Understanding Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin is a painkiller available only by prescription that was made to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen prescription pills. These are the active ingredients in Tylenol. Synthetic opioids like the hydrocodone in vicodin trigger the same neurons as opiates like heroin.

Each vicodin tablet contains 300 milligrams of Acetaminophen. It has one of three hydrocodone dosages—5 mg, 7.5 mg, or 10 mg. Acetaminophen amounts range from 300 to 325 milligrams of each vicodin tablet. vicodin is administered every 4 to 6 hours as one pill. However, people with vicodin addiction consume more than that.

Vicodin addiction

The Drug Enforcement Agency changed vicodin’s classification from Schedule III to Schedule II restricted substances in October 2014. vicodin and other Hydrocodone combination medications have a significant potential for abuse. As a result, the DEA voted to tighten regulations to stop fraud and safeguard users of vicodin from misuse or overuse. In addition, any use of vicodin that a doctor does not prescribe can lead to vicodin dependency.

The drug Acetaminophen is present in vicodin. This drug can cause liver failure or damage. It is one of the unfavorable effects of vicodin usage. Acetaminophen doses of 4,000 mg or higher daily can lead to liver injury.

Effects Of vicodin Abuse

Every drug has harmful effects on one’s health, and vicodin is no exception. Addiction risk and liver damage are the two most evident side effects. Following are the major and minor side effects of vicodin addiction:

Sleepiness
Dizziness
A feeling of calmness and void
Lightheadedness
Constipation
Anxiety
Slower heart rate
Decreased breathing rate
Aches and cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle pain
Depression

Vicodin’s Effects on the Brain

Opioids have a long-lasting effect on the brain. “The hippocampus is a fundamental brain structure. It is critical in learning and memory, especially in contextual memory,” a 2019 study by Nature Reviews Neuroscience has concluded. According to the survey, opioid usage can negatively affect learning and memory.

Vicodin also causes impairments in both anterograde and retrograde memory. Anterograde is the brain’s capacity for new learning. Retrograde is the brain’s capacity to maintain memories before a memory-disturbing incident. Long-term vicodin addiction can also lead to mood disorders.

Opioids are potent and quickly replace the body’s natural pain-management mechanism. They can, therefore, gradually change how the brain perceives pain.

Symptoms Of vicodin Addiction

It can be challenging to identify a severe vicodin addiction. Some patients become dependent on their medication and are unaware of it until they stop taking it. Discontinuing the medication results in withdrawal symptoms and tolerance to Vicodin. The addiction leads to an obsessive drive to use despite unfavorable effects.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) fifth edition lists specific signs of vicodin addiction. DSM-5 states that you must meet a few criteria to be diagnosed with substance use disorder. The requirements are monitored over 12 months. You might have a mild SUD if you fit two or three requirements. Meeting four to five requirements is considered moderate SUD. You may have a severe SUD if you meet six or more criteria. The following is a list of vicodin addiction symptoms.

Taking vicodin in excess or for longer than recommended.
You cannot stop the vicodin use even if you are willing to.
Taking a long time to obtain, utilize, or recuperate from vicodin.
Vicodin-related desires and cravings.
Vicodin abuse interferes with your duties at work, home, or school.
Vicodin usage continues despite its adverse effects on interpersonal connections.
Giving up crucial social, professional, or recreational interests as a result of vicodin.
Vicodin abuse, even when it is fatal.
Requiring more vicodin to achieve desired results.
Withdrawal symptoms begin to appear, which can be eased by taking additional vicodin.

Vicodin addiction treatment program

Vicodin can cause physical dependence, which increases the likelihood of addiction. vicodin withdrawal symptoms can be severe and unbearable. Many patients choose to keep taking the drug despite its fatality.

The most effective method to overcome vicodin addiction is to receive a vicodin addiction treatment program. Therapy and support help fight addiction. Additionally, there are detoxification programs to assist addicts in successfully and safely managing vicodin addiction symptoms. Moreover, many programs include drugs that lessen these symptoms and increase the likelihood of recovery.

Effective drugs to fight vicodin addiction:

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine, as a medication, releases dopamine and eases vicodin symptoms. It does so by activating the same brain receptors that vicodin does. It is an antagonist treatment method to fight vicodin dependency.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works on the brain receptors and reduces vicodin dependency. Naltrexone lessens the vicodin craving by blocking vicodin’s effects. It helps in preventing the event of a relapse.

Suboxone

Suboxone is comparatively safer than other opioid medications. It is an adequate substitute medication. It can be a very successful vicodin addiction treatment program if administered as directed.

You aren’t alone in your journey to recovery. If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction, get help. At Buprenorphine Doctor, you can find vicodin addiction treatment programs that suit you. It’s never too late to fight addiction.