Vicodin, which combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, is a prescription-strength opioid. Although it is used by medical professionals to treat serious pain, it is often misused. If someone in your life was living with a Vicodin use disorder, would you recognize the signs?
Common signs of Vicodin use disorder include sudden physical, psychological, and behavioral changes. These can include symptoms ranging from constipation to cognitive decline to “drug-seeking” behaviors.
If you’re concerned that someone you love is showing signs of hydrocodone addiction, it’s normal to worry about them. In the first half of 2024, hydrocodone was one of the deadliest prescription opioids in the state of Florida.
At Clean Recovery Centers, we know just how overwhelming it can be to see someone in your life live with a substance use disorder. Many members of our staff are in recovery themselves, and we’re committed to supporting your loved one every step of the way.
Key Takeaways:
- Hydrocodone, the opioid ingredient in Vicodin, attaches to opioid receptors, triggers dopamine, and activates the brain’s reward system, which encourages repeat behavior.
- When someone develops a hydrocodone use disorder, they will experience some combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms.
- Physical symptoms of Vicodin use disorder include health problems like chronic constipation, low libido, and increased likelihood of an overdose.
- Common psychological signs of Vicodin addiction include severe mood swings, apathy, and cognitive decline
- Behavioral signs of hydrocodone use disorder include continuing to take the medication after attempting to stop, taking it despite negative consequences, and shifting their priorities to spend more time taking the substance.
- Since Vicodin is a prescription medication, some people with a substance use disorder will participate in “drug seeking” behavior and try to get the medication directly from a medical professional.
Understanding Hydrocodone Addiction: What You Need to Know and Why
Vicodin, sometimes referred to as hydrocodone, is a semi-synthetic prescription opioid used to treat moderate to severe acute and chronic pain. The medication has two active ingredients: hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen (Tylenol). The brand name Vicodin is no longer available in the U.S.; however, there are a number of medications that use the same combination of ingredients, and it’s often referred to as Vicodin.
4 common medications that use a combination of hydrocodone and Tylenol include:
- Maxidone
- Xodol
- Zydone
- Norco
An opioid like hydrocodone works by attaching itself to the opioid receptors located throughout the central nervous system. This increases dopamine production, which activates the brain’s reward system, encouraging a person to repeat the behavior.
If your loved one takes Vicodin regularly, they run the risk of developing a physical dependence, which is what happens when their body becomes accustomed to functioning under the influence of a chemical substance. They may also develop a psychological dependence on the substance. When this happens, the naturally occurring opioids in their body will no longer feel sufficient.
Some people begin taking hydrocodone with a prescription. Others purchase it illegally. When a loved one develops opioid use disorder, friends and family are often the first to notice that something is amiss. By being able to identify potential signs of painkiller addiction, you’ll be able to recognize when your loved one needs help.
Vicodin Addiction Signs and Symptoms: What to Look for in a Loved One
Similar to other opioids, like fentanyl or heroin, Vicodin use disorder will cause physical, psychological, and behavioral changes in your loved one. It may be easiest to notice these symptoms when your loved one is actively “high” on Vicodin.
However, the side effects of Vicodin addiction will also bleed into other parts of their life. Someone living with a substance use disorder (SUD) will reorganize their goals as the opioid Vicodin becomes the biggest priority in their life.
Sometimes, these symptoms seem to come on very suddenly. In others, the signs of painkiller addiction develop over time. Everyone’s experience with substance use is different, and your loved one won’t necessarily exhibit every possible symptom.
Recognizing Physical Signs of Vicodin Addiction
Similar to other opioids, hydrocodone acts as a central nervous system depressant. This means that the body physically slows down. This has a direct impact on major organs, like the heart and lungs, which leads to lowered heart rate and shallow breathing.
Some of the obvious physical signs that someone has just taken opioids include small pupils, flushed skin, and difficulty staying conscious.
Chronic Vicodin use often results in physical symptoms, including:
- Lowered libido
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
Another major physical danger is a Vicodin overdose, which could happen anytime your loved one takes more of the substance than their body can tolerate.
The “opioid overdose triad” looks like:
- Falling in and out of consciousness (nodding)
- Slowed or stopped breathing
- Small or pinpoint pupils
An overdose is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention. If you’re with someone who is overdosing, call 911.
Potential Psychological Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
When hydrocodone attaches to your loved one’s opioid receptors, their central nervous system slows down, and their brain experiences a dopamine rush. This is what creates the “high” associated with Vicodin. In the short term, this produces feelings of euphoria, but it also makes it difficult to concentrate and complete thoughts.
Repeated Vicodin use results in psychological symptoms, such as:
- Cognitive decline
- Emotional numbness
- Intense mood swings
A major psychological concern associated with ongoing hydrocodone use is anhedonia, or the inability to feel pleasure without the assistance of opioids. This often leads to more significant behavioral changes, as Vicodin becomes a greater priority in a person’s life.
Watching for Behavioral Signs of Hydrocodone Addiction
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is the reference book mental health professionals use when making a formal diagnosis. In order to be diagnosed with SUD involving Vicodin, your loved one must exhibit 2 to 6 behavioral symptoms over the course of a year.
Behavioral symptoms of Vicodin use disorder listed in the DSM-5 include:
- Consuming more Vicodin than intended or taking it for longer than intended
- Attempting to quit Vicodin without success
- Taking Vicodin even though they’re aware of its dangers
- Continuing to use Vicodin even when it’s causing psychological or physical problems
- Spending a large chunk of the day taking Vicodin
- Experiencing strong urges and cravings for Vicodin
- Continuing to take Vicodin despite negative consequences
- No longer engaging with hobbies, activities, friends, etc.
- Difficulty managing day-to-day responsibilities
“Drug Seeking” Behavior Associated with Vicodin Addiction
“Drug seeking” is a phrase used by medical professionals to describe the behavior of a person who is inventing or embellishing their pain in order to receive a prescription for opioids or another type of medication. Most medical professionals are trained to be on alert for these types of behavior.
4 common examples of “drug-seeking” behavior are:
- Disinterest in treatment: Your loved one may be “drug seeking” if opioids are the only tool they’re interested in using to manage their pain, or they refuse to explore other options.
- Exaggerated symptoms: Consider if the way they talk about their pain is reflected in their actions in day-to-day life. They may be trying to convince you, or a medical professional, that they need medication.
- Doctor shopping: If your loved one quickly jumps from doctor to doctor, it could be because they’re looking for someone who will write them a prescription for recreational use or because they’re trying to get more than one prescription. They may also try multiple pharmacies.
- Lots of first-time visits: People with a Vicodin use disorder don’t always hop from one doctor to another right away. Sometimes, they just don’t go back to the same doctor. These visits typically focus on medication options rather than exploring all available options.
Even if you’re concerned that your loved one is actively seeking out medication, it’s still important to take their pain seriously. Substance use and genuine pain are not mutually exclusive. Still, it’s worth talking to your loved one about why they are so set on opioid-based treatment options.
Treatment for Vicodin Addiction at Clean Recovery Centers in Tampa Bay
Noticing the signs of hydrocodone use disorder in a loved one is a frightening experience. You can’t help but worry about the risk it poses to their health and safety. Finding a way to be supportive while setting healthy boundaries during their recovery will be a journey for both of you.
With the right hydrocodone addiction treatment, your loved one will develop the skills they need to successfully recover. A strong recovery program will empower them with a combination of evidence-based therapy, peer support, and symptom education.
If you or someone you love is experiencing Vicodin use disorder, Clean Recovery is here to help. We specialize in providing world-class treatment. Call us at (888) 330-2532 to get started.
Get clean. Live clean. Stay clean.
