However, for individuals with chronic pain, doctors may prescribe it with caution and monitor the patient closely to prevent misuse. Hydrocodone withdrawal symptoms occur when people quit using the opioid suddenly after prolonged use. The symptoms may include restlessness, joint pain, increased heartbeat, sleeping problems and anxiety. The severity of a hydrocodone addiction depends on the person’s genetics and history of drug use.

• But they can also include more serious symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
• This medication has a risk for abuse and addiction, which can lead to overdose and death.
• With repeated use over time, higher doses of Vicodin are needed to achieve the same pain-relieving or pleasurable effects, a phenomenon known as tolerance.
• Once addicted to opioids, users lose the ability to feel happy and only feel normal when taking the drug.

The Impact of Vicodin Addiction

This medication is used to relieve a dry cough usually caused by the common cold or other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. This product contains 2 medications, hydrocodone and homatropine. Hydrocodone is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that works on certain centers in the brain to stop the urge to cough. Homatropine belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics.This medication is generally used for short-term treatment. Children are at higher risk for serious (even fatal) side effects, especially breathing problems. Talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.Cough-and-cold products do not cure colds.

Can You Die of Heroin Withdrawal? Risks, Challenges & Management

Vicodin combines a narcotic pain reliever (hydrocodone) with acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever available over the counter. Naloxone is a medicine that can quickly reverse a Vicodin or opioid overdose. The medicine attaches to opioid receptors to block the effects of opioids. When someone is given naloxone soon enough, it can restore their normal breathing. Detoxification at a professional treatment center is always the safest option to ensure that severe withdrawal symptoms are minimized and managed correctly.

Vicodin Short-Term Effects

However, physicians and therapists do not recommend this practice for several reasons. When quitting the use of Vicodin suddenly, the body goes through withdrawal and experiences forceful and uncomfortable side effects rather quickly. Quitting cold turkey is also not guaranteed to be successful and increases the chance of setbacks. Do not share your pills with others because this can cause them to experience an overdose or develop addiction. If you are prescribed the medication, be sure to follow the directions on the label. Taking it too much or too often can lead to overdose, dependence or addiction.

• Treatment programs can help you overcome opioid addiction and reclaim your life.
• For many, it’s difficult even to recognize the signs of this dependence until it’s already taken hold.
• Vicodin triggers the brain’s reward center of the brain similarly to other pleasurable activities.

Post-rehab support groups

Misusers can quickly become dependent on it, paving the way for addiction to develop. If an individual feels that Vicodin is essential to function during everyday life, an addiction may have developed. Although Vicodin has a legitimate medical purpose, the prescription narcotic is dangerous to those who may take it for the euphoric high it can provide. Opioids like hydrocodone can reduce the perception of pain, which is why they’re prescribed. When someone takes an opioid, it travels through their blood and to the brain, attaching to receptor sites. This function can release brain chemicals that create the high people can experience with opioids.

Speaking with others who have been in your shoes can help motivate you and keep you accountable. Vicodin can be used properly under a doctor’s guidance but is also frequently abused. People may take Vicodin pills orally as directed for legitimate pain relief, following the instructions on the prescription. If you like taking risks or acting on impulse, you might be more likely to misuse Vicodin. This can make it easier to get addicted as you take it more often or in higher doses than it is designed to be. As the weeks pass, you begin to realise that you’re taking Vicodin not just for the pain, but to feel good or to deal with everyday stress.

Your Sober living house doctor may have you reduce your use slowly rather than stopping it suddenly. Opioids interfere with pain signals heading to the brain to change your perception of pain as well as your emotional reaction to it. When used correctly and for only a short period, hydrocodone is usually safe and effective. As with other drugs, Vicodin can interact with other drugs and alcohol. Taking Vicodin with other substances can lead to uncomfortable and harmful side effects.

Recognizing the influence of social contexts is equally vital, with accessible sources of Vicodin, whether through prescriptions or the illicit market, amplifying the likelihood of misuse. If you or someone you love is struggling with Vicodin dependence or any other opioid or alcohol addiction, seeking help is the first step toward recovery. At GateHouse Treatment, we offer comprehensive medication-assisted treatment options tailored to individual needs.

The public perception of addiction is changing, and more people understand that it is a disease and not a choice. Seeking medical assistance for a substance use disorder can help you avoid a lifetime of health problems. People often abuse hydrocodone repeatedly for its euphoric effects, which can increase their tolerance to the substance. As their tolerance grows, they need to take increasingly higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired effects. Contact us today at to learn about hydrocodone addiction treatment options, the cost of treatment, and how to use insurance to help pay for treatment. We are available 24/7 via our confidential helpline so you can start on the road to recovery today.