Vicodin Addiction Information (Hydrocodone)

Hydrocodone is a weak opiate usually derived from codeine and typically combined with acetaminophen. It is legally prescribed for pain relief. As an analgesic, it alters the way the human brain reacts to pain without anesthetic effects. Hydrocodone is also a narcotic and thus habit forming. Hydrocodone is ingestible in pill form, snorted in crushed form, or dissolved in water and injected. Hydrocodone can be found in many prescription painkiller medications, including:

Effects of Hydrocodone on the Human Body

Hydrocodone is a medicinal opioid and binds to receptors in the central nervous system that typically bind with the body's own physiological opioids such as endorphins and enkephalins. Hydrocodone (and other opioids) is frequently abused because overuse of medicinal opioids provides effects beyond pain relief and create feelings of euphoria.

Long-Term Effects of Hydrocodone Use

As an individual continues to use hydrocodone, the body develops a tolerance to its effects (including therapeutic benefits) and increasing amounts of hydrocodone must be taken to produce the same effects. Furthermore, the brain slows or even stops endorphin production, resulting in acute pain without hydrocodone use. Because hydrocodone is almost always bound to acetaminophen, long-term hydrocodone use is particularly damaging and may include liver problems, hearing loss, nausea, headaches and chronic constipation.

Hydrocodone Rehab and Detox Considerations

Convincing the hydrocodone addict to enter treatment is the most important aspect of the entire treatment process as hydrocodone addiction is a devastating problem for the addict and his or her loved ones. A drug detox program may be required, as hydrocodone has many unpleasant withdrawal symptoms including: depression, muscle and joint pain, heart palpitations, constant sweating, diarrhea, nausea, hypertension, fever and insomnia.