Vicodin is prescribed by doctors to patients who experience severe pain in their body. This could be from a surgery, childbirth, broken bones, or any other pain. If you don’t know what Vicodin is, it’s a drug containing acetaminophen and hydrocodone (an opioid resembling codeine). It’s highly addictive and should only be taken to reduce pain.
Patients will use Vicodin to treat their pain, but the substances inside might trigger them to take more. They grow a bigger tolerance which makes them take more meds to help the pain. Or maybe they accidentally take their meds for a 2nd time that day. While it makes sense that you take more medicine to cure the pain you’re feeling, that’s not how it works and it’s extremely dangerous.
It’s good to know the signs of substance abuse use. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to take note and see a doctor. Signs that you could be dependent on Vicodin include slow heartbeat, lightheadedness, confusion, seizures, vomiting, nausea, headache, blurred version, and more.
It’s estimated that two million individuals suffer from Vicodin addiction in the U.S
Since this drug/medication is overly populated, there are a lot of different names that go along with it. If someone uses Vicodin recreationally or sells it, then you might hear the names: Vics, Vikes, Vicos, Hydros, Lorris, Fluff, Watsons, 357s, Narco or Tabs. These names all correspond with Vicodin.
What’s the Healthy Amount of Vicodin to Take?
The normal dosage is 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours and no more than 8 tablets throughout the entire day. Vicodin ES and HP dosages are a little different, at 1 tablet every 4-6 hours and no more than 6 tablets throughout the day. If you are still experiencing pain with your dosages of medication, talk to your doctor. If you feel like you’re becoming dependent on medication, then talk to your doctor or read about natural remedies to help with the pain.
Facts About Vicodin/Prescription Drugs
- Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death
- 23% of heroin users develop an opiate addiction
- Most people share or give away their unused pain medication, and usually for free
- 91 Americans die every day from opiate overdose (heroin and prescription opioids)
- More than 1,000 people are treated in ERs for not taking prescription drugs as instructed each day
If you know someone who is struggling with opiate addiction, New Start can help. Call us at 855-737-7363 or live chat with us to learn more about our programs. We are here to help.