What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is a drug that is commonly prescribed for pain management after some kind of trauma. Vicodin is a depressant for the central nervous system- it decreases heart and respiratory rates. Vicodin Abuse is very common because of the addictive properties of this drug. Vicodin is made up of an opiate + acetaminophen and people that abuse this drug like it because of its painkilling properties. People that have a Vicodin Addiction are usually unaware of the liver damage that can come with the over-exposure to acetaminophen. At high doses, acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage, such as liver failure, and can also be damaging to the kidneys.
Vicodin Addiction is one of the most common prescription drug addictions that we come across. Because Vicodin can create a sense of relaxation and euphoria for the user, and eventually a tolerance builds, it is more likely that a person will start abusing the drug once a tolerance is built. It is not uncommon for someone with a Vicodin Addiction to be ingesting more than 20 Vicodin pills per day. Vicodin addiction is very destructive to someone’s life, causing an array of problems, including mental, social, health problems and can end up being deadly if it is abused for long enough.
Vicodin Tolerance
Vicodin Tolerance does not take long to develop. Vicodin is one of the stronger opioids prescribed on the market, and has a high potential for it’s users to develop a tolerance or dependency to it. A tolerance is built when the body becomes used to the drug and alters its chemistry to adjust to the added chemicals to the body. Doctors recommend that patients take no more than five 7.5mg Vicodin tablets per day. If you are taking more than five Vicodin tablets per day to feel the Vicodin effects, then your body has built a tolerance or dependency to Vicodin.
What is Vicodin Abuse?
If you thing that you or someone you know may have a Vicodin addiction, there are some common signs and symptoms that you can look for:
- Drowsy appearance or feeling after taking Vicodin
- Wanting to take Vicodin even without pain
- Inability to focus
- Nausea and or vomiting
- Mood Swings
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Along with these signs you can ask yourself some simple questions that will give you a good idea on if you are dealing with Vicodin abuse:
- Are you taking your own prescription of Vicodin?
- Are you taking more Vicodin than what was intended?
- Do you think about where your next prescription of Vicodin will come from?
- Do you continue to take Vicodin even after realizing the real dangers & side effects of Vicodin abuse?
- Are personal, professional, or financial aspects of your life suffering from your Vicodin addiction?
Is Vicodin Dangerous?
Taking Vicodin for periods of time longer than intended can lead to jaundice from an overload on the liver and kidneys; in addition, problems with the urinary system, lack of sexual pleasure, and liver failure can occur from the use of vicodin. Vicodin Abuse can quickly lead to an overdose because it is a central nervous system depressant that causes slowing of the heart and respiratory rate. If you are dealing with a vicodin overdose, please contact 911 right away. Signs of a vicodin overdose include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
- Weak Pulse
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Respiratory Arrest / Difficulty Breathing
- Blue Fingertips
Should I Stop Taking Vicodin?
Quitting Vicodin can bring on many physical discomforts and cravings. Vicodin Withdrawal can be difficult for a person to deal with on their own, not to mention it can also be dangerous to quit without proper medical attention. When trying to end prescription drug addiction you have to consider how long you’ve been addicted to this drug, and the triggers that started your prescription drug addiction. A licensed drug treatment facility can help you manage some of the prescription drug withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Respiratory Arrest / Difficulty Breathing
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Body Aches
- Fever & More
A Drug & Alcohol Detox Facility has the ability to use buprenorphine or methadone to help alleviate some of these symptoms and taper you off from your prescription drug addiction safely. Who Abuses Vicodin? Vicodin is one of the most widely abused opioids because of its ease of access to the public. It is estimated that close to two million individuals in the US currently suffer from a Vicodin Addiction.
Quitting Vicodin
Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse has a high relapse rate. We want to encourage good behavior and ending drug and alcohol abuse by recommending the best addiction treatment facilities & drug addiction programs. When seeking professional help you have a better chance at actually ending your addiction. In a good addiction treatment program you will find the education & support that you need from medical professionals that are trained in addiction treatment. Check out our list of addiction treatment programs & addiction treatment facilities for more information on ending your addiction.
