What are the Signs of Vicodin Use?

Vicodin is a prescription pain medication containing the opioid hydrocodone and acetaminophen ¹. Someone who is at risk of addiction may show the following signs of Vicodin use before becoming addicted to the drug:

• Drastic changes in physical appearance
• Body fatigue and weakness
• Lung complications
• Heart issues
• Skin clamming

Worried about these signs and symptoms of Vicodin? Seek professional help at the EHG of NC to get a confidential appointment.

Call Now | 910-335-9102

Is Vicodin Addictive?

Vicodin is a highly addictive narcotic pain-relieving drug and is classified as a Schedule II drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) ². Hydrocodone or Vicodin dependence can develop with repeated use of the drug, and the exact duration varies from person to person. 

The primary active ingredients are ³:

What Are the 5 Visible Signs of Vicodin Use?

Vicodin is highly addictive, and a person using hydrocodone and Acetaminophen combined may show visible physical signs. However, after long-term use, Vicodin overdose results in serious complications.

Some of the common physical signs of Vicodin use (opioid addiction) are ⁴:

1. Changes in physical appearance (weight loss)
2. Neglecting personal hygiene
3. Bloodshot eyes
4. Sudden changes in eating habits
5. Insomnia or Irregular sleeping patterns

What Are the Symptoms of Vicodin Use?

As per the FDA, overdose signs and Vicodin addiction symptoms may include ³:

• Respiratory depression
• Skeletal muscle flaccidity
• Cold and clammy skin
• Bradycardia
• Hypotension
• Fatal hepatic necrosis
• Renal tubular necrosis
• hypoglycemic coma
• Thrombocytopenia

Common Behavioral and Psychological Changes of Using Vicodin

After using Vicodin, individuals may have these common behavioral and psychological changes:

7 Common Side Effects of Vicodin Abuse

Medical Professionals in NC may prescribe Vicodin to treat patients’ pain. However, the Vicodin side effects are ^{5 6}:

How To Recognize The Level of Vicodin Addiction?

As per ASAM DSM V criteria, there are 11 points to define opioid use disorders. The addiction severity depends on how many points a person meets. The current criterion is ⁷:

Vicodin Overdose Statistics in North Carolina

• In 2017, Wilmington was at the very top of the list, with more than 11.6% of the population abusing opiates 8.
• From 2000 to 2020, the overall opioid death rate, including Vicodin or hydrocodone overdose, was more than 28,000 in North Carolina (NC) residents ⁹.
• The opioid dispensing rate was 44.5% in NC in 2024 ¹⁰.
• Over 12 people lose their lives in North Carolina every day from drug overdoses, including opioids and fentanyl ¹¹.
• Opioid overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits were nearly 2.88 million nationally ¹².

Call Now | 910-335-9102

How To Get Professional Vicodin Addiction Treatment?

Recent substance use statistics 3.20% population in North Carolina is using opioids. Seek professional help to break the addiction cycle and start your Vicodin addiction treatment with medical professionals. 

Treatment teams may coordinate medication-assisted treatment when clinically appropriate:

• Inpatient program
• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program

Follow these 5 steps to get the right help:

1. Contact at 910-335-9102 or fill out the online form.
2. Get a complete substance abuse evaluation for Vicodin.
3. Receive a confidential assessment and start your treatment in same-day rehab admission services, such as:
   • Vicodin Detox
   • 14-day inpatient rehab program
   • 30-day inpatient drug rehab program
   • 90-day drug rehab program
   • Aetna-covered dual diagnosis program
4. Get psychotherapies like CBT, DBT, and EMDR to treat the underlying triggers of Vicodin use.
5. After substance abuse treatment, individuals may enroll in a transitional living program to prevent relapse.

Empower Health Group of North Carolina welcomes people to travel to us from Mecklenburg, Guilford, Forsyth and nearby counties. We accept most commercial insurance providers and also offer self-pay monthly care options starting from $8,000.

Happy Words From a Client Who Received Our IOP Program Says,

“I was really worried about my overuse of prescription medication Vicodin. After searching for “IOP reddit” queries, someone suggested me to enroll in an intensive outpatient program for adults at EHG of NC for treatment. 

I called the team and got into the IOP program in Wilmington, NC. After 2 months, I am feeling much better; the team helped me manage my moderate symptoms.”

Frequently Asked Questions Related To the Signs of Vicodin Abuse

People looking for Vicodin abuse symptoms and signs also ask questions, such as:

Can You Get Addicted To Vicodin After Only A Short Time?

Yes, Vicodin addiction can build up very quickly. As per Johns Hopkins Medicine, it may develop within a couple of weeks of use and varies from person to person ¹³.

Can You Overdose on Vicodin?

Vicodin is a dangerous narcotic, and taking too much may cause an overdose ¹⁴. The excessive toxin results in: 

• Respiratory distress (slowed breathing rate)
• Causes organ failure or death

What Are The Consequences Of Getting High On Vicodin?

Getting high on Vicodin may cause short-term and long-term complications, including ⁴:

• Hypoxia
• Constipation
• Brain damage
• Respiratory issues

What Do People Most Commonly Associate With Vicodin?

Vicodin is most commonly associated with pain relief and relaxed effects (especially for moderate to severe pain) ¹⁵.

How Does Vicodin Make You Feel?

Opioids like Vicodin make a person feel relaxed and calm. The chemicals hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen can affect brain regions involved in the perception of pleasure ¹⁶. When taken in high doses, it results in a “high feeling”.

How Is Vicodin Used And Abused?

Vicodin is commonly taken orally. Some individuals inject it directly into the bloodstream for an immediate high. The effects usually last for 4 to 6 hours, and present as ¹⁷:

• Pain relief
• Relaxation effects
• Sense of well-being

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References

1. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/vicodin
2. https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/088058s027lbl.pdf
4. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/prescription-opioids
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537288/
6. https://www.mcieast.marines.mil/Portals/33/Documents/Safety/Abuse/Hydrocodone.pdf
7. https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/dsm-5-dx-oud-8-28-2017.pdf
8. https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2017/07/27/four-north-carolina-cities-make-top-25-list-opioid-abuse/
9. https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/overdose-epidemic
10. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/data-research/facts-stats/opioid-dispensing-rate-maps.html
11. https://www.wral.com/story/nearly-12-people-die-each-day-in-nc-from-overdoses-state-data-shows/21027750/
12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376871621000636
13. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/opioid-use-disorder
14. https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/hydrocodone-oxycodone-overdose
15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/hydrocodone-bitartrate-plus-paracetamol
16. https://www.reeve.uci.edu/news/chronic-pain-changes-your-brain-in-areas-important-for-reward-and-emotion
17. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/hydrocodone-and-acetaminophen-oral-route/description/drg-20074089