Vicodin is generally prescribed by physicians as a pain reliever. When taken as prescribed, Vicodin can promote relaxation and calm to the patient, thus enabling him to fully recover from his condition or injury. Like most drugs, Vicodin can lead to some side effects which include drowsiness, weak breathing, weakness, unusual fatigue, vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation. It also can cause extreme relaxation and a feeling of euphoria, making it one of the commonly abused prescription drugs.

Vicodin as an Addictive Drug

Vicodin is both physically and psychologically addictive. Continued use for several weeks can already cause mild addiction, much more so if this addiction is pursued to greater amounts. Vicodin addiction is much like other powerful addictions: there is a powerful craving to take the drug and might even supersede the need for food and water. Individuals who get addicted to Vicodin will find themselves slowly craving more amounts to achieve the desired effect. You end up taking the drug at increasing doses regularly despite family, legal or health problems. The addiction can be overwhelming and undeniable, it take over your life, and you will experience moments when you still want to take it even if you know it is no longer inappropriate.

Vicodin addiction can likely lead to overdose, and overdose effects of this drug can be fatal. Taking a large single dose usually leads to an overdose, the amount of which depends on the patient's tolerance to the drug. Overdose symptoms range from slow breathing, dizziness, vomiting, weakness, and confusion to loss of consciousness, extreme tiredness and severe respiratory depression and coma. It can even lead to death. Another danger of Vicodin abuse is that it also contains Acetaminophen, the long term abuse of which can cause permanent liver damage or even failure.

Withdrawal Symptoms

The hydrocodone component of Vicodin makes it highly addictive. Hydrocodone is an opioid so Vicodin addiction symptoms can be quite similar to heroin abuse. In the same way, deciding to stop the addiction can lead to difficult withdrawal symptoms such as physical bone and muscle pain, restlessness, insomnia, vomiting, involuntary leg movements, diarrhea, loss of appetite, irritability, nausea, sweating, chills and cold flashes. These withdrawal symptoms depend on the degree of addiction and may grow stronger for the first 24 to 48 hours. But it usually declines gradually in the next weeks, and these symptoms are bearable and not fatal.

Vicodin addiction can change your life in the worst way, but it doesn't mean that there is no hope left. But like all addictions, Vicodin drug addiction is difficult to get over alone. You would need treatment, counseling and a support group to help you. You can visit http://www.mypainkilleraddictions.com to know about available treatment options that is just right for you.