Vicodin is the brand name of the drug hydrocodone, a potent opioid painkiller that is usually prescribed for the treatment of severe moderate pain. The medication is made from a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, which is a non-narcotic, over-the-counter pain reliever. Vicodin is also very frequently abused, and most people who abuse it do so for the effects it produces – the “high” associated with taking Vicodin other than as prescribed is often described as euphoric. People who abuse this drug do so for its sedative effects. However, there are also some men and women who do take more than the intended dose simply to combat severe pain. It is not uncommon for people who are prescribed Vicodin to begin taking more than intended after they develop a physical tolerance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 11 percent of American adults experience paying daily. 
What Kind of High Does Vicodin Give?
Millions of men and women across the country are prescribed opioid narcotics like Vicodin for chronic pain and in many cases what begins as a legitimate pharmacological treatment eventually develops into physical and psychological dependence. If you or someone you know has been abusing Vicodin, seeking professional addiction treatment is very important. People tend to mistakenly believe that because this medication is initially prescribed by a medical professional, there is no risk of abuse and it is generally safe to use. The truth is that Vicodin addiction can ultimately lead to overdose-related death and a series of other serious health-related issues.
Vicodin is an Addictive Opioid Prescription Drug
Just like other opioid narcotics, a Vicodin high produces euphoric effects and intense relaxation. The majority of people who abuse Vicodin report feeling tired, content, and in some cases, detached from reality. it can be difficult to determine whether or not a person is struggling with a Vicodin addiction because even taking this drug exactly as prescribed can lead to physical dependence down the road. If you believe that someone you love has been abusing this medication, there are several warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for. These include:
- Engaging in drug-seeking behaviors. Many people who abuse Vicodin attempt to get more by any means necessary. This might mean visiting more than one doctor at a time and hopes of getting more than one prescription written, rummaging through the medicine cabinets of friends and family members, and hopes to find unused painkiller prescriptions and purchase Vicodin directly from a street dealer.
- Developing a physical tolerance. People who have a diagnosable Vicodin abuse disorder often have a high tolerance for the medication, meaning that they need a much higher dose than they started with to feel the same high.
- Experiencing a range of personal consequences but continuing to use Vicodin even though it is wreaking havoc in the life of the user. men and women who suffer from Vicodin addiction often act in ways that they never before would. They might engage in illegal activities, isolate themselves from loved ones which lead to interpersonal issues, and struggle to perform at work or school. The consequences related to long-term opioid abuse are often very severe and far-reaching. The good news, however, is that even the most severe consequences can be effectively remedied over time, with a long-term program of recovery in place.
Treatment Options for Vicodin Abuse and Dependence
There are many potential treatment options for men and women who have been struggling with Vicodin abuse, but the most effective is entering into a long-term program of recovery like that provided by Evoke Wellness at Miramar. Our program of Vicodin addiction recovery has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most effective and reputable in Southern Florida, and we have decades of professional experience treating substance abuse disorders of all types. To learn more about our program of recovery pick up the phone and give us a call today.
