That said, long-term opioid use is linked to a higher risk of is vicodin addictive overdose. Opioid use disorder (OUD), sometimes called opioid addiction, can develop with or without dependence. Prescription drug abuse is rampant in the US, and hydrocodone is one of the main substances.
What are the symptoms of Vicodin abuse and addiction?
- Take the first step by speaking with an admissions navigator at or by verifying your insurance benefits online.
- Along with its needed effects, acetaminophen / hydrocodone may cause some unwanted effects.
- This can cause a variety of symptoms, such as respiratory depression.
- Numerous studies have reported that individuals who have a history of long-term opioid use are much more likely to experience intense pain.
- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a warning about fake pills that might be cut with fentanyl, as mentioned in The Guardian in July 2016.
- This condition occurs with the prolonged use of an opioid while pregnant and is very dangerous.
Hydrocodone is a narcotic medication prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is sold under the brand names Loritab, Lorcet, Vicodin, Hycodan, and Vicoprofen. Knowing the hydrocodone abuse signs can help you to seek treatment for yourself or someone you know. These programs can help people address co-occurring mental health conditions as well as primary substance use disorders. Contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield and a representative can answer your questions and help you identify what level of treatment you need.
Respiratory Damage
This is because these opioids may be contaminated with other potent substances that can increase the risk of unintentional overdose. It’s best to work with your healthcare professional to ensure you use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. That means you need to take an increasingly higher dose of opioids to feel the same effects you once did with a lower dose.
Addiction Treatment Programs
- Vicodin, as with other prescription opioids, are the drugs that are causing the opioid crisis that America faces.
- Once you withdraw from Vicodin, it’s important to enter a substance abuse treatment program.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure how to check or measure the dose.
- Some signs of hydrocodone addiction include taking more than intending to and prioritizing drug use over personal or professional responsibilities.
- Since Vicodin contains the opioid hydrocodone, it has a chance of causing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.
- Additionally, the emotional toll of addiction, including feelings of shame, guilt, and hopelessness, can further exacerbate these conditions.
Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen oral solution has the potential for addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Hydrocodone, like other opioids, depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression. Prolonged use of Vicodin can weaken the respiratory system, making it difficult for the body to take in enough oxygen. This can result in chronic respiratory conditions, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at even greater risk. Hydrocodone is intended to pass through your gastrointestinal system.
This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. This product passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant (such as unusual sleepiness, difficulty feeding, trouble breathing, or unusual limpness).
- Each brand may vary slightly regarding hydrocodone and acetaminophen ratio, but their primary function remains consistent.
- This could lead to choking and pneumonia in some cases, according to American Nurse Today.
- One of the most immediate concerns with long-term Vicodin use is the risk of developing an addiction.
- People who take Vicodin as pain medication may experience uncomfortable side effects, especially if used other than prescribed.
- Hydrocodone, like other opioids, depresses the central nervous system, which can lead to respiratory depression.
Alcoholic beverages or medications containing alcohol should be avoided due to the potential for increased hydrocodone plasma levels drug addiction and a potentially fatal overdose. Hydrocodone addiction may begin as a result of prescription opioid abuse. Symptoms of hydrocodone abuse include drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, and flushed skin.
Kidney Damage
While these are only short-term effects, they can become much worse over time. While less common, it is also possible for someone to inject hydrocodone. They crush the pills and then mix them with water, resulting in a solution that can be injected. There is a pill that is pure hydrocodone, which is referred to as Zohydro, that people might use for injection purposes. The U.S. DEA mentioned that prescription drug counterfeiters often use pharmacy-grade machines that can make street versions of these medications look similar to the real thing.