Vicodin combines two types of pain relievers, acetaminophen and hydrocodone, to produce a drug that can help relieve pain that is moderate to severe. You might be prescribed Vicodin after surgery, after an injury, or for chronic pain that has not been alleviated using other approaches or drugs.
Vicodin can be an effective drug, but it is important to understand the risks associated with its use. While acetaminophen can cause liver damage or even death in large doses, it is considered safe enough to be available over the counter under brand names such as Tylenol. Hydrocodone, on the other hand, is a type of opioid and is addictive.
This article will address the likelihood of dependence and other risks as well as how you can minimize those risks.
Table of Contents
How Vicodin Works (and Why it’s Effective)
The acetaminophen in Vicodin works by blocking pain receptors, which raises your threshold for experiencing pain.
The real concern when it comes to Vicodin addiction is hydrocodone. Like the other drugs in its class, as an opioid, hydrocodone works on cells in your brain and your spinal cord that are known as opioid receptors. Opioids may not only reduce pain but can produce pleasurable emotions.
These good feelings are one reason that hydrocodone makes Vicodin addictive, but they are not the only reason. There can be severe psychological and physical side effects when you try to stop using it. In addition, as with any opioid, you may build tolerance to Vicodin.
The Development of Addiction and Dependence
Tolerance to Vicodin happens because over time, your brain responds to an opioid by operating in a different way that accounts for the presence of the drug in your system. As a result, you may need higher and higher doses to achieve the same painkilling effect.
Vicodin use will gradually cause your body to stop producing chemicals such as dopamine, and you will become increasingly dependent on the drug to do it for you. In other words, you may need to continue to take it just to feel “normal.” As a result, if you stop using it abruptly, you may experience both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
When you become physically and psychologically dependent on a drug, you are suffering from addiction. Addiction is a chronic disease in which you begin to compulsively seek and use a substance despite the negative consequences.
Factors Contributing to Vicodin Addiction
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the likelihood that a person will become addicted to Vicodin. Here are a few:
- Higher dosages.
- Longer periods of use.
- Genetics.
- Family members with substance abuse issues.
- Being around others who abuse drugs or alcohol.
- Past or current trauma.
- Severe stress.
- Mental illness.
- Having a risk-taking personality.
- Having a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
As the list above demonstrates, genetic, environmental and psychological factors work together to contribute to an increased likelihood of addiction.
Finally, people who begin taking Vicodin for legitimate pain under medical supervision can get addicted to it. But if you are using it recreationally, either without a prescription or for different reasons than it was prescribed to you, you are substantially more likely to become addicted.
Recognizing Vicodin Addiction
It is not always easy to recognize Vicodin addiction in yourself or a loved one, but there are a number of behavioral, physical and psychological signs.
Behavioral signs:
- Going from doctor to doctor to get prescriptions.
- Becoming preoccupied with getting and using Vicodin.
- Withdrawal, social isolation.
- Neglecting your work, school or family responsibilities.
- Causing financial problems with your drug seeking.
- Continuing to use Vicodin despite negative consequences.
Physical Signs:
- Changing your sleep patterns.
- Gaining or losing weight.
- Loss of coordination.
- Small pupils.
Psychological signs:
- Craving Vicodin.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Mood swings.
- Irritability, anxiety or depression.
Side Effects of Vicodin
Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen) can cause several side effects. They range from mild to severe and include:
Common Side Effects:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Mood changes (euphoria or anxiety)
Serious Side Effects:
- Slow or difficulty breathing
- Severe confusion or impaired thinking
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, trouble breathing)
- Liver damage (due to acetaminophen, especially at high doses)
Signs of an Overdose:
- Extreme drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Slow or stopped breathing
- Cold, clammy skin
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils
- Loss of consciousness
Long-term use or misuse can lead to:
- Tolerance (needing more medication for the same relief)
- Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms
- Vicodin addiction or substance use disorders
If you’re experiencing serious side effects, or suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
Vicodin Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms can make it difficult to stop using Vicodin. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Flu-like: muscle aches, sweating, chills.
- Insomnia.
- Psychological: anxiety, irritability, restlessness.
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Runny nose, watery eyes and yawning.
While not all of the symptoms above are severe, side effects from withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to very dangerous, and it is important to withdraw from Vicodin under medical supervision.
Other Dangers of Vicodin Misuse
Misuse of Vicodin is not only dangerous because of addiction. If you use too much Vicodin, even once, you could suffer from liver or respiratory failure or from an overdose.
The acetaminophen in Vicodin can lead to liver damage in high doses or if you mix it with alcohol. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
Vicodin can slow your breathing, and this can worsen if you take too much or you combine it with alcohol or other drugs. This can lead to death.
You can also die from an overdose of Vicodin, and immediate medical attention is necessary in someone who has overdosed. Here are some of the signs and symptoms of a Vicodin overdose:
- Breathing problems: trouble breathing or breathing that is fast, slow, shallow or irregular.
- Gastrointestinal problems: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting.
- Dark urine.
- Slowing heart rate.
- Skin changes: yellow or blue skin or cold clammy skin, blue or pale lips.
- Eye changes: yellow eyes or small pupils.
Treatment for Vicodin Addiction
Fortunately, you can get addiction treatment for Vicodin.
The first step in many case is detoxification. You will need to get the drug out of your system, and doing this in a medically supervised environment means that you can get relief for withdrawal symptoms.
With medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, you can take medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone to help reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings for Vicodin.
The acute stage of withdrawal usually only lasts a few days. However, chronic symptoms, such as depression and insomnia, may linger. Individual and group therapy can be useful to help you cope with these symptoms. Therapy can also help you dig into the reasons you became addicted and can give you tools to better deal with stress, trauma and other issues.
You may also find peer support groups useful. With groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, you can connect with other people who have struggled with vicodin abuse.
Prevention
Avoiding addiction altogether is the best solution, and there are several strategies that can help you do that.
First, physicians must be cautious in prescribing Vicodin. They should make sure that the patient is a good candidate for the drug in the first place and does not already have a history of opioid abuse. They should also be aware of other issues in the patient’s medical history, such as mental health issues, that could increase their risk of addiction.
Physicians should prescribe the smallest dosage for the shortest time possible. However, they also need to make sure that their patients are able to get the relief they need from severe pain. If the drugs or dosage prescribed are ineffective, the patient may be more likely to misuse Vicodin or other substances.
Doctors need to carefully monitor their patients’ use of Vicodin and make sure that they understand the dangers of abusing it.
Finally, drugs should be stored safely in medical facilities and in the home. You should put Vicodin somewhere safe from children or accidental ingestion by anyone in your household. It should also be kept away from anyone with past substance abuse problems.
Conclusion
Vicodin can be an excellent tool for pain relief that ranges from moderate to severe. However, its misuse can result in addiction, severe illness and death. If you or someone you know is struggling with Vicodin addiction, treatment options are available. Contact the Illinois Recovery Center today to find out more about how you can get help starting today.
For those struggling with drug addiction, a treatment center can provide comprehensive care. Depending on the severity of the addiction, detox may be the first step, followed by participation in structured treatment programs. These programs often include behavioral therapy to address the root causes of addiction and develop coping mechanisms. Outpatient programs offer flexibility for those who need to maintain their daily routines while receiving treatment. Prioritizing your well-being is crucial in overcoming addiction and maintaining long-term recovery.
FAQ
What is Vicodin?
