Vicodin is yet another prescription drug that has become subject to recreational use as well as abuse. Along with Oxycontin, Xanax, and other drugs such as Ativan, Vicodin has not been spared from those who use prescription drugs to get high. Prescribed for pain, it's supposed to relieve those suffering from any sort of pain. However, just like any other prescription drug it can be abused and a Vicodin addiction can emerge. Vicodin addiction is a series problem and needs to be remedied quickly to about danger and death. This is why those with a Vicodin abuse problem need to seek out Vicodin detox resources to help them detox off of the drug and get their lives back on track.

Vicodin

Vicodin is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Hydrocodone is part of the opiod family is mainly used as a pain reliever. Opiods are also known as narcotics. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that helps make the hydrocodone more effective. Vicodin is normally prescribed to those seeking relief for moderate to severe pain.

Side Effects

There are many side effects that result from taking Vicodin. The most common effects include, upset stomach, nausea, altered mental status which includes light headedness as well as dizziness. Other more severe side effects include allergic reactions, clammy skin, seizures, paranoia, hallucinations, as well as severe weakness, unconsciousness, jaundice, fatigue, bleeding, bruising, stomach back, and the list continues. Because Vicodin has a depressant effect on the central nervous system it may cause irritability as well.  Long term use of Vicodin as well as abuse can severely damage the liver. The damage to the liver can even lead to an eventual need for a liver transplant to avoid death.

Vicodin's Addictive Nature

Vicodin used over a long period can eventually lead to an addiction. Because it is strong acting pain reliever and can create a sense of euphoria, it does become a desired high. However, once a chemical dependency is formed, it becomes harder and harder to eventually wean off of Vicodin. This is when an addiction has formed.  

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms from Vicodin can vary depending on the severity of the addiction as well as the length of the addiction. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. Withdrawal symptoms normally start to occur around six to thirty hours after the last dose of Vicodin. The early symptoms include agitation, anxiety, muscle aches, insomnia, runny nose, and sweating. Later symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, dilated pupils, nausea and vomiting.  Detoxing from Vicodin should be done under medical supervision. This is due to some dangerous complications. One complication may be aspiration due to the inhaling of stomach contents after vomiting, intense vomiting and diarrhea can also cause dehydration.  The biggest risk associated with detox is when someone decides to take the pain reliever again. Once the body has detoxed from the drug, the drug cannot be ingested at original doses, because the body can no longer handle it. This leads to overdose and may even lead to death. This is why it's so important to seek medically supervised detox treatment.

Vicodin addiction like any other prescription drug addiction is a dangerous path. There is controversy surrounding prescription drugs and their accessibility However, no matter the debate, addiction is serious, and anyone suffering from Vicodin abuse should seek help and look for Vicodin detox services in order to safely get the drug out of their system and get their life pain from the chains of addiction.