Vicodin, a prescription drug that is commonly used to relieve pain, is a widely abused narcotic. Recreational use is common among teens, but not limited to any particular age group. Plus, individuals who experience chronic pain may find themselves dependent upon Vicodin, after an extended period of time. As an opiate, the drug is highly addictive when it is misused. Therefore, Vicodin abuse appears to be a growing problem in today's society. However, there are some serious health risks involved with Vicodin abuse that suggest the need to raise awareness about the dangers of this drug.
If you suspect that your teenager may be using, or abusing, Vicodin or other drugs there are a number of drug testing kits available that can help you verify his/her use.
When used as prescribed, it is unlikely that a person without a history of substance abuse will become addicted to Vicodin. However, many people abuse the drug by taking more than the prescribed dose or by using it to get high. It is not a time released tablet like some of the other commonly abused narcotics. So, generally the abuser swallows that pill whole, as opposed to crushing or snorting it, as addicts will do with some medications. Unfortunately, the body builds a tolerance to Vicodin after a short period of time. Then, more of the drug must be used to obtain the same effect. For this reason, people who abuse Vicodin often take a large quantity of pills each day, which will eventually result in significant damage to the body or death.
In addition to the addictive agent of hydrocodone, Vicodin contains acetaminophen. Long term use or abuse of this over the counter medication will likely cause liver damage or failure. In addition, Vicodin has recently been linked to deafness in some chronic users. Other side effects associated with Vicodin abuse include severe mood swings, depression, and a variety of withdrawal symptoms that occur when an individual stops taking the drug.
Vicodin can become lethal when taken in large quantities with alcohol. In addition, people who abuse this drug can die of liver failure, or by intentional or accidental overdose. Overdose symptoms include a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, fainting, weakness, dark urine, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, or no breathing at all.
If you or someone you know is abusing Vicodin, seek professional treatment immediately. Vicodin addiction is a serious illness that requires medical attention.
