Vicodin Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

For those recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic pain, Vicodin can seem like a miracle drug. However, the relief Vicodin provides can quickly turn to distress and devastation if Vicodin addiction takes hold. It is so important that anyone who has been prescribed Vicodin or is using it illegally for recreation or self-medication understands how easy it can be to cross the line to opioid addiction. If you or someone close to you has already crossed that line, this page will give you the knowledge you need to take the first steps towards recovery.

Vicodin tablets

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a prescription medication that is prescribed for pain following surgery, injury or certain medical conditions which cause chronic pain like cancer. It is made from a combination of two drugs:

  1. Hydrocodone – An opioid pain reliever
  2. Paracetamol – A common, non-opioid pain reliever

This mixture makes it a powerful pain killer because paracetamol enhances the effects of hydrocodone on opioid receptors, the parts of the brain and nervous system that respond to pain. When hydrocodone binds to these receptors, it reduces your perception of pain but can also create a powerful euphoric “high” which is what makes Vicodin prone to abuse and addiction.

Like most opioids, these risks have seen the drug strictly controlled in many countries, including the UK, where it is less commonly prescribed than other painkillers, which are deemed to be safer.

Other common Vicodin side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Lightheadedness

What is Vicodin addiction?

Vicodin addiction can take hold when someone begins to depend heavily on the medication, even if it’s causing harm. This dependence can start subtly and grow over time, making it hard to break free from the drug.

Vicodin addiction stories usually start with being prescribed Vicodin after surgery or a serious injury left you with severe pain. At first, taking the medication helps you manage that pain effectively, allowing you to get on with your daily life. However, as days turn into weeks, you find that the same dose no longer provides the same relief. You start taking more, thinking it’s necessary to cope with your discomfort.

As the weeks pass, you begin to realise that you’re taking Vicodin not just for the pain, but to feel good or to deal with everyday stress. When you miss a dose, you feel uneasy, anxious and even sick, which is your body craving the drug.

Your life starts to revolve around ensuring you have enough Vicodin. You might visit multiple doctors to get extra prescriptions or even start buying it illegally. As Vicodin addiction takes hold, your daily routine, relationships and responsibilities start to suffer because getting and using Vicodin becomes your only priority.

Signs of Vicodin addiction behaviour

Understanding the symptoms of Vicodin addiction can help you or someone you care about get the support needed. Here is some telltale Vicodin addiction behaviour to look out for:

  • Taking more Vicodin than you should because you have developed a tolerance
  • Seeking extra drugs from multiple doctors or illegally
  • Pulling away from loved ones who are worried about your Vicodin use
  • Always feeling tired, even after a good night’s sleep
  • Craving Vicodin all the time when you haven’t taken it
  • Having trouble remembering things or feeling like your brain is in a fog
  • Spending more on Vicodin than you can afford
  • Going through Vicodin withdrawal when you don’t take Vicodin

If any of these sounds like you or someone you know, it’s really important to reach out for help because getting support early can make a big difference.

Person stressed due to a Vicodin addiction

What makes Vicodin addictive?

The way opioids like Vicodin affect your body and mind gives them the inherent potential to cause a physical dependency. However, people who go on to develop a full-blown Vicodin addiction usually have certain personal issues that create an emotional and psychological dependency, too. Some of these issues include:

A family history of substance abuse disorders

Your genes can play a big part in how your body reacts to drugs like Vicodin so if addiction runs in your family, you might be more likely to get addicted yourself.

Mental health issues

If you already have anxiety, depression or other mental health problems, you might turn to Vicodin to feel better which can lead to a physical and emotional reliance on Vicodin.

A high-stress lifestyle

If you have a lot of stress or have been through tough times, you might use Vicodin to help you relax. This can make you more likely to get addicted to Vicodin as you come to rely on it to feel calm and handle stress.

A risk-taking personality

If you like taking risks or acting on impulse, you might be more likely to misuse Vicodin. This can make it easier to get addicted as you take it more often or in higher doses than it is designed to be.

Environment and social influences

Peer pressure, easy access to Vicodin. and not having any parental support when you are young can all increase your chances of drug use and addiction.

The impacts of Vicodin addiction

Vicodin addiction can have a serious impact on your life in many ways. Here are some of the biggest impacts you need to recognise:

  • Vicodin overdose dangers: Taking too much Vicodin can slow your breathing and heart rate to dangerous levels, potentially leading to a fatal Vicodin overdose.
  • Liver damage: Because Vicodin contains acetaminophen, high doses can cause severe liver damage.
  • Worsening mental health: While Vicodin might initially help with pain, over time, it can make anxiety and depression worse.
  • Emotional instability: Vicodin addiction can lead to dramatic mood swings, making it hard to manage your emotions.
  • Relationship strain: Vicodin addiction can cause you to pull away from friends and family, damaging relationships and causing trust issues and isolation.
  • Money troubles: The cost of maintaining a Vicodin addiction can be high, leading to financial problems like debt and unpaid bills.
  • Ignoring responsibilities: School, work, and home duties can quickly be neglected as you focus more on obtaining and using Vicodin.
  • Job and academic issues: Poor performance at school or work can lead to failing grades, job loss and missed opportunities.
  • Dangerous actions: Vicodin addiction can lead to risky behaviours, such as driving under the influence or doing crimes to get more Vicodin.
  • Legal issues: These behaviours can result in serious legal consequences, affecting the rest of your life.

Treatment for Vicodin addiction

Effective Vicodin addiction treatment starts with a medically planned detox, which provides you with a safe environment to rid your body of the drug. After that, opioid rehab includes tailored therapy sessions, peer support and activities that promote healing and self-discovery. To ensure lasting recovery, you should look for a programme that provides aftercare services and relapse prevention plans. These will offer the tools and support needed to navigate life without relying on Vicodin.

Break free from Vicodin addiction today

If Vicodin addiction has turned your life upside down, Linwood House is ready to help you break free. Our compassionate team is dedicated to supporting your recovery every step of the way. Get in touch with us now to learn how our specialised treatment programmes can help you overcome Vicodin addiction and reclaim your life.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get addicted to Vicodin?
You can become addicted to Vicodin very quickly, even within a couple of weeks. Factors like your genetics, how much you are taking, mental health and previous substance use can all make addiction happen faster. Make sure you use Vicodin exactly as your doctor tells you and watch for any signs that you might be getting addicted.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • UK Rehab. “Vicodin Addiction | Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/prescription-drug-addiction/opioid/vicodin/. Accessed 13 June 2024.
  • WebMD. “Vicodin Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3459/vicodin-oral/details. Accessed 13 June 2024.
  • Caldwell, Wendy K et al. “The Vicodin abuse problem: A mathematical approach.” Journal of theoretical biology vol. 483 (2019): 110003. doi:10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.110003
    Cassidy, Theresa A et al. “Patterns of abuse and routes of administration for immediate-release hydrocodone combination products.” Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety vol. 26,9 (2017): 1071-1082. doi:10.1002/pds.4249
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