If you have ever experienced Vicodin effects or been given a long-term prescription, it is customary to ask: is Vicodin addictive? For those who are addicted to Vicodin or have dealt with substance abuse, the answer is vital information before continuing use.
What is Vicodin?
First, you need to know what Vicodin is to understand Vicodin addiction and the answer to the question: is Vicodin addictive?
Vicodin is a prescription painkiller. It could be prescribed to help alleviate severe to moderate pain. Vicodin comes in the form of a prescription tablet, usually containing hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is a synthetic opioid which means it functions the same way as other opioids like heroin.
If you are prescribed Vicodin tablets, they usually contain 300 mg of acetaminophen and are available in three different dosage levels of the hydrocodone or the synthetic opioid:
- 5mg
- 7.5 mg
- 10 mg
For a prescription, you might be prescribed one tablet every 4 or 6 hours. A big part of this regulation is to ensure that you don’t damage your liver. Taking such high doses of acetaminophen can cause serious liver problems, in addition to the withdrawal symptoms associated with Vicodin abuse. People who are addicted to Vicodin take higher doses than this prescribed amount.
How is Vicodin Used?
Vicodin effects are many, which is why it is prescribed for only certain cases. But even in prescription form, you can become addicted to Vicodin.
Vicodin should be used in tablet form as a painkiller when prescribed by a doctor. But even people who have prescriptions might develop a dependence on their prescription.
Vicodin uses hydrocodone, a synthetic opioid. An opioid stops the pain receptors between the brain and the body, but it can also slow down your breathing and heart rate and inhibit your body’s natural production of endorphins.
When this happens, for you to achieve the same feeling you had the day prior or even in the last 4 or 6 hours, you have to take even more Vicodin than you did before. So with a prescription, you might take one tablet every 6 hours. Still, as you develop a tolerance, in order for you to compensate for the reduced production of endorphins and achieve the same calm, relaxed feeling, you might start taking one tablet every 5 hours, and then every 4 hours. Soon you might have cravings for them, and be unable to stop taking more and more Vicodin.
Is Vicodin Addictive?
So, is Vicodin addictive? Yes, Vicodin is addictive, but it is currently a Schedule II controlled substance. The DEA has increased restrictions on Vicodin because of the high rate of abuse with or without a prescription.
Signs of Vicodin addiction or abuse include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- A calm or relaxed high
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Decreased breathing or heart rate
- Depression
When you start taking more Vicodin than you are supposed to, you are showing signs of a Vicodin addiction. You might also be addicted to Vicodin if you can’t manage your regular work or home responsibilities, when the Vicodin use is disrupting your relationships, and when you spend most of your time unable to stop using Vicodin.
What are the Symptoms of Vicodin Withdrawal?
Knowing the answer to the question “is Vicodin addictive?” is not enough. You need to know about Vicodin addiction withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal symptoms for Vicodin can last between 7 and 10 days. They include things like:
- Psychological changes such as confusion, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
- Appetite changes like cravings and reduced appetite
- Physical changes like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, shivering, tremors, sweating, and enlarged pupils, as well as muscle ache and rapid breathing
- Sleep problems like exhaustion and insomnia, as well as a runny nose, sweating, chills, fever, and nausea
How to Find a Vicodin Detox Program
If you need help with Vicodin addiction, Total RHM is here with a unique and comprehensive approach to recovery. Our goal is to help the brain and body as one. When you let us lead you down your journey of recovery, our treatment objectives focus on proven treatments and up-to-date modalities. Our Vicodin detox program is guided by a professional, with a long-term, confidential, and effective program that helps you minimize the Vicodin effects, cleanse your body of toxins, and rebuild your mind and body in sobriety.
If you are ready to get treatment for a Vicodin addiction, let Total RMH help. Our staff can guide you on your path to full mind and body recovery.