Psyche logo

What is Vicodin?

Vicodin Abuse

By Yvette AmburgeyPublished 5 years ago 4 min read

Vicodin belongs to a group of narcotics known as narcotics. It is mainly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain. It is also in a category of prescription medicines known as non-narcotic analgesics. Acetaminophen belongs to a different group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It functions by blocking a series of nerves that control your breathing and heart.

Vicodin and its generic version, codeine, are very popular painkillers. If you take vicodin on a regular basis, it can cause addiction and dependency. You need to consume it a lot to feel its effect. Because of this, you should always be aware that a patient using vicodin for chronic pain must be monitored constantly and his dose adjusted as needed to avoid accidents and misuse. Sometimes, a prescription is written even when a patient is not taking the drug.

Vicodin and hydrocodone are two of the most commonly abused prescription painkillers in the United States. This does not mean that other narcotic pain medications are less addictive or dangerous than these two. Opiods such as heroin and morphine are also powerful narcotics. But what makes these two especially addictive is the way they are distributed, sold and injected. Here are some things you should know about what is Vicodin and hydrocodone addiction:

It is commonly known that a person who uses Vicodin orhydrocodone cannot become tolerant to them. When the dose is increased, there is more pain and discomfort felt. Eventually, even a small amount of the narcotic pain medication becomes an almost necessity for the patient. If the dosage of Vicodin orhydrocodone is increased, the person can feel irritability, shakes, tremors, depression, anxiety, restlessness and even intense cravings.

The abuse of Vicodin and hydrocodone is on the rise because these two drugs are easily available on the black market. In fact, if you are caught in possession of one ounce or less of Vicodin orhydrocodone, you will be arrested and you will be fined heavily. At the same time, prescription drug abuse is on the rise because more people are suffering from the embarrassment of prescription drug abuse and at the same time are unaware that they can get help. You do have options when it comes to getting help for your addiction.

Many people are using the internet to purchase Vicodin and hydrocodone online without proper prescriptions from a medical doctor. The dangers associated with drug abuse and addiction are real and must be recognized. There are many reputable treatment centers where you can receive the help you need for your drug addiction. Your local law enforcement will be able to advise you on the best way forward when it comes to what is vicodin and hydrocodone.

Vicodin is a popular brand name for a prescription pain medicine approved for use to treat mild to moderate pain. This drug generates a euphoric feeling in extremely high doses, which makes it potentially addictive or habit-forming. Vicodin isn't an absolute relaxant, meaning that it doesn't completely numb the receptors from which it releases its ingredients. Instead, Vicodin acts like an opioid, passing directly through the brain to neighboring areas where it triggers a sensation of intense pain. When a person develops an addiction to this euphoric effect of Vicodin, they will often turn to injection methods of the drug in an attempt to satisfy their immediate physical need for it.

Vicodin is widely used as a medication for a variety of pain conditions, but misuse and addiction have created a problem for doctors who prescribe it to patients. For one thing, even after a doctor prescribes Vicodin to a patient, it still retains a legal status as a Schedule II medication, meaning it can be legally bought and sold only by prescription. In addition, Vicodin must be dispensed only from a doctor's office or medical facility and must carry a valid prescription for the same amount of pain (e.g., a dosage of 200 milligrams). So, even if a doctor gives a patient Vicodin, he or she can't make them buy a pack at their local convenience store.

What is Vicodin? According to medical professionals who have studied this particular drug and its effects on the human body, what is Vicodin isn't necessarily the culprit when it comes to addiction. Instead, what causes a dependency on Vicodin, and what makes addiction possible in the first place, is the psychological component of the dependency. Simply put, Vicodin creates a "high," a sensation of euphoria that makes a person willing to take the medication and risk the potentially severe and lasting side effects of withdrawal.

One of the more common side effects associated with Vicodin addiction is drowsiness. Drowsiness, which affects approximately half of all Vicodin users, is typically a transient effect experienced during the initial Vicodin consumption. Over time, drowsiness can persist for longer periods of time, often resulting in lost sleep, coordination problems, impaired concentration, and irritability. In addition, prolonged drowsiness can lead to sleep deprivation (which, interestingly, can also impair driving after prolonged use). Finally, prolonged drowsiness can be potentially dangerous as Vicodin users may find themselves falling asleep in places they are not supposed to. Such dangers - together with the fact that Vicodin itself is addictive - make it imperative that anyone using Vicodin be carefully monitored.

support

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.