Understanding Vicodin Abuse

Learn About Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin is a powerful opioid prescription medication that is composed of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. This medication is often prescribed to alleviate moderate to severe pain; unfortunately, it is also frequently abused. Not only is the abuse of Vicodin extremely dangerous, but it can quickly lead to the development of an addiction. Those who abuse Vicodin place themselves at risk of experiencing a number of disastrous and even life-threatening consequences. This is especially true when Vicodin is taken in higher doses than recommended or in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.

The presence of a Vicodin addiction indicates the need for professional treatment. If Vicodin abuse and addiction are left untreated, the associated effects can ultimately destroy an individual’s life. Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available that can help an individual overcome a Vicodin addiction.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Vicodin Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

It is common for those who abuse Vicodin to also be struggling with other mental health concerns. Below are some examples of mental health conditions that are known to occur alongside Vicodin abuse:

Other substance use disorders
Depressive disorders
Anxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Personality disorders

Statistics

Vicodin Abuse Statistics

Vicodin is currently one of the most widely prescribed and abused pain medications in the United States. Nearly 140 million prescriptions for this medication are written every year.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for Vicodin Abuse

The exact cause for why one person develops an addiction to Vicodin and why another does not is not completely understood. However, researchers have identified a number of factors that most likely play an important role in the development of an addiction to substances such as Vicodin. Please consider the following:

Genetic: Studies conducted in the field of addiction have consistently demonstrated a strong link between a person’s genetics and his or her vulnerability to developing an addiction. More recent research has found that there are certain genes that can be passed along from one’s biological parents that make an individual more susceptible to abusing and/or becoming addicted to substances like Vicodin.

Environmental: It is very likely that an individual’s environment plays a significant part in the development of a Vicodin addiction. For example, if an individual grows up in a household where substances are regularly abused, there is an increased risk that that person will engage in substance use at some point in his or her life. Additionally, if an individual is prescribed the medication to help alleviate the pain associated with an injury or medical procedure, an addiction could result if the medication is not taken directly as prescribed.

Risk Factors:

Family or personal history of substance abuse
Family or personal history of mental illness
Suffering from a chronic pain condition
Undergoing surgery
Being involved in an accident or suffering from an injury
Easy access to Vicodin

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse

An addiction to Vicodin can be identified by a wide variety of signs and symptoms. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have a problem with Vicodin, be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:

Behavioral symptoms:

Isolating oneself
No longer participating in activities that were once enjoyed
Hiding Vicodin
Possessing numerous prescriptions for Vicodin
Making multiple visits to various doctors in order to acquire Vicodin
Lying about pain in order to get more Vicodin from one’s doctor
Stealing Vicodin or money for this medication from loved ones

Physical symptoms:

Slow heartbeat
Lightheadedness
Convulsions
Seizures
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Blurred vision
Ringing in the ears
Itching
Ringing in one’s ears
Constricted pupils
Drowsiness
Fatigue

Cognitive symptoms:

Confusion
Fear
Memory difficulties
Inability to concentrate
Hallucinations
Delusions
Paranoia
Dissociation

Psychosocial symptoms:

Mood swings
Anxiety
Depression
Agitation
Irritability

Effects

Effects of Vicodin Addiction

When an individual abuses Vicodin for a prolonged period of time, it is likely that a number of negative effects will present themselves. In some instances, Vicodin abuse, can cause a number of extremely harmful and life-changing effects. Without proper treatment, the following effects have been known to occur in those who abuse Vicodin:

Problems within relationships
Trouble at work or loss of job
Financial difficulties
Legal problems
Incarceration
Social isolation
Mood swings
Development of a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety
Psychosis
Liver damage and failure
Brain damage
Cognitive impairment
Hearing impairment
Lung problems
Respiratory arrest
Self-harming behaviors
Suicidal ideation and behaviors

Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Vicodin Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Vicodin withdrawal: When an individual who has been using Vicodin on a regular basis for a prolonged period of time suddenly stops taking this drug, it is likely that he or she will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms that have been known to occur include:

Fatigue
Headaches
Panic and anxiety
Insomnia
Restlessness
Irritability
Short temper
Frustration or anger
Sweating
Dilated pupils
Yawning
Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting

Effects of Vicodin overdose: A Vicodin overdose occurs when an individual consumes more of the medication that his or her body is able to process. Whether accidental or intentional, without immediate medical treatment, an overdose can result in death. The following effects are examples of what can occur if a person overdoses on Vicodin: