Did you know that a large portion of the medications responsible for fueling the Opioid Crisis are actually 100% legal and approved by doctors? Despite the inarguable fact that painkillers are necessary for survival (especially if a person suffers from unending pain), we have to question where the line must be drawn to prevent more outbreaks of abuse and addiction. Ultimately, you might be more familiar with illegal synthetics like heroin and fentanyl (which are powering the brunt of the epidemic), but another dangerous addiction to the game is Vicodin, a variety of the semi-synthetic hydrocodone. Let’s take a closer look and see what you need to know about Vicodin addiction.
Both Helpful and Dangerous
Simply put, Vicodin is an opioid painkiller that contains a mixture of hydrocodone (a semi-synthetic opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-steroidal pain reliever, which you may better know as TYLENOL). Although hydrocodone itself can be a potentially addictive substance, acetaminophen is a particularly dangerous additive, as it can wreak tremendous havoc on the liver. In fact, some physicians strongly believe Vicodin is overprescribed and should be held back.
Huge Contributor to the Crisis
In that light, Vicodin is one of the most frequently prescribed and filled opioids in the United States and (unfortunately) is also one of the most easily accessible drugs of its kind. In 2010 alone, pharmacies dispensed an estimated 139 million prescriptions for this painkiller. Overall, researchers have estimated that 2 million people are currently suffering from addiction to Vicodin.
What Are the Side Effects?
Like any form of the mental illness, people suffering from Vicodin addiction do not exhibit the same symptoms. Some may be long-term while others set in very quickly. Here are some examples of the most common side effects of Vicodin addiction:
- Mood problems: sudden changes in mood, sever anxiety, euphoria
- Behavioral problems: poor memory, continuously changing doctors, theft
- Psychological changes: compulsiveness, obsession, hallucinations
- Physical sickness: lack of focus, weakness, slow heartbeat, severe constipation, pinpoint pupils, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, vomiting
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
