Vicodin Addiction
After surgery or injury, many doctors prescribe the narcotic painkiller Vicodin. An opioid, Vicodin has a high potential for abuse and physical dependence. This leaves many people asking, "Is Vicodin addictive?" The short answer is yes, and the likelihood for Vicodin addiction is high. If you or a loved one who had a Vicodin prescription feel as though you can’t function without the pills, you may be dealing with an opioid addiction. Although Vicodin has a legitimate medical purpose, the prescription narcotic is a danger to any who may take it because of its highly addictive properties. As the drug interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, what started as pain management can easily turn into a physical and psychological dependence.
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Vicodin is a brand-name prescription narcotic. The main ingredient in the painkiller is hydrocodone, a semi-synthetic opiate. Vicodin is prescribed for severe or chronic pain management. Vicodin is among the most addictive prescription drugs and can easily lead to Vicodin addiction and abuse. The pharmaceutical company Knoll first released Vicodin as a brand-name narcotic in 1978. However, hydrocodone, the main ingredient in Vicodin, was first discovered in the 1920s. A generic version of Vicodin was released in 1983.
Vicodin comes in tablet form. The white, oblong pills are inscribed with the brand name and the number of milligrams of hydrocodone and acetaminophen in them. If you notice any white powder around your home or inside a pill bottle, this may also be Vicodin. Sometimes people who abuse the drug crush the pills and snort them to get high faster.
While it may be called Vicodin or hydrocodone at a doctor’s office or pharmacy, on the streets there are many other names for the narcotic. Drug dealers and abusers use slang terms for Vicodin to stay under the radar.
Street names for Vicodin include:
- Vics
- Vikes
- Vicos
- Hydros
- Lorris
- Fluff
- Watsons
- 357s
- Narco
- Tabs
Vicodin is a prescription painkiller and is intended to be used for those experiencing severe or chronic pain, like people who were in an accident or had surgery. It is an oral prescription intended to be taken by mouth. When Vicodin is used outside of its intended use, Vicodin addiction becomes a significant risk. If substance use disorder develops, then you may need to undergo prescription drug rehabilitation.
According to the Vicodin website, proper dosage of Vicodin is one or two tablets every 4–6 hours, not to exceed eight tablets. Proper dosage of Vicodin ES is one tablet every 4–6 hours, not to exceed six tablets. Proper dosage of Vicodin HP is one tablet every 4–6 hours, not to exceed six tablets.
As prescription drug abuse trends have swept the nation, Vicodin has risen to the top of the list of drugs people look to abuse. The government has been tracking Vicodin addiction and abuse extensively for this reason.
Studies on Vicodin and prescription drug abuse reveal statistics like:
- In 2014, Vicodin was the fifth-most popular drug and second-most popular pharmaceutical high school seniors abused, accounting for 4.8% of all drug abuse
- According to data from 2011, opioid painkillers like Vicodin caused more deaths than illicit drugs
- Americans consumes 99% of the world’s hydrocodone consumption
Speak to a Vicodin Intake Coordination Specialist now.
352.771.2700What to expect when I call?Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700Vicodin may be a household name for those who follow celebrity news, as many of the rich and famous are known for admitting their abuse and Vicodin addiction. One of the most famous to tell their story is Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rocker Ozzy Osbourne.
Osbourne wrote in her book, Fierce, the Vicodin addiction started with a simple prescription. Soon her habit escalated from one pill to six pills to 50 pills each day. “Most people would overdose on 10,” she wrote.
Her friends and parents quickly noticed her symptoms — drowsiness and nodding off most notably. Eventually she pursued Vicodin addiction rehab, and it wasn’t until her fourth stint that the message of treatment truly sank in.
Access Hollywood. “Report: Kelly Osbourne Reveals Past Vicodin Addiction In New Book.”Access Hollywood, 28 Aug. 2009, www.accesshollywood.com/articles/report-kelly-osbourne-reveals-past-vicodin-addiction-in-new-book-75465/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Doutaz, Marie M. “Vicodin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Effects & Treatment.” MentalHelp.net, 25 Nov. 2015, www.mentalhelp.net/articles/vicodin-overdose/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Drugs.com. “Vicodin Disease Interactions – Drugs.com.” Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects, www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/acetaminophen-hydrocodone,vicodin.html#Alcoholism. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Elkins, Chris. “Hooked on Pharmaceuticals: Prescription Drug Abuse in America.” DrugWatch, 29 July 2015, www.drugwatch.com/2015/07/29/drug-abuse-in-america/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Narconon International. “Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse.” Narconon International, www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-vicodin.html. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “DrugFacts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Nov. 2015, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-over-counter-medications. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Patterson, Eric. “Vicodin Effects | Short Term, Long Term & Side Effects.” DrugAbuse.com, drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-vicodin-use/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “DEA / Drug Scheduling.” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Zocdoc. “Can I Take Adderall and Vicodin Together? | Zocdoc Answers.” Find a Doctor – Doctor Reviews & Ratings | Book Online Instantly – Zocdoc, www.zocdoc.com/answers/21931/can-i-take-adderall-and-vicodin-together. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Doutaz, Marie M. “Vicodin Overdose Symptoms, Signs, Effects & Treatment.” MentalHelp.net, 25 Nov. 2015, www.mentalhelp.net/articles/vicodin-overdose/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Drugs.com. “Vicodin Disease Interactions – Drugs.com.” Drugs.com | Prescription Drug Information, Interactions & Side Effects, www.drugs.com/disease-interactions/acetaminophen-hydrocodone,vicodin.html#Alcoholism. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Elkins, Chris. “Hooked on Pharmaceuticals: Prescription Drug Abuse in America.” DrugWatch, 29 July 2015, www.drugwatch.com/2015/07/29/drug-abuse-in-america/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Narconon International. “Signs and Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse.” Narconon International, www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-vicodin.html. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “DrugFacts: Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications.” National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Nov. 2015, www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-over-counter-medications. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Patterson, Eric. “Vicodin Effects | Short Term, Long Term & Side Effects.” DrugAbuse.com, drugabuse.com/library/the-effects-of-vicodin-use/. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. “DEA / Drug Scheduling.” United States Drug Enforcement Administration, www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Zocdoc. “Can I Take Adderall and Vicodin Together? | Zocdoc Answers.” Find a Doctor – Doctor Reviews & Ratings | Book Online Instantly – Zocdoc, www.zocdoc.com/answers/21931/can-i-take-adderall-and-vicodin-together. Accessed 24 Jan. 2017.
Have more questions about Vicodin abuse?
Read the most frequently asked questionsSpeak to a Vicodin Intake Coordination Specialist now.
352.771.2700What to expect when I call?Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns 24/7.
Speak with an Intake Coordination Specialist now.352.771.2700