Why is Vicodin so addictive?

Vicodin is a narcotic, semi-synthetic opioid analgesic (painkiller) that exhibits a high potential for addiction or dependency. Even when an individual is taking Vicodin as prescribed by a physician, it can still lead to abuse, addiction, or dependency based on how quickly tolerance builds up. All medications or substances that are opiate or opioid-based can become habit forming. In many cases, the individual does not realize the grip the drug has on them until they quit taking it and they start suffering with withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, like most substances that are opiate or opioid-based, withdrawal from Vicodin exhibits symptoms that are very similar to withdrawing from codeine, heroin, methadone, and morphine. In many instances, the dependency on Vicodin is psychological as well as physical so cutting back or quitting abruptly is going to cause withdrawal and the symptoms can be extremely unpleasant depending on the severity of the addiction. It is always recommended that you entrust your care to a professional addiction rehab center.

Recognizing the symptoms of Vicodin addiction

Usually, it is the individual’s Vicodin addiction symptoms that give family members and loved ones a clue that something is wrong. The following 5 symptoms indicate the possibility that a Vicodin addiction is present:

Being tired and falling asleep – one of the first indications that an individual has an opiate or opioid-based addiction is that they have difficulties concentrating and staying awake regardless of what they are doing at the time. When questioned about this, they are likely going to snap at the person questioning it and say that they are just tired.

Obsessed with keeping a regular supply of the drug – Vicodin addiction is defined when an individual compulsively continues using the drug and is obsessed with keeping a constant supply of Vicodin on hand.

Obtaining more of the drug illegally – inevitably, many individuals with severe Vicodin addiction or dependency will do whatever it takes to procure more of the drug. In many cases, this will involve criminal behavior or fraudulent activities such as doctor shopping where the individual sees several physicians in order to get numerous prescriptions.

Personal issues – everyone experiences financial difficulties and relationship issues from time to time. Problems in school or on the job are also common. However, when an individual has developed an addiction to Vicodin, they are completely out of control and have difficulty keeping up with their responsibilities.

Physical side effects – every medication has the tendency to exhibit side effects, some of which are more extreme than others. However, when a person is suffering with Vicodin addiction or dependency, these physical side effects will be extreme in nature. In order to intensify the euphoric effect they are looking for, the individual will take increasingly larger doses of the drug as tolerances are building up. These physical side effects include:

• anxiety and paranoia
• inability to concentrate or focus
• incoherency
• nausea and vomiting
• nodding out or passing out

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the above Vicodin addiction symptoms or a combination of them, you should consider getting professional help immediately.
The Freedom Center is here to help

Our addiction treatment and recovery center staff members are very knowledgeable and highly skilled when it comes to Vicodin addiction symptoms and how to address the issue. We have very effective addiction treatment and recovery programs that can be customized to address an individual’s clinical and personal needs as well as having one of the highest recovery success rates (70% or higher) in the US. Please contact the Freedom Center today at the toll-free phone number listed above for more information about our programs.