Vicodin addiction can develop quite rapidly or little by little over a long period of time. The addiction experience is different for everyone, but addiction to painkillers such as Oxycontin or Vicodin is much more prevalent than one might expect. Oxycontin and Vicodin addiction crosses all socioeconomic lines and can be fairly difficult to spot. As tolerance to the painkillers increase, a person may increase their dosage or frequency of use, independent of any doctor’s advice. At first, they may not even realize how fast they’re consuming the drug.
Symptoms of Vicodin addiction
A person with a Vicodin addiction may be difficult to spot, if they can manage to cover up the symptoms. These symptoms may include upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness, decreased appetite for food and sex, dry mouth, decreased urination, muscle twitches, sweating, drowsiness and feelings of euphoria. The most common symptoms of Vicodin addiction may be more difficult to spot. They include a higher tolerance to the pill, meaning the analgesic wears off faster. The patient may begin visiting several different doctors and even dentists, often in secret, to get more Vicodin.
Prevalence of Vicodin addiction
The epidemic of Vicodin addiction crosses all socioeconomic lines. It can be found in medical offices as well as on street corners. It is featured prominently in the plot line of Fox network’s House drama, where the title character is a doctor with a Vicodin addiction. About 10 percent of high school seniors admit to abusing Vicodin, while about half that number admit to abusing a similar painkiller known as Oxycontin. It is easily obtained from the medicine cabinets of loved ones or the prescription pads of physicians. Because painkillers are so prevalent, their abuse is difficult to diagnose and treat. However, those who are affected by Vicodin addiction should research treatment options because long-term recovery success is possible with help from trained professionals.
