Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction is a compulsion to seek and abuse the prescription drug Vicodin, despite any negative consequences that may affect life, family or work.

Physical dependence on the drug can occur with or without an actual Vicodin addiction; an individual can have a physical dependence and experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop taking the drug. Vicodin addiction happens when the person taking Vicodin has an uncontrollable urge to use and abuse the drug, with our without physical dependence. When a person already abusing Vicodin is no longer able to control the drug use and its effects on the brain they have a Vicodin addiction.

What Causes a Vicodin Addiction?

Vicodin addiction is a disease of the brain, but like all addictions - is treatable. When dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure in the body, is overproduced due to Vicodin addiction, addicts get a rush of euphoria that is far more powerful than the natural pleasure system operated by the brain. For those with Vicodin addiction, the rush of dopamine lasts longer than a natural dopamine release, which then motivates the user to repeatedly take the drug.  Eventually, the brain begins to produce less dopamine to balance out the high levels achieved from the Vicodin addiction and tolerance to the drug occurs. This requires the user take more and more of the drug in order to achieve the higher levels of dopamine to try to duplicate the pleasurable sensation.

What are the Risks of Vicodin Addiction?

Vicodin addiction can lead to an overdose, which has severe symptoms such as a decrease in respiratory rate, coma, cardiac arrest and death. Vicodin addiction has unique dangers because of Vicodin's compound pill form, which combines hydrocodone with acetaminophen and therefore, can lead not only to an overdose of hydrocodone, but also of acetaminophen.  If the body consumes more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen a day, it can cause severe damage to the liver or put the user in a coma.  Symptoms for acetaminophen overdose include abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach and more. Vicodin addiction can also lead to overdose if the drug is taken in combination with other drugs. 

Lakeview Health Systems' addiction treatment programs can help you recover from Vicodin addiction.  We offer detox treatment, personalized rehabilitation programs and even art and recreational therapy. Call us today at 1-866-657-4357 and learn how to live a drug-free life. All calls are toll-free and completely confidential.