This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome, which can be treated with medicines. Use during pregnancy can also lead to miscarriage and low birth weight. Vicodin, which is a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is used to treat moderate levels of pain. People may experience Vicodin withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut back on or quit the drug, especially if they are misusing it. The symptoms of Vicodin withdrawal are similar to those of opioid withdrawal syndrome and may include nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and muscle aches.

Hydrocodone Withdrawal

• Overdose due to Vicodin ingestion leads to a combination of adverse consequences of hydrocodone and acetaminophen use.
• Together you can create a plan to stop opioids slowly, called a taper.
• This results in the need for higher doses to achieve the same satisfying effects.
• If your doctor prescribes hydrocodone for you, you can take steps to avoid serious complications from hydrocodone addiction.
• Ask your healthcare team if you’re not sure when you can stop your opioid medicine.
• Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and long-lasting changes in the brain.

As a Schedule II drug, hydrocodone has a high potential for abuse, physical dependence and psychological addiction. Hydrocodone is more potent than tramadol but not as strong as oxycodone. Those who haven’t been addicted for as long or as drastically can go on a rapid detox program, which is completed in hours under the influence of anesthesia. However, these patients are still encouraged to contact medical professionals, keeping them updated on their progress after the treatment. This process allows patients to avoid most of the negative symptoms of withdrawal due to anesthesia.

How do prescription opioids affect the brain?

This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Addiction is diagnosed on a spectrum from mild to moderate to severe. Some signs of hydrocodone addiction include taking more than intending to and prioritizing drug use over personal or professional responsibilities. As an individual’s tolerance to the effects of hydrocodone builds, people will need higher doses to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. But there are risks linked to opioid use — including severe constipation, nausea, dependence, misuse, opioid use disorder and accidental overdose.

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A person addicted to opioids — or any substance — is much more likely to recover if the family doesn’t ignore the issue. If you think your loved one may be addicted to opioids, talk with their healthcare professional right away. In the United States, prescription medication controlled substances are strictly regulated under state and federal laws for their manufacturing and distribution.

Small pupils and slurred speech can also be side effects of Vicodin use. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Vicodin. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Vicodin only for the indication prescribed. Anyone can buy naloxone from a pharmacy or local health department. Make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep naloxone and how to use it.

Side Effects of Long-Term Vicodin Abuse

Furthermore, costs and medical conditions prevent many patients from undergoing rapid detox, especially talking about  long term addicts. Results for rapid detox are very mixed, with good short-term effects but far fewer patients succeeding in their quest to stay sober long-term. Mixing Vicodin with alcohol is strongly https://ecosoberhouse.com/ not recommended and poses a serious risk to the user’s health. Vicodin and alcohol both act as depressants of the CNS, which is in charge of many important bodily functions, including breathing. About 2 percent of high school seniors reported past-year nonmedical use of the opioid pain reliever Vicodin.

The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Some examples include, cognitive behavioral therapy which helps modify the patient’s drug use expectations and behaviors, and vicodin addiction also effectively manage triggers and stress. These behavioral treatment approaches have proven effective, especially when used along with medicines. Read more about drug addiction treatment on the Treatment webpage. Opioids are safest when used for three or fewer days to manage serious pain, such as pain that follows surgery or a bone fracture.

Vicodin and Alcohol Interaction

• These symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and are the reason many people find it so difficult to stop using opioids.
• Medicines that interact with Vicodin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Vicodin.
• Rehab treatment can help people overcome withdrawal symptoms and learn techniques to avoid relapse during recovery.
• Because dopamine causes you to feel good, your brain and body want more of it.
• A step-by-step plan to lower how much opioid medicine you take will help this process go smoothly.
• AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.
• Opioid misuse can cause slowed breathing, which can cause hypoxia, a condition that results when too little oxygen reaches the brain.

Misuse of prescription drugs is highest among young adults ages 18 to 25. Patients that take this medication and strictly observe the doctor’s consumption guidelines should not experience side effects. Vicodin is a medicine that should be taken only for a short amount of time. This is because hydrocodone is potentially addictive, which can make it difficult to stop taking the analgesic. Prolonged use of that medicine can have many more harmful effects.

Quitting cold turkey is also not guaranteed to be successful and increases the chance of setbacks. Kelly Osbourne is one of the most well-known celebrities to share her story about her battle with Vicodin. Osbourne wrote in her book Fierce that her Vicodin addiction started with a prescription. As her tolerance level rose, she was consuming up to 50 pills of Vicodin a day.