Unless you’ve lived outside the United States and haven’t kept up with the current state of affairs, our country is going through an opioid crisis that claims nearly 130 lives a day. Drugs like Vicodin share equal blame as heroin or illicit opioids when it comes to the crisis. 

Vicodin is prescribed at a much higher rate than other opioids throughout the country, and it is available in tablet form, capsules, syrup, and as a liquid. 

Although Vicodin is an effective means of treating pain for individuals that have had their wisdom teeth removed, broken a bone, or had recent surgery, it can be habit-forming and cause mental and physical dependence. 

Those who need the medication for chronic pain must be monitored by their doctor and report any changes they endure. Abusing Vicodin is considered abuse of two drugs – acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Both of these drugs may cause severe bodily injury.

By educating yourself on the signs and symptoms of Vicodin addiction, you can prevent a fatality or a life plagued by misery. Read on to learn more.

What Are the Signs of Vicodin Addiction?

Individuals in the early stages of opioid addiction will not exhibit any outward signs. The problem is that they’ll gradually spiral down without anyone knowing, which makes it harder to get help. The misconception about prescription mediation is that it’s safer than street drugs because it’s from a doctor – that is false and what makes Vicodin addiction so dangerous. It allows a person to be in denial while their symptoms worsen.

There are warning signs to pay attention to if you suspect you or a loved one is falling victim to Vicodin addiction. Since there is a combination of drugs, there are specific conditions associated with using Vicodin. These symptoms you should become familiar with include:

If you develop an intense psychological and physical dependence on Vicodin, you will start to lose control of your usage. Using Vicodin will become your primary focus, and certain hobbies you once found enjoyable will no longer be of interest. As a result, your relationships will start to deteriorate, and you will begin seeing outward signs of addiction. Some of the symptoms you should look for include:

What Is Involved in Vicodin Addiction Treatment?

The first step in addiction treatment is medical detox, which allows for the safe removal of all poison in your system.

Speak to a medical professional today to find out what your best option is for help.