Vicodin Abuse

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.

 

Can It Happen to Anyone?

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.