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Vicodin Addiction

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin is a prescription painkiller, prescribed mainly in America to treat and control severe pain. Just because it is most commonly used in America, doesn’t mean that it isn’t used here in the UK. 

It comprises two different components: hydrocodone, which is an opioid pain reliever, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever. Vicodin is a brand name for the combination of these two. As well as being used for pain relief, it is taken recreationally, but even if used for pain management, it can become highly addictive and those who use and take Vicodin can find it extremely difficult to stop using it altogether, offering suffering signs of withdrawal. 

Only in recent years have we seen and researched the effects of Vicodin on the body and mind, and how easily those prescribed this drug can become dependent on it. 

Vicodin addiction can happen as a result of prescribed use or recreational use. It is important that addiction is treated with sensitivity and in a controlled environment, as withdrawal can be extremely difficult for the person using it. 

mulitple pills out of bottle on table with woman slumped in background
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About

At Help me Stop, we are a drug rehab centre, offering support and help for addiction, including Vicodin addiction. 

We know that there are a variety of reasons why you or a loved one may have fallen into addiction and we are here to help, free from judgment. 

Addiction help is not always accessible, with cost being the largest barrier. This is why we created a Dayhab programme, which is available both online and in-person at our London rehab centre or our Winchester rehab centre in Hampshire. Dayhab is a non-residential form of rehab, utilising the 12-step programme as well as tools such as CBT and group therapy, to help you overcome your addictions and build back your life over the course of six weeks. 

To find out more about how we can help you with addiction, get in touch with the buttons below.

Vicodin Addiction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vicodin addiction?

Vicodin addiction occurs when a person is heavily dependent on the drug and is unable to stop using, despite knowing the danger it is causing to them and those around them. Vicodin abuse is more common in the UK than many appreciate, despite the fact it is not a well-known drug. It is prescribed for severe pain management which can lead to dependency, especially if the person has been taking the drug for some time.

How can someone get addicted to a prescription drug?

It is entirely possible to become addicted to a prescription drug you receive from a medical professional. Many adults have serious health issues that leave them with complicated and difficult symptoms like chronic pain. In these cases, the prescription of potentially addictive drugs is necessary due to their often powerful ability to alleviate such symptoms.

When you are prescribed a potentially addictive drug, your GP will make you aware of potential risks and dangers. In addition to this, your prescription will likely involve weaning you off the substance towards the end of your treatment plan, as it can be extremely difficult and sometimes fatal to stop using the drug altogether. The idea of weaning the user off the drug is to minimise the risk of addiction and withdrawal. Even with these precautions in place, many adults still find themselves reliant on prescribed drugs after their prescription ends, and this is something we can help with, even if it does not feel like an addiction.

When a person has become dependent on a drug and its effects, it can put them in a dangerous situation when the prescription and treatment comes to an end. Often, they go in search of drugs that will give them similar relief and feelings. In the case of Vicodin, illegal opioids such as heroin are sometimes used as a substitute. Adults using Vicodin may also attempt to have their prescription filled by several different pharmacies or may look to buy them illegally online, which brings in a whole new level of danger and complications.

Is Vicodin addiction dangerous?

Yes, it can be. Vicodin is a highly addictive opioid painkiller and has a range of serious symptoms which can arise through overuse. While many of these symptoms are unpleasant but manageable, Vicodin abuse kills thousands of adults across the world each year through overdose.

Addiction, in general, is also extremely harmful. The lives of addicted people and those around them are impacted heavily and trouble with deteriorating health, career and social connections are common.

Is mental health a concern if you are addicted to Vicodin?

Yes. Addiction is always taxing on the mind, with many substances also interrupting and altering the brain chemistry of the user. Addiction is strongly linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The disruption to a person’s routine and social connections is likely to lead to further mental health complications. The best way to prevent these issues is to seek Vicodin addiction treatment as soon as possible.

Some of Vicodin abuse and addiction symptoms include depression, agitation, anxiety, and impairment to your memory and ability to reason.

What are the risk factors and causes of Vicodin addiction?

Opioid painkillers are usually prescribed for the alleviation of serious and chronic pain. People who are prescribed Vicodin will often feel the need to continue using it even after their prescription has ended. It is also common for people to exceed their recommended dosages when prescribed the drug, either intentionally or by accident.

Further risk factors for addiction include family history, mental health issues, childhood abuse and past substance misuse issues. Adults may also have co-occurring disorders that may make them more likely to develop Vicodin addiction. These usually include issues such as depression, social anxiety disorder or generalised anxiety disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder and panic disorder. The presence of one or several of these issues make a person more likely to become addicted to any drug including Vicodin and increases their likelihood of falling into addictive and habit-forming patterns.