Do People Suffer From Vicodin Abuse?
Let us imagine someone goes to see their doctor. They tell their doctor about pain. They might feel the pain in their body. Or, they might notice it in their mind. The doctor, wanting to help relieve his patient, prescribes something like Vicodin. The Vicodin works and the patient experiences relief…only to return to the doctor and ask for more. Yes, people can (and do) abuse Vicodin.
In this blog article, Southeast Addiction looks at the following questions:
- What is Vicodin?
- How about prescription drug abuse?
- Opioid use disorder, what is it?
- Can someone get help for abusing Vicodin?
- What if I want more information about Vicodin abuse and opioid use disorder?
What is Vicodin?
You might have become familiar with the chemical names for Vicodin. Acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Hydrocodone helps ease physical pain. The acetaminophen makes the effects of the hydrocodone stronger. According to the DEA, they encounter hydrocodone in this variety more often than any other kind.
What Sort of Drug Is Vicodin?
Vicodin belongs to a class of drugs called opioids. As mentioned above, Vicodin’s main chemical component (hydrocodone) remains one of the most prescribed opioids in the US. Our brain produce opioids when we feel physically or emotionally hurt. Some opioids, like opium, grow naturally. But we manufacture hydrocodone. Therefore, we refer to hydrocodone as a synthetic opioid.
Examples of other synthetic opioids, like Vicodin, include:
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Oxycodone
- Heroin
What Is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Opioids act quickly. After taking a dose, it does not take long to notice effects. Healthcare providers consider opioids highly addictive. When a person feel pain and discomfort, they crave repose. Consequently, one does not find it hard to see why people like consuming opioids.
Opioids, like Vicodin, have a high potential for abuse. For that reason, they also have a high potential for addiction. Not sure what we mean by “abuse?” Find a few instances of prescription drug abuse below.
Prescription drug abuse might look like:
- Taking more than the prescribed dose of your medication
- Filling more than one prescription via different doctors or pharmacies
- Taking medicine not prescribed to you
- Stealing medication
- Combining your prescription with alcohol
What Is Opioid Use Disorder?
If a person abuses Vicodin (or other opioids), it puts them at risk. They become at risk for further abuse and misuse. But abuse can also lead to a person developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Someone suffering from opioid use disorder does not consuming opioids. They continue, even despite negative consequences.
Someone struggling with OUD has essentially taught their brain and body to require the opioid. The brain becomes accustomed to the presence of the opioid. Often, the person’s thinking won’t function properly without the opioid. At this point, they have become dependent. If deprived of the opioid, a person might experience opioid withdrawal syndrome.
So, Are Opioids Dangerous?
Opioids do work, and they work well. Like any medication, they serve their purpose when used correctly. If your doctor prescribes you an opioid, take it as directed. But do your own research. Look into opioid statistics. Develop awareness about your life. Ask yourself why you need opioids. Are you in physical pain? If so, do you need to make some changes to your lifestyle to help alleviate that physical pain?
Can Someone Get Help For Abusing Vicodin?
Yes, Southeast Addiction has help available. People struggling with opioid use disorder feel isolated. They do not think anyone believes in them. Most likely they carry sensations of guilt and shame. Furthermore, their lives may follow patterns they have difficulty breaking. Treatment options for OUD do exist. Find a few examples below.
MOUD/MAT
Medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) has helped people for a long time. You might also hear it called medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MOUD/MAT substitutes a safer alternative for an opioid. Healthcare provider might employ buprenorphine. Over time, the provider lessens the dosage, and the client can overcome their addiction.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
People suffering from OUD don’t suffer in a vacuum. Other areas of their lives need attention. They may believe things about themselves that hold no truth. Likewise, they may also struggle with a mental illness. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps with this. CBT teaches people to conduct an audit of their own thoughts. It helps to understand why one thinks the way one thinks.
What If I Want More Information About Abusing Vicodin And Opioid Use Disorder?
If you have questions about abusing Vicodin, or opioid use disorder, let us know right now. Whether you have questions about your own struggle, or about some one else’s. Southeast Addiction has personally witnessed people recover from opioid use disorder. Our elite team of highly-trained clinicians stands at the ready for all of your needs.
