Vicodin Addiction

Vicodin addiction is an extremely powerful problem that affects the lives of many Americans each year. It is important to note though that with proper treatment Vicodin addiction can be overcome. Over the past few years prescription drug abuse and addiction have been on the rise. However, denial around the issue of Vicodin addiction also continues to persist. Vicodin addiction is the obsessive-compulsive misuse of Vicodin. In this case, the term misuse means using the drug without the authorization of a medical profession, or using the drug when it is no longer needed as prescribed. Vicodin addiction can have devastating effects on a person's mind and body.

Here are some of the most commonly recognized signs of Vicodin addiction.

• Continued use of the drug: Even after the episode of pain for which the drug was prescribed has ended, those who have become addicted will continue to use the drug for comfort.
• Financial issues: When Vicodin addiction becomes so serious that supplies are purchased by illicit methods due to the inflated costs involved, the addict may begin to neglect financial commitments and struggle to pay regular bills. Users in relationships may find themselves confronted by an angry and suspicious partner who is unaware where the money is being spent.
• Inability to cope with routine: As with addiction to most drugs, the daily routine of life then revolves around obtaining and taking the drug. Vicodin addicts tend to struggle to focus or concentrate. In serious cases of Vicodin addiction, those affected fail to attend work or school on a regular basis.
• Mood and behavior changes: Those with a Vicodin addiction will develop hostile and volatile behavioral tendencies, even toward loved ones and those close by. Anxiety and general agitation are classic traits.
• Physical withdrawal symptoms: Joint and muscle aches, increased night sweats, and insomnia are common symptoms, particularly when the addict has missed doses of the much relied upon drug.
• Self denial: In the early stages of Vicodin addiction, users often attempt to convince themselves that they are not becoming addicted. Many hide packets of drugs and disguise the act of taking the pills in order to avoid confronting their need for over use of the drug.
• Sneaky behavior: People who are dependent on higher-than-prescribed doses of Vicodin may use deceitful methods in order to gain additional supplies of the drug. Many addicts move between physicians, and, without the knowledge of the doctors involved, gain separate supplies from each in order to feed the increasing Vicodin addiction.
• Withdrawal from society: As the Vicodin addiction takes hold; the addict will be less able to cope with social situations. With an overriding awareness that behavior may be different than normal, addicts often become virtual recluses as a result.

Vicodin addiction means the addict craves more of the drug and can tolerate greater amounts of Vicodin in an attempt to achieve a “high”. Vicodin addicts go to great lengths, even breaking the law to get their fix. They continue abusing this medication even though they suffer negative physical and social consequences. Many who are addicted to Vicodin are often aware of their addiction, but may be too embarrassed or stubborn to admit it.

Vicodin is commonly prescribed because of its effectiveness as an analgesic, or pain-relieving properties. One of the most widely prescribed medications, Vicodin and its related medications: Loricet, Loritab, Percodan, and OxyContin are opioid-based pain medications. This drug is a derivative of opium, which is also used to manufacture heroin. It successfully diminishes pain, but it is highly addictive and withdrawal symptoms of Vicodin addiction are very similar to the pain it was relieving.

Vicodin acts by attaching itself to specific proteins called opioid receptors, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. When Vicodin attaches itself to certain opioid receptors, it can block the transmission of pain messages to the brain. In addition, Vicodin can produce drowsiness, cause constipation, and depending upon the amount of Vicodin taken, depress respiration.

Those who suffer with Vicodin addiction will suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking this medication. They will go though Vicodin withdrawal within six to twelve hours after their last dose. The intensity of their withdrawal symptoms depends on the degree of their addiction. Typically, Vicodin withdrawal symptoms will grow stronger for twenty-four to seventy-two hours and then gradually decline over a period of seven to fourteen days.

Often, people addicted to Vicodin become deeply depressed and their thinking, attention, and judgment become impaired. Their thoughts begin to dwell on the next time they are going to take a pill. They will lie to themselves and others saying that they are still taking Vicodin for pain or to avoid Vicodin withdrawal symptoms. Those who are addicted to this drug often truly feel physical pain, but it is psychologically produced.

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