and vomiting. A severe overdose will include chest pain, cold clammy skin, difficulty breathing, pinpoint pupils, nausea, confusion, and sometimes a skin rash.  If you suspect someone is overdosing from Vicodin / Hydrocodone it is imperative that you call an ambulance or take them to an emergency room immediately. 

Because Vicodin also contains Tylenol, long-term use can result in the same side effects of prolonged acetominophen use, such as black, tarry stools and even liver failure.  If the drug use is not reported before surgery, the drug user can have serious problems with excessive bleeding.

Withdrawal and Treatment
Physical withdrawal period from Vicodin and other opioids is very unpleasant. Severe headaches and nausea are the most common withdrawal symptoms. The most dangerous withdrawal symptom is seizures.  Medically supervised withdrawal is critical for the health and safety of the addict.  Coma or even death can result from withdrawal without proper medical supervision.

Resource: Vicodin Addiction