Prescribed as a pain reliever, Vicodin is one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs because patients do not take it correctly as the medical practitioner intends it to be taken.



When used according to doctor's orders, it can be a very successful analgesic to help alleviate pain, but prolonged use of Vicodin can lead to dependence because the body builds up a tolerance to the drug, demanding more and more in order to yield the same outcome. It takes over the mind's natural pleasure and motivational systems making the need for the drug takes precedence.

Vicodin yields a euphoric sensation, calming both the body and the mind. People with an dependence to Vicodin are often in denial that they have a problem. They excuse their use by saying things like "I'm only needing it for the pain" or "The GP said I could take a few extra tablets if I needed to".

As with other similar drugs, there are lots of Vicodin users who don't get dependent on the treatment, but true addicts will give themselves away by getting frantic when their reserve starts running low. They will hastily look for ways to top up their stock, such as by telling untruths about physical problems in order to get a prescription.

Vicodin abusers feel that they can't function without the drug. Even though the pain has gone away, Vicodin produces an effect in them that they feel they cannot live without.

People wrestling with Vicodin addiction eventually find themselves going to outside suppliers such as drug dealers to obtain the drugs and will often go to great lengths to keep up their supply.

Addiction to the drug Vicodin is often seen as less dangerous than dependence to prohibited street drugs because it is approved by a physician. Also, because Vicodin is not seen as causing the same life-altering problems as other drugs, people who are addicted to Vicodin often don't consider they need to seek help for their dependence problem. However, the long-term end results of the drug on a persons life and physical condition can be serious, and it is completely conceivable for an addict to die from a Vicodin overdose!

Overcoming Vicodin addiction can be difficult. The detoxification procedure can be excruciating, and Vicodin abusers need to go through the same sort of counselling and behaviour adaption therapies as do other drug addicted persons.

Freedom from Vicodin certainly is feasible though. The first step for a Vicodin abuser is admitting that there is a problem and looking for help.