Vicodin Addiction | Vicodin In Ohio

Vicodin (the brand name for acetaminophen in combination with hydrocodone) is a prescription drug used as a painkiller. It is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and addiction.

Vicodin abuse can occur due to how the drug depresses the central nervous system (CNS), which may lead to Vicodin addiction. Vicodin abuse can create serious, life-threatening health problems.

Vicodin Abuse

Various acetaminophen and hydrocodone combinations offer different brand names such as Oncet, Lortab, or Procet. These prescription painkillers may cause side effects such as sedation and feelings of euphoria which may take place when the drug is abused.

Vicodin abuse occurs if you take Vicodin without a prescription, mix it with other substances, take larger quantities than prescribed, or use it in ways other than directed.

Polydrug Use

A person may take large quantities of Vicodin or use the drug with other pain medications like codeine or other analgesic drugs. When a person participates in drug abuse, they may take other drugs which sedate the body such as benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants like alcohol.

Snorting Vicodin

This chronic pain relief medication may create a “high” and profound sedation when abused. Vicodin can be crushed and snorted.

When insufflated, Vicodin can be harsh on the nasal cavity, damaging tissue or creating a deviated septum. A chronic runny nose, sinus infections, and frequent nosebleeds may occur as well.

Injecting Vicodin

A more dangerous form of Vicodin abuse is via injection. Those who crush the pill and combine the powder with a liquid to inject into a vein of their body may have an increased risk of overdose, bacterial infections, blood clots, and collapsed veins.

Signs Of Vicodin Addiction

A person with Vicodin addiction may exhibit a number of signs, including:

• an inability to control Vicodin use
• intense cravings for the drug
• drowsiness and sedation
• isolation from family members and friends
• doctor shopping, or visiting multiple physicians for a Vicodin prescription
• financial problems
• Lack of personal hygiene
• continuing to use opioid drugs despite harmful consequences

Other symptoms of opioid use disorder can include increased side effects, flu-like withdrawal symptoms, and overdose.

Increased Side Effects

Common side effects of Vicodin may be heightened when the drug is abused. Some of these side effects may include:

• constipation
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• itching
• dry mouth
• anxiety

Continuous Vicodin use may lead to more severe side effects including liver damage.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms

If a person abruptly stops taking Vicodin or discontinues their drug abuse, Vicodin withdrawal may take place. If a person suffers from Vicodin withdrawal symptoms, they may experience the following symptoms according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

• cravings for the drug
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• sleeping difficulties
• muscle pain
• tremors
• cold flashes

Vicodin Overdose

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states those who suffer from a Vicodin overdose may experience life-threatening side effects such as:

• clammy skin
• cardiac collapse
• respiratory depression
• coma
• hypotension
• circulatory collapse

If you suspect an overdose has occurred, contact 911 immediately and seek urgent medical attention. An overdose may require hospitalization and potentially life-saving medication such as naloxone to assist in urgent treatment.

Vicodin Addiction Treatment

If your loved one or family member struggles with opioid abuse, drug rehab centers offer a variety of treatment options that include medical detox, inpatient or outpatient care, and medication-assisted treatment.

Detoxification

When a person enters a treatment center, one of the first stages involves detoxification. The detox process may only last short-term, and includes medical support and supervision from trained healthcare professionals as you experience withdrawal symptoms.

Inpatient/Outpatient Programs

Those with substance use disorder can consider outpatient or inpatient care. Those with a mental health condition along with addiction (co-occurring disorder) may benefit from a structured inpatient setting, while those with mild addiction can attend outpatient treatment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

If a person has opioid use disorder, a specific treatment option known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can be useful. This form of treatment combines medications with behavioral therapy. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are all approved to treat opioid addiction.

For information on our substance abuse treatment programs, including inpatient detox and MAT, please contact Ohio Recovery Center today.

FAQs

How Long Does Vicodin Stay In Your System?

Vicodin stays in your system for about 20 hours after last use. Drug testing methods can detect Vicodin use for anywhere between 1 day to 90 hours after the last dose.

Learn more about How Long Vicodin Stays In Your System

What’s A Standard Dose Of Vicodin?

A standard dose of hydrocodone/acetaminophen combination pain medications is 5-10 mg of hydrocodone with 300 or 600 mg of acetaminophen. This equates to 1-2 tablets taken every 4-6 hours as needed.

Learn more about Vicodin Dosage

What Does Vicodin Look Like?

Most Vicodin pills are white and oblong or oval in shape. Where they differ is in the dosage and imprint on each pill, which depends on the drug manufacturer.

Learn more about What Vicodin Looks Like

How Does Vicodin Affect Sex Drive?

The sex drive in men and women can be lowered with Vicodin use. Vicodin may also lead to sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, and decreased sexual function.

Learn more about The Effects Of Vicodin On Sex

Is Rectal Vicodin Use Effective?

No, rectal Vicodin use may not be effective for treating pain. The effects of Vicodin may be stronger through rectal use, but the health risks likely outweigh any potential benefits.

Learn more about Plugging Vicodin

What Happens If You Smoke Vicodin?

Smoking Vicodin causes the drug to go directly to the brain and can lead to several adverse effects including vomiting, lung damage, and overdose.

Learn more about Smoking Vicodin

How Much Does Vicodin Cost?

How much Vicodin costs depends on whether it’s prescription or obtained on the street. It can also depend on where you’re located, the dosage, the quantity, and the strength. On the street, Vicodin is typically $5-$25 per pill. For a prescription, it’s about $26 for 12 pills.

Learn more about Vicodin Street Prices & Prescription Cost

Is It Safe To Take Vicodin While Pregnant?

While under the supervision of your healthcare provider, taking Vicodin while pregnant can be safe but still comes with risks. Those risks increase even more when the drug is abused. If possible, it’s best to not take Vicodin while pregnant.

Learn more about Vicodin Use & Pregnancy