Vicodin Addiction is one of the most common prescription drug addictions in today’s society. Vicodin is and opiod-based medication that is highly addictive. The effects of Vicodin are very similar to those of Loricet, Loritab, Percodan, and OxyContin. Vicodin is usually prescribed for the management and relief of moderate to severe pain. It is estimated that more than 50% of the people abusing prescription drugs are abusing Vicodin. In fact, in a study done at an addiction unit in 2000, an estimated 53% of the people admitted for prescription drug addiction were there for Vicodin Addiction.

An individual who has a Vicodin Addiction is likely to develop a physical and psychological dependence on the drug, as well as an increased tolerance level. As a user’s tolerance level increases, the higher the dose will have to be for them to get the same effects as before. Some will just keep increasing the dose of Vicodin, putting themselves at high risk of overdose, while others may even try moving on to an even stronger drug, such as OxyContin or Loritab to help ease the pains of physical addiction and withdrawal. Some signs and symptoms that a user may have overdosed include, but are not limited to, Loss of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach pain, Sweating, Confusion or Weakness, Pain in the upper stomach, Dark urine, Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, Extreme drowsiness, Pinpoint pupils, Cold and clammy skin, Muscle weakness, Fainting, Weak pulse, Slow heart rate, Coma, Blue lips, and Shallow breathing that could also lead to respiratory failure. In situations involving an overdose, please seek emergency medical help immediately as overdose can lead to death if not treated.

As a physical and psychological dependence on the drug develops, a user may also show signs of withdrawal. The pain associated with withdrawal symptoms can be as bad as the initial pain they began treating with the drug or sometimes even worse depending on the severity of the addiction. A person with a Vicodin Addiction will take the drug to try to ward off the pains and symptoms associated with withdrawal and detox causing the endless cycle of addiction. Detox from Vicodin should never be done alone and always under the care of a licensed professional. Withdrawal signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to, Restlessness, Muscle pain, Bone pain, Insomnia, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Cold flashes, Goose bumps, Involuntary leg movements, Watery eyes, Runny nose, Loss of appetite, Irritability, Panic, Nausea, Chills, and Sweating. It is always important to remember that withdrawal and detox are a personal experience that may be different for each person. Some may experience more symptoms than others and they may also vary in strength depending on the severity of the addiction.

Vicodin Addiction is a serious illness that affects not only the person with the problem, but everyone around them. If you or someone you know suffers from Vicodin Addiction, please seek help. Recovery is not something that can be done alone and requires help from a licensed professional or in a residential drug and rehabilitation facility. We can help you or your loved ones with the recovery process and can help get your lives back on track.