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Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse
Vicodin is a prescription pain reliever that doctors use to treat moderate to severe pain. Although it is effective at providing pain relief, Vicodin can also be highly addictive. As such, it is not unusual for a user to develop a long-term addiction to the drug. Addiction is not always easy to identify, as a person can mask symptoms of Vicodin abuse.
Furthermore, since Vicodin is a prescription medication, convincing someone that they have an addiction is difficult. A person may continue to use the drug and increase the dosage over a period of several months. They will continue to use the drug regardless of the psychological or physical symptoms of Vicodin abuse.
Let’s take a closer look at how to tell if someone has an addiction to Vicodin. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Northern Illinois Recovery Center.
How To Recognize Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse
In most cases, Vicodin is designed as an opioid short-term medication for pain. However, a user may continue to request taking the drug if they have chronic pain. Consequently, a doctor may continue prescribing the medication. This is how addiction starts.
However, Vicodin addiction takes a long time to develop. It can. Happen so slowly that both the user and their family or friends become accustomed to the abuse. In fact, the addiction may be normalized as people rationalize the user’s behavior or mental state.
However, if you feel that someone you know has a problem, then you want to identify these symptoms of Vicodin addiction:
- Exceeding the prescribed dosage, or increasing the dosage
- Failed attempts at quitting the drug
- Becoming obsessed with using Vicodin
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Sudden changes in behavior, sleep, or appetite
- Continuing to use Vicodin regardless of the consequences
In addition, a person continues to increase their dosage long past the recommended prescription period.
How to Help a Person Who Has a Vicodin Addiction
Like any addiction, it can be difficult to convince a user that they have a problem with substance abuse. As such, an intervention can be difficult. However, if you notice that someone has a problem with Vicodin use, you may want to confront them, talk to their doctor, or get help at a Vicodin addiction treatment center in Northern Illinois.
A treatment specialist can discuss your options and help you come up with an intervention plan that will work. The key to a successful intervention is to approach the person firmly but without judgment or anger. You may also want to choose a safe place where there are no distractions. Bring a friend or family member who can provide you with support.
Learn More About the Symptoms of Vicodin Abuse
If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of Vicodin abuse, then it’s time to get help. Northern Illinois Recovery Center offers treatment for Vicodin addiction through detox, rehab, and aftercare. To find out more about your treatment options, call 855.786.1978. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
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