Causes & Effects of Vicodin Addiction

Learn About Vicodin Addiction and Abuse

Vicodin is a prescription painkiller that is frequently prescribed to treat moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. An opioid narcotic, Vicodin is comprised of a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, and is a highly addictive substance. As such, those who are prescribed Vicodin may develop a tolerance to and dependency on the medication. Unfortunately, even individuals who do not possess a medical need for this powerful painkiller may seek out the substance in order to experience the pleasurable effects that it elicits. In doing so, they are at risk for developing tolerance and dependency as well.

Vicodin works as a central nervous system depressant that prohibits an individual from feeling pain, while also producing feelings of relaxation, contentment, euphoria, and an overall sense of wellbeing. These pleasurable effects are what make this substance a popular drug of abuse the world over. As the abuse of Vicodin persists, however, a subsequent addiction can develop, leaving individuals in a perilous position of struggling to put an end to their use of the medication. And the presence of such an addiction can rapidly wreak havoc of every aspect on an individual’s life.

Fortunately, by engaging in proven effective therapeutic interventions, an addiction to Vicodin can be successfully overcome.

Vicodin Addiction Statistics

As one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers, Vicodin addiction impacts the lives of many people. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in 2010 alone, an estimated 139 million Vicodin prescriptions were filled. Additionally, the rate of abuse of this substance is noted as having quadrupled over the last decade and is suspected to continue growing in prevalence.

Causes and Risk Factors for Vicodin Addiction

The ongoing abuse of Vicodin can result in the development of an addiction to the substance, known clinically as Vicodin use disorder or as a type of opioid use disorder. The following causes and risk factors are said to impact the vulnerability individuals have to suffering from this type of disorder:

Genetic: Genetic influences are noted as playing a major role in the development of an addiction to drugs like Vicodin. When a history of substance abuse and addiction exists within one’s family, he or she is more susceptible to experiencing similar concerns at some point in his or her life. Additionally, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) reports that the presence of certain personality characteristics can influence a person’s vulnerability to suffering from Vicodin use disorder, and such characteristics are believed to be hereditary in origin.

Environmental: The environment by which one is surrounded can add to a person’s susceptibility to developing an addiction to Vicodin. For example, those who are surrounded by family members or peers who abuse substances, including prescription medications, are more likely than others to view the behavior as acceptable and therefore engage in it themselves. Additionally, those who have easy access to obtaining Vicodin are more likely to abuse the substance than are those who do not have the same accessibility.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of substance abuse and addiction
• Personal history of abusing other substances
• Personal or family history of mental illness
• Possessing a novelty-seeking personality
• Possessing an impulsive temperament
• Suffering from a condition that warrants the receipt of a Vicodin prescription
• Having easy accessibility to the acquisition of Vicodin
• Being in an environment where substance abuse is prevalent

Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Addiction

The presence of the following signs and symptoms could indicate that an individual is suffering from an addiction to Vicodin:

Behavioral symptoms:

• Frequent absenteeism from one’s place of employment
• Continuing to engage in the abuse of Vicodin, despite having the desire to stop
• Consuming Vicodin in situations where it could prove to be physically hazardous, such as while operating a vehicle
• No longer adhering to daily responsibilities
• No longer engaging in activities that one once enjoyed
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Making multiple visits to various doctors in order to acquire prescriptions for Vicodin

Physical symptoms:

• Drowsiness
• Constricted pupils
• Itchiness
• Insomnia
• Psychomotor agitation
• Psychomotor retardation

Cognitive symptoms:

• Cravings for Vicodin
• Impaired judgment and reasoning capabilities
• Memory problems
• Attention and concentration disturbances
• Suicidal ideation

Psychosocial symptoms:

• Mood dysregulation
• Depression
• No longer finding interest in things that one once enjoyed
• Euphoric feelings followed by apathetic feelings

Effects of Vicodin Addiction

When Vicodin abuse persists without intervention, an individual becomes susceptible to experiencing a great deal of negative ramifications. Such detriments can impact him or her physically, socially, and emotionally, and may include the following:

• Oxygen deficiency within the body’s tissues
• Liver damage
• Vision impairment
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Chronically dry nose and mouth
• Worsening of current, or onset of new, mental illness symptoms
• Familial discord
• Marital strife
• Demise of friendships
• Hindered occupational performance
• Job loss
• Financial turmoil
• Suicidal ideation
• Attempts at suicide

Risk of Dual Diagnosis Among Individuals Who Are Addicted to Vicodin

People who abuse and become addicted to Vicodin may also suffer from symptoms of other mental health conditions. The simultaneous presence of a substance use disorder and another mental health disorder is known as dual diagnosis. If you’ve become addicted the Vicodin, you may be at increased risk for the following disorders:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Major depressive disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Tobacco use disorder
• Stimulant use disorder
• Alcohol use disorder
• Other substance use disorders

If you meet the criteria for dual diagnosis, it’s essential that you receive comprehensive care to address both the Vicodin addiction and your other mental or behavioral health challenge. Failing to get effective dual diagnosis care can undermine your efforts to end your Vicodin abuse and achieve a healthier future.

Effects of Vicodin Withdrawal and Overdose

Effects of Vicodin withdrawal: When an individual suddenly stops taking Vicodin after having done so for a prolonged period of time, he or she is susceptible to experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal as his or her body attempts to re-regulate itself to the way that it functioned prior to the introduction of the medication. Symptoms and effects that are known to accompany the withdrawal process may include the following:

• Intense cravings
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Dysphoric mood
• Sweating
• Fever
• Chronic flowing of tears
• Pupillary dilation
• Muscle aches
• Nausea

Effects of Vicodin overdose: When a person consumes more Vicodin than his or her body is capable of appropriately metabolizing or excreting, he or she will likely experience an overdose. Overdosing on any substance should be viewed as a medical emergency, and overdosing on Vicodin is no exception. Examples of warning signs that could indicate that someone has overdosed on this prescription medication may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Cold, clammy skin
• Extreme confusion
• Dizziness
• Alterations in speech patterns
• Headaches
• Labored breathing
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness