Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is a narcotic, when taken over a long period of time, may lead to a physical dependance or even addiction. However the difference between physical dependance and a true addiction to Vicodin varies greatly. Some of the symptoms associated with abusing Vicodin may include liver failure, breathing difficulties, coma or even death.

An Overview of Vicodin Medication

Vicodin is a pain relief medication available by prescription. Vicodin is highly addictive and easily abused, mostly due to its narcotic nature. However, the differences between a physical dependancy and a true Vicodin addiction are somewhat significant. A physical dependance will occur from prolonged use of the drug, whether it is legitimate use or not.

Vicodin Addiction Versus Vicodin Abuse

Vicodin is a narcotic and therefore can easily create a physical dependance. However, physical dependancy does not indicate that abuse has taken place. Physical dependance is a predictable response whenever you take a narcotic drug over a prolonged period. Consequently, stopping Vicodin suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms to occur. The effects of Vicodin will diminish over time as your body becomes more tolerant to its effects. Therefore, more Vicodin be required for you to gain the same pain relief effect long term. This need for an increase in dosage is a physical and predictable response, rather than a sign that abuse has occurred. People who have used narcotic drugs for a significant period of time, have the ability to take larger doses. However, someone new to taking Vicodin, who attempts to take a higher dose, could easily risk death. Having said that, there is still a limit to the amount of Vicodin medication a person can take, regardless of whether they have a tolerance to narcotics or not. Furthermore, Vicodin contains acetaminophen which in large doses causes liver failure and ultimately death.

Can Addiction Happen To Anyone?

Many people believe that if you take Vicodin you will instantly become addicted. In contrast, doctors are of the opinion, only some individuals have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse and therefore, these are the only people who will be susceptible to Vicodin abuse. The hardest issue is determining which individuals are likely to develop an addiction as opposed to those who have only a small risk. If you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction then it increases your possibility of a problem with Vicodin abuse.

Can Vicodin Abuse Be Something Else?

Often individuals may display behavior or symptoms that are similar to Vicodin abuse. For example, if your pain relief is insufficient, and you are not coping with the pain, you may behave out of the ordinary, or resort to taking Vicodin more often than prescribed. If you believe your pain management is inadequate, then you should discuss alternatives with your doctor. Unfortunately, many individuals with Vicodin addiciton use the excuse of inadequate pain relief as a reason to increase their dosage.

Possible Vicodin Abuse Consequences

Abusing Vicodin can lead to very dangerous physical and emotional consequences. When you take narcotics in high doses, particularly when you body is not used to the drug, it can lead to extreme drowsiness, breathing difficulties, coma and possibly death. Likewise, taking extreme doses of acetaminophen also causes potential liver failure and ultimately death.

Getting Help for Vicodin Abuse

Getting help from your doctor is the best place to initially get support for your abuse or Vicodin addiction. You doctor can help you overcome your addiction and may also recommend other types of resources that can help you. Normally, the first method of treating Vicodin abuse is to gradually decrease the level of the dose, along with treating the symptoms resulting from Vicodin withdrawal. This gradual form of detoxification is usually complemented with a variety of behavorial therapies for the patient.