What Is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a brand-name prescription medication that is a combination of an opioid and acetaminophen for pain relief. In the US, it is no longer sold and prescribed as Vicodin through legal routes; instead it goes by its generic name,hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen.

It typically comes in tablet form with different concentrations ofhydrocodone (anopioid) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), depending on a person’s needs.

As with other opioids, Vicodin carries a risk of misuse andaddiction. On the street, it is known by the following names:

• Fluff
• Hydros
• V-itamin
• Vic
• Vike
• Watson-387

It’s important to know the risks of taking Vicodin and other forms of hydrocodone before using it, as side effects can occur even when taken as prescribed.

Vicodin Addiction And Abuse

Chronic use of Vicodin or generic hydrocodone-containing medications can cause physical dependency and may lead to a substance use disorder with misuse. It is federally identified as aSchedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and abuse.

Physical dependency on Vicodin occurs when the body adapts to the presence of hydrocodone. Once this happens, a person requires hydrocodone or another opioid to feel normal. Neglecting to take it may lead to withdrawal symptoms for a physically dependent person.

Addiction is when a person has a strong desire to use a substance and difficulty controlling their use. Ongoing substance use may cause or worsen physical, mental, social, or relational problems. But, despite acknowledging the connection and desiring to stop, the person is unable to stop using opioids.

Signs And Symptoms Of Vicodin Addiction

Addiction to Vicodin is a form of an opioid use disorder (OUD). OUD is defined and diagnosed by health professionals through the criteria found in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition) (DSM-5). Some symptoms and signs of Vicodin addiction include:

• Taking more opioids than intended
• Unsuccessful efforts to cut back or stop using opioids, despite a desire to
• Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining, using, or recovering from opioids
• Failing to fulfill major duties at home, work, or school
• Experiencing opioid cravings
• Continuing to use opioids despite ongoing social, relational, physical, or mental problems caused by use
• Repeatedly using opioids in physically dangerous situations

If you think you recognize symptoms of Vicodin addiction, it is best to get an assessment from a professional. Only a doctor can diagnose opioid use disorder, and more help is available with a diagnosis.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Vicodin Addiction

Though everyone who takes Vicodin is at risk for addiction, not everyone develops it. Many biological and environmental factors can increase or decrease one’s risk for substance use disorders. Risk factors include:

• Aggressive behavior in childhood
• Minimal parental direction as a child
• Difficulty saying no
• Experimenting with drugs
• Easy access to drugs
• Community poverty
• History of other substance misuse

Protective factors against developing addiction include:

• Belief in self-control
• Increased parental monitoring and support
• Strong positive relationships
• Good school performance
• Anti-drug policies during school
• Community resources

Though these factors are common among people who do and do not develop addiction, respectively, there are always exceptions. No single risk factor or protective factor can determine whether a person will become addicted if they are exposed to Vicodin or other opioids.

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Effects Of Vicodin Abuse

Misusing hydrocodone can increase your risk of negative or dangerous side effects. Misuse includes using Vicodin other than prescribed and without a prescription, which increases a person’s risk of overdose. Other side effects may also occur with greater frequency, whether or not the person intends them.

Vicodin Side Effects

Side effects of using Vicodin may be uncomfortable or even dangerous, increasing with higher doses and misuse. Possible side effects include:

The severity and side effects a person experiences may vary widely from person to person, depending on biology, history of drug exposure, dose taken, and other factors.

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Can You Overdose On Vicodin?

Vicodin overdose is possible and can lead to death. Overdose may occur whenever the amount of Vicodin taken leads to life-threatening symptoms or death. Both of the active ingredients in Vicodin, hydrocodone and acetaminophen, can cause life-threatening reactions when taken in large doses. An overdose on Vicodin may cause the following signs and symptoms:

If you believe that you or a loved one may have taken too much Vicodin and are at risk of or beginning to experience an overdose,call 911 immediately. Getting emergency medical attention could be the difference between life and death.

Vicodin Detox And Withdrawal

After using Vicodin, it may take some time for your body to clear it from your system. The process in which your body cleanses itself from a drug or other substance is known asdetoxification. Addiction treatment facilities can often provide medical detox services, a program in which physical, medical, and psychological support is given to help reducewithdrawal symptoms and safely bring a person through detox.

Though this process occurs naturally once a person stops taking Vicodin, if physical dependence has developed, severe withdrawal symptoms may occur. Physical dependence may develop with chronic use of Vicodin, even when used as prescribed.

With chronic use, the body adapts to function normally when a person has Vicodin in their system. When the drug is removed or significantly reduced, the body is forced to readapt to its absence, which may lead to a variety of withdrawal symptoms.

Similar tohydrocodone withdrawal, Vicodin withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Aching muscles
• Tearing up or runny nose
• Dilated pupils
• Diarrhea
• Yawning
• Fever
• Difficulty sleeping
• Uncontrolled pain
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and may last for days after a person’s last dose of Vicodin. Enrolling in a medical detox program can help a person get through detoxification with minimal symptoms and transition smoothly to furtheraddiction treatment.

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Treatment For Vicodin Addiction

Addiction to Vicodin is challenging to live with, but there are effective treatments available.Treatment for opioid use disorder occurs through multiple levels of treatment, depending on a person’s individual needs. Throughout recovery, a person may engage with:

• Medical detox: medical, social, and mental support through detox and withdrawal
• Inpatient programs: 24/7 care and treatment in a hospital or inpatient setting
• Outpatient programs: treatment while living at home. Intensity and treatment hours vary from a few hours per month to up to 40 hours per week, depending on the program
• Aftercare programs: a variety of community-run or professional services that help a person continue their commitment to abstinence after completing addiction treatment. Examples include mutual aid groups,sober-living homes, telemedicine check-ins, and more

Each person who enrolls in addiction treatment is given an individualized treatment plan that can be adjusted as a person progresses. Working closely with addiction professionals, a person can find their unique path to recovery.

Vicodin Addiction Help

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, help is available.Contact a treatment provider today to explore your treatment options and get started with a Vicodin addiction treatment plan.