Millions of people in the United States use prescription drugs to manage medical and mental health conditions. Some medications, including pain medications, have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Vicodin is one of the most common prescription medications used to treat pain. Some people may abuse Vicodin and become addicted to it.
This article will explore what Vicodin looks like and how people abuse it. You will learn:
- What Vicodin pills look like
- How to spot counterfeit Vicodin pills
- The side effects and risks of Vicodin abuse
- What to expect in Vicodin addiction treatment
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggle with opioid addiction or other substance abuse, seek treatment right away. Find compassionate, effective treatment programs at The Living Room. Contact our intake specialists to explore your treatment options or schedule an appointment.
What is Vicodin?
Vicodin is the brand name for a prescription painkiller. It contains a combination of hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol). Hydrocodone is a highly addictive opioid drug. People must take Vicodin exactly as prescribed and be aware of the risk of addiction.
Medical professionals generally prescribe opioids like Vicodin for short-term use. This can limit the risk of addiction. However, people who take Vicodin as prescribed may still develop symptoms of dependence or addiction.
What Does Vicodin Look Like?
Prescription Vicodin tablets are typically white or off-white oval-shaped tablets. They may have a scoreline down the center. They will have the brand name “Vicodin” printed on one side.
Tablets may differ based on their manufacturer and dosage. The sides of the tablets may have numbers printed on them. For instance, pills may have a “5” on one side and “300” on the other, or “7.5” on one side and “300” on the other.
Some illicit drug dealers may make and sell counterfeit Vicodin pills. Some signs of fake or counterfeit Vicodin include:
- Irregular or “bubbly” coating on the pills
- Pills that crumble easily
- Cracked tablets
- Moldy or discolored pills
- Pills that are different colors
- Excess powder or crystals in the pill bottle or container
- Pills that come in unsealed or damaged packaging
You must only take Vicodin if a doctor prescribes it. Only take Vicodin obtained from a medical professional at a pharmacy.
People who take prescription Vicodin must be aware of the risk of abuse and addiction. Call your doctor if you have unwanted side effects or begin to take it differently than prescribed.
Seek substance abuse treatment if you exhibit signs of substance abuse or addiction.
Understanding Vicodin Abuse and Addiction
Vicodin is effective at relieving moderate to severe pain. Most medical professionals believe patients can take Vicodin safely for short periods. However, some people may abuse Vicodin and become addicted to it, even when taking it as prescribed.
In addition to relieving pain, Vicodin may also cause side effects people find pleasurable. Some people experience euphoria (intense pleasure and well-being) or relaxation. These effects may lead some people to abuse Vicodin.
Some examples of Vicodin abuse include:
- Taking higher doses of Vicodin than prescribed
- Taking doses more often than prescribed
- Taking Vicodin for a longer period than prescribed
- Ingesting Vicodin differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting tablets
- Taking Vicodin recreationally (without a prescription)
People who abuse Vicodin may eventually take very high doses, which increases the risk of opioid overdose. Some signs of an overdose include:
- Trouble breathing
- Clammy skin
- Headache
- Changes in speech pattern
- Seizures
- Excessive sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
An opioid overdose is a medical emergency. If you or someone else is exhibiting symptoms of an overdose, call 911 immediately. Wait with the person until EMS arrives.
Drinking alcohol or using other drugs can increase the risk of life-threatening complications, including:
- Dangerous blood pressure changes
- Liver damage or liver disease
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI symptoms
- Falls that result in a head injury
- Damage to the adrenal glands
- Addiction
People who abuse Vicodin for extended periods may develop physical dependence or addiction. Most people with opioid addiction require intensive treatment to stop using it and ongoing support to avoid relapse.
Treating Vicodin Addiction
It is critical to recognize Vicodin abuse and treat it right away. Some signs of Vicodin abuse or addiction include:
- Using more Vicodin than prescribed
- Running out of prescriptions early
- Feeling anxious about running out of a prescription
- Doing dishonest or illegal things to get more Vicodin
- Having cravings for Vicodin
- Using Vicodin recreationally (without a prescription)
- Needing to take more Vicodin to get the desired effects
- Having more than one prescription for Vicodin from multiple doctors
- Wanting to stop using Vicodin but finding it impossible to quit on your own
Suddenly stopping Vicodin can be very challenging. Many people experience very uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of relapse.
A detox and treatment program provides critical supervision, treatment, and support that can help people quit using opioids. Opioid addiction treatment programs may include:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Behavioral therapies
- Medication management and medical care
- Relapse prevention education
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning and support
People may attend inpatient or outpatient rehab programs. These programs can help people address the complex roots of their substance abuse and move forward.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with Vicodin abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at The Living Room to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out for help verifying your insurance, to ask questions, or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA): Why do we prescribe Vicodin?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Vicodin
- Science Direct: 17 The Vicodin Abuse Problem: A Mathematical Approach