The opioid addiction crisis in the U.S. continues to impact lives and devastate families. Individuals who get hooked on prescription drugs like Vicodin often don’t realize how quickly things can spiral out of control. Oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone addiction are all dangerous forms of opioid use disorder that can lead to long-term consequences.
Evoke Wellness in Ohio offers support and hope for individuals living with addiction and their families. Our opioid addiction treatment programs utilize evidence-based therapies for long-term progress. Call 866.430.9267 to learn more.
Opioid Addiction Consequences
Doctors often prescribe hydrocodone for severe chronic pain that doesn’t respond well to non-opioid treatment. However, like other opioids, the prescription is highly addictive. Hydrocodone addiction is just one form of opioid use disorder, a disease that causes individuals to crave opioids and experience withdrawals if they don’t take them.
Opioid addiction can lead to a range of long-term consequences, including:
- Physical health issues such as respiratory depression, liver damage, and increased risk of infectious diseases if sharing needles.
- Cognitive impairment and difficulty with focus, decision-making, and memory.
- Psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Financial strain due to the cost of obtaining prescription drugs or illicit opioids.
- Strained relationships with family, friends, and loved ones due to changes in behavior and priorities.
- Legal issues such as arrests for drug possession or theft to support a habit.
Long-term or heavy opioid use can also cause individuals to seek out ways to extend or heighten the effects of drugs when they develop a tolerance. Finding professional substance abuse treatment can help break the cycle of addiction.
Is Your Loved One Living with Vicodin Addiction?
When someone you care about struggles with Vicodin addiction, it can be a challenging and emotional time for everyone involved. It’s important to recognize the signs of opioid addiction and seek help as soon as possible.
Some common signs of Vicodin addiction include:
- Frequent use of Vicodin, even when not experiencing pain.
- Increased tolerance and needing higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms when not taking Vicodin.
- Changes in behavior, such as secrecy, mood swings, and social withdrawal.
- Neglecting responsibilities or hobbies in favor of obtaining and using Vicodin.
Your loved one might even be going to the doctor more. While it’s important to respect their health and anything they may be going through, there’s also the potential they’re visiting other doctors to try and receive more Vicodin. This is known as “doctor shopping” and is a clear sign of a problem. Family therapy programs can help you rebuild bridges with loved ones that were impacted by addiction.
Hidden Dangers of Vicodin Addiction
There has never been a more dangerous time to experience addiction. The opioid epidemic continues to spike in the U.S., now due to illicit fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opioid drug used to treat severe pain. Illicit versions, however, are unregulated and dangerous. Some traces of fentanyl have been 50 times the potency of heroin and 100 times the potency of morphine. Even one minor exposure to illicit fentanyl can cause an overdose.
Ohio’s Opioid Epidemic
Ohio is not immune to the opioid epidemic. Even though overdose deaths dropped from 2021 to 2022, several thousand people died due to opioid overdose. In 2022:
- 4,138 Ohioans died of an overdose involving an opioid
- 81% of all overdose deaths involved fentanyl
- The most deadly drug combination was cocaine and opioids
Lifesaving Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal medication, can often be obtained without a prescription. Carrying Narcan if someone you love lives with addiction can save their life if they experience an accidental overdose. You can also help them look for professional addiction treatment that can help break the cycle of substance abuse.
Find Treatment at Evoke Wellness in Ohio
Our Ohio-based facility offers person-centered therapy programs for those struggling with opioid addiction. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments, including medication-assisted therapy and behavioral therapy, to help individuals overcome their addiction and find lasting recovery. Our compassionate and experienced staff are dedicated to providing individualized care that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction.
Call 866.430.9267 or contact us online to get started.
