Vicodin and its addictive qualities

Vicodin is the trademarked brand name of a powerfully addictive painkiller compound comprised of Acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) and hydrocodone (synthetic codeine). Other brand names of this compound painkiller include Lorcet and Lortab. It is one of the most commonly prescribed painkillers on the market today as well as being extremely popular with recreational drug users. As a result, Vicodin abuse, addiction, and dependency is extremely common and many rehab programs now address this.

Vicodin exhibits an extremely high potential abuse, addiction, and dependency and is now considered a serious public health threat among the healthcare industry as well as being a substance that the DEA monitors very closely. Tolerances build up extremely fast which increases the potential for addiction or dependency. As a result, many of the addiction treatment and recovery centers throughout the US have programs that address this addiction and the Vicodin withdrawal symptoms that come with it.

The warning signs of Vicodin addiction

In addition to the physical signs of addiction, there is also psychological dependency that typically occurs in conjunction with it. Tolerance build-up can be almost unnoticeable and addiction occurs swiftly if the individual isn’t careful. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one having problems with Vicodin addiction or dependency you should look for the following more common warning signs:

• family members, friends, or loved ones are concerned about your use of the drug
• increasingly larger doses are needed to achieve the desired effect or “high” that you initially experienced
• pain and other physical illnesses results when you discontinue using Vicodin
• you feel ashamed or guilty when you use the drug
• you participate in criminal or deviant behavior in order to get more of the drug from your doctor or you just buy it out on the street so that you don’t run out of it
• If you have noticed any of these warning signs where you or a loved one is concerned, you should consider getting professional help immediately and find a Vicodin addiction rehab program that addresses your needs.

Symptoms experienced during withdrawal

• Because of the fact that some individuals have a severe addiction to or dependency on Vicodin, the detox and withdrawal stage can be extremely unpleasant. There are numerous Vicodin withdrawal symptoms that can occur at this time but the most common ones are:
• anxiety
• chills, fever, or sweats
• depression
• erratic mood swings and irritability
• goosebumps
• insomnia or sleeplessness
• restless leg syndrome
• strong cravings for Vicodin

Depending on the severity of the addiction or dependency, an individual could spend up to two weeks completing the detox and withdrawal stage. In most cases, these withdrawal symptoms will peak within three to five days and the worst will be over where this stage is concerned. For all practical purposes, the detox and withdrawal stage is the most difficult of the three stages of addiction treatment and recovery. However, unless this stage is completed, you will not be able to progress any further into recovery.