Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone, an opioid painkiller, and acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain medication. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of acute moderate to severe pain, often after a surgery or injury.
In most cases, it is only prescribed for a finite period of time – a few weeks at most – to manage pain until it is no longer an issue. For many, this is a simple process and one that is easily managed without incident. For others, this is the first step in the development of a deadly addiction that not only changes their lives forever but also threatens their lives every day that it is allowed to continue without treatment.
If your loved one takes Vicodin by prescription, what are the signs that they have developed a Vicodin dependence? How do you know when it’s time to seek treatment?
Physical Signs
In the beginning, it’s not always easy to tell the difference between the side effects that are common among those who use Vicodin and the physical signs of a Vicodin addiction. According to Medline Plus, side effects of normal use can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Itching
All of these can also be signs of dependence but on a much larger scale. Those who are addicted to the drug often take such large doses that they nod out, almost seeming to fall asleep no matter what they are doing. These large doses can make it difficult for them to function, take care of themselves or others, or even carry on a conversation. They may often complain of being sick or tired and even exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, especially when they are without Vicodin.
Behavioral Changes
Your loved one’s personality may be changed significantly when he is living with an active Vicodin addiction. He may:
- Isolate himself, avoiding interactions with friends and family, preferring instead to be alone
- Be surly or aggressive, especially when he is out of Vicodin or fears he may soon be without the pills
- Be forgetful, unable to maintain commitments or remember conversations
- Experience altered sleeping, eating and hygiene habits
In general, someone who is addicted to Vicodin will not prioritize relationships, hobbies, work, or even his own health over getting and staying high, and it will eventually become apparent to everyone around him.
Life Problems
It is impossible to maintain an opiate addiction without it having a negative impact on almost every area of life. These effects can be difficult to hide and may include:
- Job loss or an inability to find or maintain employment of any kind
- Financial problems due to an inability to manage bills and money or to maintain a steady income
- Criminal charges due to choices made under the influence, often in relation to getting more pills or paying for pills
- Divorce or loss of child custody caused by an inability to function normally and healthfully in personal relationships
- Health problems caused by ongoing overuse of Vicodin, which contains acetaminophen, a substance that can be damaging to the liver in large doses
- Medical emergencies including overdose when too much Vicodin is ingested or when Vicodin is ingested in addition to alcohol and/or other drugs
Vicodin Treatment
If your loved one is dependent upon Vicodin, the only way to manage the addiction disorder safely and effectively is to choose treatment that begins with medical detox, overseen by consulting physicians, and continues with long-term psychotherapeutic treatment. Contact us today at The Oaks at La Paloma, and our admissions coordinators can tell you more about our addiction rehabilitation program and how we can help.