I'm looking for information on Vicoden addiction?

Question

How long can it take for an addiction to become present? I've been taking them for two weeks and am not sure what will happen if I just stop. Hpefully I haven't taken enough yet, but I haven't been w/out so I don't know if I'm addicted yet. If so; can I ween myself off by taking less?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Here's all the information I was able to scrape off the web:

"Individuals taking prescribed opioids medications should not only be given these medications under appropriate medical supervision, but also should be medically supervised when stopping use in order to reduce or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements."

http://www.addict-help.com/vicodin-addiction.htm

"Because Vicodin has a high degree of physical and emotional dependence, anyone taking the drug should be aware of the warning signs of Vicodin addiction. Do you:

* feel physically ill (muscle and bone pain, night sweats, insomnia, etc.) when you run out of Vicodin or stop taking Vicodin?
* committ illegal acts such as juggling doctors or buy Vicodin on the street to maintain your supply?
* need more pills to get the same or desired effect?
* feel guilty or ashamed of your Vicodin use?
* take Vicodin more often or in larger quantities than prescribed?
* feel or have you been told your Vicodin use has become an issue with your family or loved ones?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, your Vicodin use has reached a dangerous level. If so, talk to your doctor or a counselor about getting help. The longer you wait the more difficult it can be to kick your habit."

http://aids.about.com/od/miscellaneousmeds/a/vicodin.htm

"Vicodin addiction can occur after just one to four weeks when not used properly. If used for a long period of time, higher doses will be needed to create the initial desired effect and physical dependence becomes an issue."

http://addiction.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Vicodin_Addiction

"The body will become physically addicted to vicodin within the first weeks of use. This means that in order for the body to feel normal it will want at least a small amount of vicodin in its system. The person will then become mentally addicted to the drug. What this means is that the person now thinks that the only way to feel normal is by taking the drug.

As powerful as physical and mental vicodin addiction is they are no match for emotional vicodin addiction. The person will begin to take the drug in order to feel emotionally normal. What causes this to occur is the person takes the drug in order to feel happy. They will begin to take it so often that they no longer quite reach happiness, but they do reach normal. When they begin to take the drug in order to feel normal they are in trouble.

In order for them to ever feel normal they must become sober and free from vicodin addiction. The first step in this process is being admitted into a treatment program. Opiate addiction is just too powerful to handle alone."

http://www.spencerrecovery.com/vicodin-addiction.html

"Any person using Vicodin for more than several weeks should consult their medical professional before stopping the drug. Generally speaking, a gradual weaning off of the drug is optimal and less traumatic to the user's physical and emotional health. With a moderate to severe addiction, an in patient detox in a hospital or medically supervised setting is highly recommended for its multi-disciplinary approach. The "information age" has produced numerous on line support forums, popular with many recovering addicts, useful to some addicts as their sole means of support and for others, as adjunct therapy. Drug addiction is treatable, with help out there for everyone."

http://www.drugabusehelp.com/drugs/vicodin/

So, in conclusion:

1. Consult your doctor immediately to evaluate whether you are addicted, and if so, how strongly, and what the best course of action is.

2. Even if you don't think you are addicted, you should still consult your doctor on how to "wean" yourself off the opoid properly. Withdrawal effects, even mild ones, feel terrible.

3. One more time, for emphasis - consult a doctor ASAP!

4. Yes, you can become addicted within a week of misusing the drug or dosage quantities. If you have been following all the instructions, however, you are probably not addicted - at least, your body may have built up a dependency, but you don't have the emotional addiction that is hardest to kick.

5. It does not sound like you are addicted, but please see a doctor to advise you on how to gradually stop using Vicodin. Believe me, your doctor will be glad you asked.

best of luck!

Answer 2

Well, first of all I wonder why or for what you are taking it for?
If you have been taking it for only 2 weeks no I don't believe you are addicted I mean hopefully you are not taking 10 a day. If you stop taking it now then nothing will happen on the contrary is you are just in time to stop taking it and that your body won't become addicted. My advice to you is that if you got this medication for any type of pain speak to your Dr. or who ever prescribed it to you and tell him or her how you feel about it. Just remember Vicodin is a powerful drug and you don't wan't to get addicted so stop now because you are in time. Now if you are taking it for any type of pain I recommend you take Advil,Motrin,Tylenol anything over the counter. But do talk to your Dr. if you are getting through a Dr. I'm sure he or she can prescribe you something-else for the pain. Also, taking 1/2 of a pill is Ok to.
Just be-careful because nothing is more important than been safe when it comes down to drugs.

GOOD-LUCK

Answer 3

Just do what the prescription says, not more, not less. Don't worry, the doctor is not trying to get you addicted.

Answer 4

u should be ok. what were u taking the meds for? surgery? as long as u've been taking the medication as prescribed by ur physician u should be ok. once, ur pain is gone and u keep taking it then it might be a problem. i don't think u're addicted to it.

Answer 5

well you are not addicted , yet! just start elimating 1 pill every 3 days, if you have chronic pain take a magnesium or motrin tab in its place. you will be ok.

Answer 6

www.megaone.com has the answers you are looking for ,about vicodin addiction all the other links has to do with rehab and detox. i hope the link i provided helps you and gives you the info you need

Answer 7

See your doctor