Vicodin is a prescription medication used to assist in pain management. It is well documented that the use of this medication can easily lead to Vicodin addiction when not taken as prescribed. In many cases, people continue to use Vicodin even after the pain they began taking it for is no longer present.The longer a person continues taking Vicodin and the more the dosage is increased, the greater the tolerance.The more medication a person must take to achieve the same feeling.Vicodin is an opiate that can only be prescribed by a licensed physician. Because the medication is available through prescription only and a physician has suggested the medication might help them, denial plays a major obstacle in Vicodin addiction recovery.
Vicodin addiction is no different than many other types of drug addictions in that it can have negative effects on a person's brain. Vicodin addiction reduces many chemicals the brain needs to function, including endorphins. The only way to reverse this process is to discontinue taking the drug; however, it is too uncomfortable and dangerous for a person with a Vicodin addiction to accomplish this on his or her own.As one continues to use Vicodin on a prolonged basis, the effects tend to become more noticeable. Initially, a person may experience constipation, dizziness, skin rashes or nausea. By this time, he or she is already addicted to the drug. As the Vicodin addiction progresses and tolerance increases, more significant symptoms tend to occur. These symptoms may include an irregular heart rate, confusion, isolation and, in the late stages of a Vicodin addiction, hallucinations.In addition to the physical consequences of Vicodin addiction, deterioration in personal relationships as well as employment, financial, legal and psychological difficulties may emerge as the Vicodin addiction progresses.
If someone you know takes Vicodin and is experiencing dizziness, constipation, irregular heart rates, hallucinations, or other dangerous symptoms, he or she may have a Vicodin addiction.
Vicodin Addiction and Withdrawal:
Vicodin is physically addictive. Seizures or convulsions could occur if Vicodin is discontinued too quickly. It is for this reason that withdrawal from a Vicodin addiction should be gradual and under medical supervision within residential drug treatment rehab centers designed to guard against medical complications.
