Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of acetaminophen and hydrocondone. This powerful pain killer is semi-synthetic that is derived from two naturally occurring opiates, codeine and thebaine. The drug hydrocondone binds to the pain receptors in the brain and spinal cord, subsequently reducing the sensation of pain.
Acetaminophen can control the production of prostaglandins, which cause pain. Vicodin is perfectly safe as long as it taken as prescribed. If Vicodin is taken in a larger dose or for longer than the prescribed duration, it is addictive.
Vicodin comes in tablet, capsule and liquid form.
This drug is becoming one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. Its misuse is as harmful as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine.
Effects of Vicodin
Vicodin is similar to codeine and is almost equal in strength to morphine in producing opiate-like effects. Continuous use may result in requiring larger and larger doses to achieve the same effect. Long term use can result in physical dependence. The body adapts to the substance and withdrawal symptoms occur if the presence of the drug is removed.
Symptoms of Addiction
Unfortunately, many people who are addicted to Vicodin are also addicted to other substances. One indicator is alcoholism or addiction to another substance. Studies show that 83% of Vicodin addicts are addicted to some other substance as well. Also, most often the addicted person is someone who can afford to pay for medication or is privately insured.
Vicodin is use to the treatment of pain. For this reason, people who can afford to seek medical treatment are more likely to become addicted. The most common source of pain reported is in the head and neck. Though the medical issue was addressed when the patients complained to their physicians, addiction was not a concern. Using Vicodin for chronic pain, real or imaginary, can and has lead to drug addiction. Additionally, patients with chronic pain are at risk for withdrawal from the drug which in many cases can be deadly if the prescription is discontinued for any reason. It is for this reason that many patients who experience chronic illness do not want to use prescription medication.
If the following symptoms are noticed, there is genuine reason to believe the person is addicted to Vicodin:
Anxious feeling about getting a prescription refilled before it runs out Tendency to take more of the drug to achieve the desired effect or to take it more often than prescribed Unable to quit the medication even if there is a sincere wish to do so or feeling guilty about taking Vicodin Committing illegal acts to acquire Vicodin such as juggling doctors or buying Vicodin on the street Thinking about the medication upon awakening or the patient’s Vicodin use has become in issue with friends and loved ones.
If any of these apply to you or to someone you love, then you may want to seek treatment for addiction right away. If you think you are addicted either physically or emotionally to Vicodin, talk to your doctor, a counselor or a substance abuse professional as soon as possible to avoid the inescapable dangers of Vicodin addiction. The Farley Center and Williamsburg Place are available to help. Their staff is caring and supportive. They understand and they want to help. Call the Farley Center at (800) 582-6066 for a free assessment interview and to get immediate referrals to a professional in your area.
