Vicodin is a commonly abused prescription painkiller that is prescribed widely by medical professionals in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Prolonged use of Vicodin leads to tolerance in the user, where they require more of the medication in order to achieve the same effect as it had initially. As a result of this tolerance to Vicodin, those using the drug for medical conditions or recreationally will use more and more of the drug, which is one of the first indicators that a Vicodin addiction is in place. Some medications that are common to Vicodin include the following prescription painkiller medications: loritab, oxycontin and loricet. All of these drugs are in the opiate class of drug and are derived from opium.
Because Vicodin addiction is both a physical addiction to the drug and psychological need for more of the drug, individuals who are abusing Vicodin offer report that they are depressed, have problems with concentration and thinking, and have impaired brain function. Many individuals abusing Vicodin will continue to take this prescription painkiller in order to avoid the withdrawal symptoms that will follow decreased or ceased usage of the medication. The withdrawal symptoms from Vicodin addiction will normally occur within six hours of the last useage but all withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the level of drug use and the length of time in which the person has been taking this drug.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms for Vicodin addiction include the following: muscle and bone pain, insomnia, nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, cold flashes and chills, sweating, lack of appetite, and muscle spasms. The withdrawal symptoms usually last anywhere between 48 to 72 hours of last dose of Vicodin.
