Vicodin Addiction
The typical signs a person displays when suffering from Vicodin addiction are changes in their behavior or mood, in addition to, using up their prescription ahead of time. Vicodin is a narcotic drug, and therefore, a highly abused and desired drug. You should seek medical help if you, or someone you know, is displaying signs of an addiction to Vicodin.
The Signs Of Vicodin Addiction - An Overview
Hydrocodone/APAP or Vicodin is a
pain medication available by prescription. A narcotic drug, that is highly sought after and regularly abused, its side effects are often confusing and difficult to diagnose. It is common to
confuse an addiction to Vicodin with alternative symptoms, such as mental illness or insufficient pain control.
Vicodin Addiction and its Common Signs
If a healthcare professional prescribes Vicodin, they will always watch for signs of possible addiction with their patient. These signs include:
- Shopping around for numerous doctors as a source to obtain Vicodin or frequently changing providers.
- Rapidly using up a Vicodin prescription ahead of time
- Requesting prescriptions early and using excuses such as a stolen prescription, going on vacation or losing the prescription
- Requesting a specific type of narcotic (such as Vicodin)
- Complaining of allergies when using any other form of medication
It is important for family and friends to watch for indications of a Vicodin addiction. Some indicators may include:
- Spending lots of time alone, secluded behavior
- An unexplainable money shortage
- Dishonest behavior, lying or stealing
- Abandoning close friends and starting new ones
- Unexplained behavior changes and mood swings
It is almost impossible to distinguish between the physical symptoms and normal signs of Vicodin addiction. This is because both symptoms are common with long-term
Vicodin use, regardless of whether it is an abusive use of Vicodin or a legitimate use.
Using Vicodin over long periods causes the body to build up a tolerance to the drug, which subsequently results in more of the drug required to eleviate pain.
Vicodin addiction is associated with severe and intense withdrawal.
Whenever you stop Vicodin after long periods of use the following symptoms may occur:
- Insomnia
- Bone and muscle pain
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Vomiting
- Involuntary leg movements and flu-like symptoms
Is it Vicodin Addiction or Something Else?
People often will display signs or behavior that appear like those of Vicodin addiction. This is usually when their pain management is not sufficiently controlled. For example, if your dosage is insufficient, you may experience changes in your behavior. Likewise, an increase in your dosage levels that is greater than what is prescribed can also create addictive-type signs. Always consult your treating physician if you feel that you pain is not under control. Many people find themselves with a Vicodin addiction purely out of a need for greater pain control.
The symptoms of mental illness may also mimic that of Vicodin addiction.
Signs That May Indicate a Vicodin Addiction
Knowing whether a loved one is afflicted with a Vicodin addition can be difficult to judge. Always seek professional help if you suspect a family member or friend is having difficulties with Vicodin addiction. Start with their treating physician. Although you may contact their doctor and voice your concerns to them, they will not be able to discuss the details of the patient's medical treatment with you. Alternatively, local drug rehabilitation centers may help you with information and services.
