Author: Gary Jackson

Hydrocodone Addiction: Symptoms and Signs of Abuse

Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Vicodin tablets are used for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. And do not stop or change a dosing regimen without first discussing it with your doctor. Symptoms of Vicodin overdose include chest pain, bloody urine, trouble breathing, extreme drowsiness and changes in consciousness. If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

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The timeline of Vicodin or any opioid withdrawal will depend on the level of addiction, genetics, and tolerance. It’s recommended that you undergo substance abuse treatment at a qualified treatment facility. If your doctor has prescribed this drug and you’re worried about addiction, talk about your concerns.

  • However, concerned individuals who can recognize the signs of hydrocodone addiction can intervene and offer help.
  • Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose.
  • Experiencing trauma, like abuse or a chaotic home environment, or exposure to stress as a child or adult may lead some people to turn to drugs as a coping mechanism.

Hydrocodone is one of the most misused drugs in the United States. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 6.9 million people had misused hydrocodone products like Vicodin during the previous year. Hydrocodone addiction may be difficult to overcome, but with the right support, it is possible. There are many treatment options available to help you achieve recovery and remission. Hydrocodone works by attaching to specific opioid receptors in the brain and blocking pain signals.

Treatment Options for Vicodin Abuse

The overdose-reversal drug Narcan, or naloxone, may be administered. Narcan only works to reverse the dangerous side effects of an opioid overdose. It doesn’t “cure” the overdose; further medical care must follow.

  • Detox programs use medications for a period of five to seven days while your body withdraws from hydrocodone dependence.
  • It’s also important to record your pain in a diary while you take it.
  • If a person uses hydrocodone and experiences a feeling, such as nausea, that’s a symptom (or side effect).
  • Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle.
  • Hydrocodone is one of the most misused drugs in the United States.
  • If you or a loved one is struggling with drug addiction, speak with a medical professional about your treatment options.