Abusing Vicodin: An Overview
Vicodin® (
hydrocodone/APAP) is a prescription pain medication. As a narcotic, it is a highly desired drug of abuse. However, it is important to distinguish between true abuse of Vicodin and a simple physical dependence on the drug, which will occur with any long-term use of Vicodin, legitimate or not.
Vicodin Abuse Versus Addiction
As a narcotic, Vicodin leads to physical dependence. However, physical dependence is not a sign of abuse; it is a predictable, physical response to chronic use of the narcotic. The body becomes accustomed to physical changes that Vicodin causes, and stopping the drug will lead to withdrawal symptoms. This is not necessarily a sign of abuse.
Also, the body becomes "tolerant" to the
effects of Vicodin, and more is necessary to produce the same pain-relieving effects. Again, this is not a sign of abuse; it is a predictable, physical response. People who have been on narcotics for a long time can take enormous doses that would lead to death in a first-time user. However, there is a limitation to how much Vicodin any person can safely take, even if he or she is tolerant to the narcotic's effects. In addition, the
acetaminophen (
Tylenol®) component of Vicodin can cause liver failure and even death when taken in high doses.
Some people feel that anyone who takes Vicodin long enough will become addicted to it. However, most healthcare professionals believe that only some people are inclined toward drug or alcohol abuse, and only those people are at risk for Vicodin abuse. The problem is predicting who might develop a problem and who is not at risk. Having a prior history of drug or alcohol abuse, or even having a family history of such abuse, increases your risk for
problems with Vicodin abuse. People with mental illness may also be at risk for drug or alcohol abuse, as drugs and alcohol can be used to "self-medicate" the mental illness symptoms.
Is It Vicodin Abuse or Something Else?
People whose pain is not adequately controlled often display signs that mimic
Vicodin abuse. For instance, if your prescription for Vicodin is not strong enough for your pain, you may display unusual changes in behavior due to the pain, or you may take your Vicodin more frequently than prescribed. If you feel your pain is not adequately controlled, please discuss this with your healthcare provider. However, many people start down the slippery slope of Vicodin addiction by using inadequate pain control as an excuse.
The physical consequences of Vicodin abuse can be extremely dangerous. Taking high doses of a narcotic, especially if you are not used to it, can result in breathing problems, extreme drowsiness, coma, and even death. Taking high doses of
acetaminophen (one of the components of Vicodin) is likely to cause liver failure and death.
The emotional and social consequences of Vicodin abuse can be equally devastating. Relationships and careers can be destroyed, and years of hard work can be ruined in a short time.
Where to Get Help If You are Abusing Vicodin
Your healthcare provider is a great place to start when searching for help for abuse or addiction. He or she will be able to help you deal with this abuse or may suggest other resources for you.
Depending on the situation, the first step in treating Vicodin addiction may be to slowly decrease the dose and attempt to treat withdrawal symptoms
(see Vicodin Withdrawal). This process of detoxification could then be followed with one of many behavioral therapies. Contingency management, for example, improves treatment outcomes by enabling people to earn vouchers for drug-free urine tests; the vouchers can be exchanged for items that promote healthy living. Cognitive behavioral therapies, which teach people skills to recognize risky situations, avoid drug use, and cope more effectively with problems, are proving beneficial. Recovery support groups may also be effective in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
