Early detection of Vicodin addiction makes it possible for a person to seek immediate treatment, preventing their substance use disorder from worsening. The first step to early detection is to know what to look for when you suspect someone is battling an addiction to Vicodin. To help with that, we’ve listed some of the common signs of Vicodin addiction. To learn about the drug’s effects and how Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston can help, contact us today at 866.516.8356.
The Effects of Vicodin Abuse
Vicodin is a prescription drug that can provide relief for moderate to severe pain. The drug contains acetaminophen, which is also the active ingredient in Tylenol. It also contains hydrocodone, a synthetic opioid that affects the brain’s neuroreceptors in the same way that other opiates, such as heroin, do.
The abuse of Vicodin refers to a person using the drug for ways other than its intended use, and, besides the high potential for addiction, carries numerous potential adverse effects. One of those effects is liver damage. Other mild and severe consequences of Vicodin abuse are such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Depressed heart and breathing rate
- Anxiety
- Depression
Signs of Vicodin Addiction
For many, they might not be aware that they have an addiction to Vicodin until too late. However, if you pay close attention to your friend’s or loved one’s behaviors, you can detect evidence of a prescription drug abuse disorder. Here are some of the common signs you should look out for:
Vicodin Obsession
If your friend or loved one is regularly getting more Vicodin to maintain their supply, or the amount and frequency of their dose are steadily increasing, then it could point to signs of Vicodin addiction. They might even take the drug in various situations, like when they are stressed or anxious.
Intense Physical Signs
Someone struggling with drug addiction will often face specific physical side effects like nausea, vomiting, the inability to focus on tasks and conversations, paranoia, severe mood swings, and incoherent sedation. While these side effects don’t usually persist, they tend to be more severe for someone with a prescription drug abuse disorder and last longer.
‘Nodding Out’ Frequently
‘Nodding out’ is often the first sign of Vicodin addiction. Though your friend or loved one might use fatigue as an excuse the first few times it happens, its frequency will increase over time, occurring even while they are in the middle of important tasks or conversations. If it gets to this point, then it more than likely signifies a Vicodin addiction.
Increased Tolerance
Prolonged prescription drug abuse leads to high tolerance levels. When it gets to this point, the person will need increased doses to achieve their high. This will lead them to dedicate more efforts towards procuring the drug, either through seeing multiple doctors in order to get multiple prescriptions or faking prescriptions altogether.
Deteriorating Personal Life
The more severe their drug addiction becomes, the more widespread the drug’s effects get. They will start to have more financial difficulties, their personal and professional relationships will suffer even more, and they will have difficulty handling responsibilities or maintaining appointments. At this point, the need for treatment becomes even more urgent.
Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
Fortunately, no matter how severe a person’s Vicodin addiction gets, there is always a chance for recovery with treatment. If you have a loved one or friend suffering from a Vicodin addiction, it is best to try and get them to seek treatment as soon as possible, and Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is here to help.
We offer prescription drug detox programs that incorporate a holistic approach to your loved one’s recovery, offering them treatment therapy options such as:
Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356 for more information.
